Sustainability in Serviced Accommodation: The Smart and Profitable Choice
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the hospitality industry—it is a crucial element of long-term success. For serviced accommodation owners, adopting sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances guest experience, reduces operational costs, and strengthens relationships with local communities and authorities.
Contrary to the common perception that sustainability initiatives come at a high cost, they often lead to significant savings and can even open up new revenue opportunities. Furthermore, engaging with your local council can unlock valuable resources such as grants, funding, and expert advice that can make your serviced accommodation more efficient and competitive.
In this guide, we will explore how serviced accommodation operators can integrate sustainability into their business, speak to their local council for support, and leverage green initiatives to enhance profitability.
Why Sustainability Matters in Serviced Accommodation
Sustainability is more than just an ethical responsibility—it is a competitive advantage. As travellers become more environmentally conscious, they actively seek accommodations that align with their values. A study by Booking.com found that 81% of global travellers prefer to stay in sustainable accommodation, demonstrating a clear shift in consumer behaviour.
Key benefits of adopting sustainability in serviced accommodation include:
Cost Savings – Energy-efficient upgrades, waste reduction, and water conservation can significantly lower utility bills.
Regulatory Compliance – Councils and government bodies are increasingly enforcing sustainability regulations. Being proactive can prevent potential fines or restrictions.
Competitive Advantage – Sustainable properties appeal to eco-conscious travellers, business clients, and long-term guests looking for responsible accommodation.
Enhanced Brand Reputation – A strong commitment to sustainability can improve guest satisfaction and generate positive reviews, leading to repeat bookings.
Future-Proofing – As sustainability becomes more central to government policies, early adoption ensures your business remains relevant and adaptable.
How to Speak to Your Local Council About Sustainability
Local councils are a valuable resource for serviced accommodation owners. They provide guidance on best practices, regulatory compliance, and often have grants or funding available for businesses adopting green initiatives.
1. Understanding What the Council Can Offer
Your local council is likely involved in environmental initiatives, business support schemes, and property development projects. Some common areas where councils provide assistance include:
Energy efficiency grants – Funding for solar panels, insulation, LED lighting, and heat pumps.
Waste reduction incentives – Discounts or rebates for implementing recycling programmes or using composting facilities.
Water conservation programmes – Subsidies for water-efficient fixtures or rainwater harvesting systems.
Business rate relief – Some councils offer tax reductions for businesses that meet sustainability targets.
Green business accreditation – Guidance on achieving recognised environmental certifications that boost credibility.
2. How to Approach Your Council
When reaching out to your local council, be clear and concise about your objectives. Here are key steps to ensure a productive conversation:
Research Available Grants and Initiatives
Visit your council’s website or contact their environmental and business development teams to understand what funding or advice is available.
Prepare a Sustainability Plan
Outline your sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy costs, or improving waste management. Councils are more likely to support well-planned initiatives.
Explain the Mutual Benefits
Councils want to support businesses that contribute to local environmental goals. Highlight how your initiatives will not only benefit your business but also align with the council’s sustainability objectives.
Request a Meeting or Consultation
Many councils have business advisors or sustainability officers who can guide you through available funding and regulatory requirements.
Practical Sustainability Strategies for Serviced Accommodation
Adopting sustainability does not have to be complicated or costly. In many cases, small changes lead to significant long-term savings. Here are some effective sustainability strategies:
1. Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut costs and improve sustainability.
Quick Wins:
Install LED lighting, which lasts longer and consumes up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs.
Use smart thermostats to optimise heating and cooling schedules based on guest occupancy.
Switch to energy-efficient appliances, such as A+++ rated refrigerators and washing machines.
Larger Investments with Long-Term Returns:
Install solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on grid electricity.
Upgrade to air-source or ground-source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling.
Improve insulation and glazing to reduce heating and cooling costs.
2. Water Conservation
Water efficiency not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers utility bills.
Simple Changes:
Fit low-flow showerheads and taps to reduce water usage without affecting guest experience.
Use dual-flush toilets to control water consumption.
Educate guests on water conservation through friendly signage.
Advanced Measures:
Implement rainwater harvesting systems to reduce dependency on mains water.
Install greywater recycling systems to reuse water from showers and sinks for toilet flushing.
3. Waste Reduction and Recycling
Managing waste effectively can significantly reduce disposal costs and improve sustainability.
Basic Steps:
Provide clearly labelled recycling bins in guest areas to encourage responsible waste disposal.
Offer refillable toiletries instead of single-use plastic bottles.
Reduce paper use by implementing digital check-in and guest communication.
Going Further:
Partner with local food waste programmes to donate surplus food from serviced apartments.
Use composting systems for organic waste where possible.
4. Sustainable Guest Amenities
Enhance guest experience with eco-friendly products.
Use biodegradable cleaning products to reduce chemical waste.
Provide organic or locally sourced toiletries.
Offer sustainable welcome packs with reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, or eco-friendly snacks.
5. Supporting the Local Community
Sustainability is not just about environmental impact—it also involves social responsibility.
Source locally – Work with local suppliers for furniture, decor, and amenities to support the regional economy.
Encourage sustainable transport – Provide information on bike rentals, public transport, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Engage in community projects – Support local charities or participate in environmental initiatives, such as tree planting or beach clean-ups.
Marketing Sustainability to Guests
Sustainability is a strong selling point for serviced accommodation, but it needs to be effectively communicated to guests.
Highlight green initiatives on your website and booking platforms.
Use eco-friendly badges or certifications to demonstrate credibility.
Share sustainability stories on social media to engage eco-conscious travellers.
Offer guests incentives for sustainable behaviour, such as discounts for using reusable bottles or opting out of daily housekeeping.
Conclusion
Sustainability in serviced accommodation is a win-win—it benefits the environment, improves operational efficiency, and attracts eco-conscious guests. The misconception that green initiatives are costly is quickly being replaced by the reality that they often save money and increase profitability.
By speaking to your local council, you can access grants, funding, and expert advice to help implement sustainability measures with minimal financial burden. Additionally, integrating energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement into your serviced accommodation not only makes your business more resilient but also positions it as a leader in the evolving hospitality landscape.
