In 2019, the Indian travel and tourism industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP stood at 9%. The same year, the industry put out 268 tons of carbon dioxide into the environment.
As an industry, we account for 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Though hotels have made significant strides in sustainability, the industry is still far behind its target of achieving 66% reduction in greenhouse gas emission per room by 2030, as set by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance in 2017.
There are several reasons for this. The challenges with going green starts with the perception that costs are often prohibitive. Also, the gap in implementing these initiatives at hotels pose a challenge.
PROFITABILITY OR SUSTAINABILITY?
Sustainability goals have a positive impact on operating a cost-efficient property, so, hotels need to take a long-term view of things. One should consider two things here – the increasing number of travellers keen to stay at eco-friendly properties and running an unit operation in a cost-efficient manner.
It is a misconception that operating a ‘green hotel’ is an expensive affair. Advances in green technology have helped improve the economics of alternate energy. Hotels can take some obvious steps to go green,
which can help save costs and reduce their reliance on single-use products, smart water and electricity conservation technologies.
BUSINESS RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The economic cost of climate change is very evident. Research shows that a 1°C increase in global warming can lead to a 9% decline in GDP, which affects everyone.
While we continue to focus on bouncing back, we cannot afford to look the other way on the crisis facing our planet and its economic fallout. Going by what leading scientists have to say, we might very
well be at the tipping point of climate change. All of us have the responsibility to do everything we can before it is too late.
As responsible hoteliers, we cannot afford to place sustainability on the backburner and pretend everything is fine. We must collectively put all resources available at our disposal to fight this battle and win. Hotels can chart out their sustainability goals depending on their ability and geography to select steps that can make a meaningful impact on the local ecosystem.
It is unimportant how big or small the goal is; it is impertinent to start somewhere and work towards achieving the defined sustainability objectives.Â
