Sustainability accommodation policy is one of the key factors that extend the sustainability core through the element of travel. These policies outline the accommodation facilities’ commitment to minimizing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and ensuring economic viability within their operations.
Sustainable accommodation policy offers a comprehensive framework that guides the accommodation from design and construction to daily operations, plus the guest experience. The policy also outlines all the properties managed by the accommodation facilities, including the staff, guests, contractors, and suppliers.
What are sustainability accommodation policies?
There are several policies set by the accommodation facilities to ensure sustainability during their operations, and some of these policies or guidelines include;
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency helps in the proper use of energy at work and prevents energy wastage. Some of the guidelines for the energy efficiency policy include;
- Use of energy-efficient equipment like LED lighting, Smart HVAC systems, and many others.
- Installation of the smart thermostats and motion sensor lighting.
- Use of renewable energy resources like solar panels, wind energy, and many others.
- Regular monitoring and recording of the energy usage.
- Put notices for guests to always switch off their lights in case they are out of their rooms.
Waste Management policy.
Waste management practices are put into place to handle waste from its generation up to the time of disposal, which helps to minimise the effects on the environment and humans. In accommodation facilities, the waste management practices include;
- Comprehensive recycling programs for the staff, guests, and communities around the accommodation facilities.
- Composition of food wastes
- Responsible disposal of hazardous wastes like batteries, electrical equipment, and many others.
- Minimise the use of single-use plastics.
- Provide well-labeled rubbish bins for different materials like biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous wastes.
- Use of the refillable dispensers.
- Engage in digital check-ins and out for communication to reduce paper usage.
Sustainable Sourcing and Purchasing
Sustainable sourcing and Purchasing is an environmental, social, and economic integration through the process of selecting the suppliers and purchasing of the goods and services to be used at the facility. This kind of sustainability policy helps to reduce the negative impacts while ensuring long-term values and ethical practices.
Some of the sustainable sourcing and purchasing policies include;
- Ensuring locally purchased, seasonal, and organic food products.
- Use of suppliers with environmental certifications.
- Avoid purchasing the oversized packaged products.
- Purchase of the eco-labelled or certified products.
- Avoid products with harmful chemicals.
Water conservation and management.
Water conservation is a sustainable practice for using water responsibly and saving it for future use. This involves reducing water wastage and implementing strategies to manage water sources effectively.
Water conservation practices include ;
- Regular monitoring and repair of leaks in water pipes.
- Engage in drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation.
- Guest linen and towel reuse programs.
- Regular monitoring and recording of the water consumption daily.
- Installation of the low-flow fixtures, like showers, toilets, and faucets.
- Rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Community engagement.
This is a form of social responsibility that involves community support, which is a sustainability practice that accommodations usually put into place. Some of the community engagement practices include;
- Offering employment opportunities to the locals of the communities surrounding the accommodation facilities.
- Promote and respect the local culture of the community.
- Inform the guests about the local eco-friendly experiences and community projects.
- Engage in the local sustainable initiatives and partnerships.
- Strict adherence to the child protection polices and zero tolerance for child labour.
- Sourcing goods and services from the community.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Green cleaning practices.
Green cleaning is a practices that involve the cleaning and use of cleaning products that avoid harm to human health and the environment. This green cleaning involves the use of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning agents, and among others, that are environmentally friendly.
In green cleaning, the common cleaning chemicals used are usually sodium bicarbonate and vinegar.
Green certification.
Green certification is an award offered to accommodation facilities that signify the facility meets the environmental sustainability standards. This certification also indicates the work the facility is doing towards promoting sustainability.
How to choose accommodation facilities with the best sustainability policies?
As Allanblackia, we promote and ensure the best sustainability during our service delivery to clients. As you book a safari with us, we consider the above polices to promote travel with less harm to the environment.