As the world grapples with global warming and an energy crisis, sustainability has reached a critical inflection point. Hotel owners and developers must look at how they can curb their carbon emissions to keep our planet from heating above 1.5°C.
Like all industries, they have an important role to play. Tourism today accounts for five percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. And this number is alarmingly forecast to rise 130 percent by 2035 without an urgent course correction. One solution could be creating a practical path forward for hotels to leverage new technologies to achieve net zero status.
Corporate travellers show a higher level of concern for sustainability compared to leisure travellers. However, both corporate and leisure travellers care about sustainability, making it a key driver for businesses.
Embracing sustainability represents both risks and opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sector. One major risk for owners who do not invest in sustainability is the depreciation of their assets. On the other hand, adopting sustainable practices brings benefits that go beyond just operational efficiency.
With its palatial collection of world–class resorts, the UAE has the potential to become a leader in sustainable tourism and reduce emissions at scale. By improving the energy management of existing buildings, hoteliers can not only commit to a more sustainable future but set an example for others to follow.
The question is: how do we get here?
Impressive steps toward sustainability have already taken place. Firstly, the UAE aims to become carbon–neutral by 2050 and generate 50 percent of its power from clean sources. Additionally, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism recently re–launched its Carbon Calculator tool. This measures the carbon footprint of hotels in real–time and helps identify areas where hotels can reduce their environmental impact.
Preventing catastrophic climate tipping points is clearly a whole-of-society challenge, but the UAE has got its strategies in the right place as it looks ahead to COP28. So where does this leave hotel owners?
As the majority of emissions associated with a hotel building are related to on–site energy consumption after construction, the key to future–proofing net–zero hotels is smarter energy–saving products. They include digital building automation systems that can share power more intelligently for greater efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
Another essential strategy is to invest in renewable energy. Solar panels, for instance, can be installed on hotel rooftops to generate clean energy. Installing onsite renewable energy generation can help offset utility costs as well as supply new loads like electric vehicle chargers and provide backup power in an emergency. This not only reduces a hotel’s reliance on traditional energy but also cuts greenhouse gas emissions.
It is also important for hotels to consider the environmental impact of their operations beyond energy usage. This includes reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting sustainable practices such as recycling and composting. By implementing these practices, hotels can minimise their overall environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Of course, these strategies require an investment of time and resources. And in a world of fast results and immediate profits, investment in decarbonisation is often overlooked and undervalued. However, the benefits are clear and far outweigh the costs.
By striving to achieve net zero hotels, hospitality leaders in the UAE can not only reduce their carbon footprint but improve their operational performance. Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings through reduced energy consumption and waste, as well as improved guest satisfaction and repeat trips.
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a factor in consumer decision–making. As more and more travellers prioritise ecotourism, hotels must adapt. Those that embrace sustainable practices will be better positioned to attract and retain guests concerned about their environmental footprint. This is particularly true in the UAE, where tourism is a key industry and competition for guests is fierce.
To accelerate our progress toward a sustainable future, we must prioritise the transformation of existing hotels into net–zero buildings of the future. By leveraging the power of intelligent and connected technologies, we can enhance energy efficiency and reliability, and create a pathway toward a cleaner and greener future.
Cédric Sala, Mea Hotel Segment Director – Schneider Electric
Follow www.abtraveller.com and @abtravellerme to stay updated on the latest travel news
