Sustainable hotels: why a "green towel programme" isn’t enough

Friday, 19 December 2025 09:19

When we talk about sustainable hotels, most people immediately think of signs saying "towels changed only on request," recycling bins, or messages like "save water." These are useful steps, but the reality is far more exciting: a recent hotel study revealed one of the most important lessons – sustainability is not the responsibility of just one department. It’s not just the cleaners, not just the maintenance team, and not just the management – every part of the hotel contributes to reducing (or increasing) environmental impact.

The secret to "green" operations: lots of small decisions, every day

The backbone of sustainable hotel operations is surprisingly simple: less waste, more reuse, and thoughtful procurement. In other words, don’t produce unnecessary waste, don’t throw everything away after a single use, and recycle whatever you can. Then there’s the other big area: energy and water. Hotels consume a lot of electricity and water – lighting, heating/cooling, laundry, kitchens, wellness facilities, cleaning. Even small reductions in these areas can make a noticeable difference.

Who drives sustainability in a hotel?

Interestingly, it’s not always the same department that’s "the best" at sustainability. In some places, the technical team leads the way (smarter energy use, more efficient systems), elsewhere it’s the hospitality team (reducing waste, using local ingredients), or even the reception and guest relations team (helping guests make better choices). The key is that in a well-run hotel, sustainability is a team effort.

What can you notice as a guest? (And how to tell it’s not just for show)

If you’re a traveller wanting to recognise whether a place takes sustainability seriously, you don’t need to think about complex audits. Look out for these signs:

Less single-use plastic: refillable toiletries, water refill stations, durable solutions.
Thoughtful waste management: not just "a bin," but visible recycling efforts, reducing kitchen waste, and portion control.
Smart energy use: LED lighting, motion-sensor lights, sensible heating/cooling (no freezing cold corridors).
Efficient water use: water-saving taps/showers, well-communicated towel programmes.
Local focus at breakfast/restaurants: seasonal items, local products, less of the wasteful "pile everything on" approach.
Honest communication: no over-the-top green slogans, but concrete examples and straightforward explanations.

What can you notice as a guest? (And how to tell it’s not just for show)

The sustainable hotel experience isn’t about sacrifice – it’s about better quality

Many people worry that sustainability equals inconvenience. But most good practices bring the opposite: more organised, thoughtful operations, higher-quality materials, a more pleasant indoor climate, and a sense of cleaner spaces. "Less waste" often translates to "better experience."

What can you do as a traveller? 5 simple steps

Use the towel programme if you’re staying for multiple nights.
Avoid unnecessary daily cleaning if you don’t need it.
Choose local, seasonal food and opt for smaller portions you’re sure to finish.
Don’t hesitate to ask how the hotel is sustainable – serious places will be happy to explain.

Support the local area: local cafés, local services, local activities – this is sustainability too.

What can you do as a traveller? 5 simple steps

Sustainable tourism isn’t credible just because a hotel calls itself "green" – it’s about reducing waste, using energy and water more wisely, and helping guests make good decisions easily at every level of operation. And the best part? You benefit too – with a more thoughtful, pleasant, and high-quality travel experience.

The article is available HERE.