Hotels have stepped up their sustainability game by putting in place an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) programme, which has now become a core operational aspect of the industry. In the long-term, however, ESG practices are known to improve profitability, elevate company returns, nurture retail hospitality talent, build resilience, reduce risks and show a significant increase in customer loyalty.
Decoding ESG in Design
These practices have now been taken ahead in the hotel’s architecture and design as well. Here, ESG refers to how businesses use their buildings and spaces to invest in environmental and social initiatives.
Rajneesh Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Chalet Hotels Limited, explains, “Most of our hotels are operated and managed by our brand partners, Marriott and Accor. Both are leading global hotel companies and their commitment to ESG is very much in sync with Chalet’s ESG goals. Our hotel designs reflect a holistic approach towards ESG, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into the design and architecture. Four of our buildings are USGB Gold LEED certified, and we have announced that all our future developments will also opt for LEED certification. Our new hotel developments follow biophilic designs with a focus on elements like indoor air quality, ventilation, natural light, acoustics etc to ensure the comfort and well-being of all users.“ Overall, the endeavour is to design and build efficient hotels, which operate with minimal impact on the environment and make optimal use of the natural resources.”
The ‘Environmental’ Factor in Design
Climate change is a well-known terminology in the hospitality space, and reducing carbon footprint has been a focused goal of hoteliers and well as architects.
Designers are blending in modern construction techniques and are trying their best to minimize wastage through their designs. Abhigyan Neogi, Founder and Principal Architect, Chromed Design Studio, conveys a few eco-friendly practices to design a hotel for a greener future: “Implementing energy-efficient measures, such as using LED lighting, motion sensors, and smart HVAC systems, can significantly reduce a hotel’s energy consumption. Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal systems can further enhance the sustainability of the hotel’s operations.”
He adds, “Opting for sustainable, recyclable, and recycled materials in hotel construction and interior design can significantly contribute to ESG practices. Using reclaimed wood, eco-friendly paints, and carpets made from recycled fibres are just a few examples of sustainable material choices that can enhance the environmental performance of hotels.”
After the architects hand over their sustainable designs, hoteliers monitor the daily activities, giving a helping hand to the designer for future improvements. “Novotel implements robust environmental management systems to monitor and control its environmental impact. This involves setting targets and objectives to reduce energy and water consumption, and waste generation. Regular monitoring and reporting help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with environmental regulations,” explains Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
Hotel staff is also actively involved when it comes to maintaining these modern yet sustainable designs. Singh elaborates, “Novotel invests in training its employees on sustainable practices and engages them in ESG initiatives. This includes raising awareness about environmental and social issues, providing tools and resources for responsible operations, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization.”
Malhotra adds, “At Chalet, we have well-defined ESG goals for each of our properties and these ESG goals are weaved into KPI (Knowledge Investment Program) targets of leadership teams at hotels and Chalet corporate office. We conduct frequent training sessions, emphasizing the importance of ESG and how everyone plays an important role. A combination of education, training, and inclusion of ESG targets in individual KPIs helps ensure that we never lose focus on ESG.”
The ‘Social’ Factor in Design
The social factor of ESG is broadly focused on inclusivity, community engagement and employee well-being. Architects are now adapting design practices that will cater to guests with special needs.
“Features like wheelchair-accessible rooms, ramps, wider doorways, and grab bars can enhance inclusivity and provide a comfortable experience for all guests. Inculcation of strategically-placed and legible signages along with elements that help one for sound way-finding around the built and unbuilt spaces of a restaurant or bar make the space more user-friendly and promote ease of movement within the area,” explains Neogi.
For staff well-being, break areas, inclusive restrooms/ changing rooms and rest areas also promote a happier work environment. Not only that, hoteliers are engaging in local activities and including them in their auspicious festivals. “Collaborating with local artisans and suppliers not only supports the local economy but also creates a unique and authentic experience for guests. Additionally, organizing community events or supporting local charitable initiatives demonstrates a hotel’s commitment to social responsibility,” avers Neogi.
Small Changes Matter
ESG has not only impacted a hotel’s overall architecture but has also changed daily operational practices. Sukhbir Singh explains, “Novotel has introduced bed linen change cards as part of their ESG initiatives. These cards encourage guests to reuse their bed linens for multiple nights, reducing water and energy consumption associated with frequent washing. By educating guests about the environmental benefits of reusing bed linen and giving them the choice to opt in for linen changes, hotels can significantly reduce water usage and associated chemical pollution.”
Solar energy utilization, water recycling, sewage treatment plants, E-waste management, elimination of plastic and the building of EV stations are areas that hoteliers take special interest in. Malhotra adds, “All Chalet hotels have efficient water management systems in place. Waste water is recycled using the latest technology and our hotels follow a zero-discharge policy. Short flushes, aerators in taps and waterless urinals are some examples of how we are trying to reduce water consumption at our hotels. Besides recycling and minimising consumption, our hotels also harvest rainwater and/ or recharge groundwater.”
From a designer’s perspective, Neogi points out, “Additionally, incorporating efficient irrigation systems in hotel landscapes can help reduce water usage in outdoor areas. Employing techniques that promote the conscious use of water during the construction period is also an important step in the process.”
The ‘Governance’ Factor in Design
Governance is not only restricted to a hotelier’s implementation of ethical business practice, but is also the architect’s responsibility to carry forward a smooth supply chain in hotels along with transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement.
“Incorporating transparency and accountability measures in hotel design reinforces the principles of good governance. This can be achieved by providing clear and easily accessible information to guests about the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, ethical practices, and social impact. Displaying certifications or eco-labels earned by the hotel, such as LEED or Green Key, further enhances transparency and builds trust with guests,” voices Neogi.
“Hotel designs can facilitate open communication and collaboration by incorporating spaces for meetings, feedback, and dialogue. This allows stakeholders to actively participate in decision-making processes and ensures that their perspectives and concerns are heard and addressed,” he concludes.
