The hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a golden era with a tremendous amount of growth. The country aims to invite 100 million visitors by 2030 and has over 40,742 rooms under construction. Hospitality is expected to contribute 10% to the GDP of Saudi Arabia by 2030. With the increasing demand for sustainable tourism, it is crucial for hoteliers to adopt environmentally friendly practices and techniques to build the future of hospitality in the country. Here are some ways used by the leading developers in the world in building sustainability into their business.
Net Zero Carbon Building:
One of the most significant ways hoteliers can build a sustainable future in the hospitality industry is by constructing net zero carbon buildings. This technique focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of a building by using energy-efficient technologies and materials that have a low environmental impact. For example, hoteliers can use insulated windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. They can also install photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on traditional sources of power.
Bio-diversity:
Hoteliers can also contribute to the preservation of bio-diversity by incorporating green spaces and wildlife habitats into their properties. This can include the use of native plants and flowers, the creation of gardens and wildlife ponds, and the establishment of bird habitats. By creating a bio-diverse environment, hoteliers can offer their guests a unique and sustainable experience, while also contributing to the protection of local ecosystems.
Automation:
The use of automation in the hospitality industry can significantly reduce energy consumption and waste. Hoteliers can implement smart technologies such as programmable thermostats, lighting systems, and water conservation devices to optimize energy usage. They can also use sensors and occupancy detectors to control heating and cooling, ensuring that rooms are only heated or cooled when they are in use.
Smart Technologies:
Smart technologies play a vital role in building a sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can use smart energy management systems to monitor and control energy consumption in real-time. They can also implement smart water management systems to conserve water and reduce waste. By using these technologies, hoteliers can optimize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.
Regenerative Tourism:
Regenerative tourism focuses on restoring and rejuvenating local ecosystems, rather than just conserving them. Hoteliers can participate in regenerative tourism by supporting local conservation initiatives, such as planting native trees and vegetation, and reducing the use of plastics and other single-use products. They can also promote responsible tourism practices, such as encouraging guests to reduce their water and energy consumption while staying at the hotel.
FSC Wood Standards and FF&E:
The use of wood and furniture in the hospitality industry can have a significant impact on the environment. Hoteliers can reduce their impact by using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood and furniture, which ensures that the wood and materials used have been harvested from responsibly managed forests. They can also use recycled or sustainable materials for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).
Recyclable Plastic and Biodegradable Cartons:
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue, and hoteliers can reduce their impact by using recyclable plastics and biodegradable cartons. By using these materials, hoteliers can reduce their waste output and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Renewable Energy:
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is essential in building a sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can install photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy and reduce their reliance on traditional sources of power. By using renewable energy, hoteliers can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Net Zero Carbon Building:
One of the most significant ways hoteliers can build a sustainable future in the hospitality industry is by constructing net zero carbon buildings. This technique focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of a building by using energy-efficient technologies and materials that have a low environmental impact. For example, hoteliers can use insulated windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. They can also install photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on traditional sources of power.
Bio-diversity:
Hoteliers can also contribute to the preservation of bio-diversity by incorporating green spaces and wildlife habitats into their properties. This can include the use of native plants and flowers, the creation of gardens and wildlife ponds, and the establishment of bird habitats. By creating a bio-diverse environment, hoteliers can offer their guests a unique and sustainable experience, while also contributing to the protection of local ecosystems.
Automation:
The use of automation in the hospitality industry can significantly reduce energy consumption and waste. Hoteliers can implement smart technologies such as programmable thermostats, lighting systems, and water conservation devices to optimize energy usage. They can also use sensors and occupancy detectors to control heating and cooling, ensuring that rooms are only heated or cooled when they are in use.
Smart Technologies:
Smart technologies play a vital role in building a sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can use smart energy management systems to monitor and control energy consumption in real-time. They can also implement smart water management systems to conserve water and reduce waste. By using these technologies, hoteliers can optimize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.
Regenerative Tourism:
Regenerative tourism focuses on restoring and rejuvenating local ecosystems, rather than just conserving them. Hoteliers can participate in regenerative tourism by supporting local conservation initiatives, such as planting native trees and vegetation, and reducing the use of plastics and other single-use products. They can also promote responsible tourism practices, such as encouraging guests to reduce their water and energy consumption while staying at the hotel.
FSC Wood Standards and FF&E:
The use of wood and furniture in the hospitality industry can have a significant impact on the environment. Hoteliers can reduce their impact by using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood and furniture, which ensures that the wood and materials used have been harvested from responsibly managed forests. They can also use recycled or sustainable materials for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).
Recyclable Plastic and Biodegradable Cartons:
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue, and hoteliers can reduce their impact by using recyclable plastics and biodegradable cartons. By using these materials, hoteliers can reduce their waste output and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Renewable Energy:
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is essential in building a sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can install photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy and reduce their reliance on traditional sources of power. By using renewable energy, hoteliers can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.