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Best Circular Economy Practices in Hotels
Best Circular Economy Practices in Hotels
Best Circular Economy Practices in Hotels
Best Circular
Economy practices in
hotels: the producer
and consumer
perspective
WRITTEN BY
EHL Faculty
Our preliminary research on the topic of circular economy practices in the hotel industry has
highlighted a key particularity of today’s consumers. Not only are they increasingly demanding in terms
of how much is done when it comes to a hotel's corporate social responsibility, but they are also very
sensitive to how well it is done. Indeed, the current literature seems to suggest that for CE practices to
be impactful from the consumer perspective, they need to be more thoughtful and sophisticated than
few years ago.
Circular economy is defined as a regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emission and
energy leakage are minimized by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops
(Geissdoerfer et al., 2017). In hospitality or hotels in particular, this can be achieved through reduction of
resource inputs (e.g. raw material, energy, labor, physical equipment) and outputs (e.g. food waste,
emissions), rethink of service or operation processes (e.g. waste management, purchase policies), long-
lasting design (e.g., building, interior design), maintenance, repair, reuse, refurbishing and recycling.
Results show that the practice for which hotel guests are willing to pay the most is “Guest can choose
remotely the room temperature (via smartphone), heat and air conditioning are generated by own
produced renewable energy (e.g. solar panels, natural resources, geothermic or lake)” followed by “Offer
non-polluting travel options while at the hotel (e.g. e-bikes, e-cars)” and “Recycle grey water (e.g. for
toilets, irrigation) and use own produced renewable energy (e.g. solar panels)”.
Similarly, the most important practice for the respondents is “Guest can choose remotely the room
temperature (via smartphone), heat and air conditioning are generated by own produced renewable
energy (e.g. solar panels, natural resources, geothermic or lake)”, followed by “Cook mainly with own
produced food” and “Use energy efficient electronic/electrical appliances (e.g. LED, A+++)”.
Concerning the intention to reserve a stay, the most promising CE practice seems to be “Use of own
produced renewable energy for SPA (e.g. solar panels)”, followed by “Guest can choose remotely the
room temperature (via smartphone), heat and air conditioning are generated by own produced
renewable energy (e.g. solar panels, natural resources, geothermic or lake)”, and “Offer non-polluting
travel options while at the hotel (e.g. e-bikes, e-cars)”.
As can be observed, there's a practice that systematically ranks in the top 3: “Guests can choose
remotely the room temperature (via smartphone), heat and air conditioning are generated by own
produced renewable energy (e.g. solar panels, natural resources, geothermic or lake”. However, this
same practice seems to be of little interest to the producers. Thus, a trade-off exists for this CE practice
and actually for all others too. Being aware of this trade-off is of course crucial.
There is one main finding, supporting our hypotheses, that deserves to be brought to the fore. When
comparing the answers of hotel managers and experts with those of hotel guests, it seems that hotel
managers tend to value practices that are related to the reduction of energy use and resources such as
the reduction of food waste or energy consumption, while hotel guests seem to prefer practices that
involve a redesign or rethink of the way hotels are using and producing energy and resources, such as
the use of own produced renewable energy. This observation deserves more attention from the
researchers as it may be the key element for any practice to be truly considered as circular economy.
References:
Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. & Hultink, E. (2017). The Circular Economy – A new
sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757–768.
A Switch on air conditioning or heating system only when clients enter the room
Guest can choose remotely the room temperature (via smartphone), heat and air conditioning
B are generated by own produced renewable energy (e.g. solar panels, natural resources,
geothermic or lake)
C Offer less room complimentary accessories (e.g. shoe polish, comb, toiletries)
D All room accessories are made of natural ingredients and toiletries are dispensed in bulk
F Bedlinen and towels are cleaned with natural home-made cleaning products
H Cleaning staff follow a training to reduce the use of energy and resources to clean a room
K Reduce food waste (e.g. produce on demand, share excess food)Get our insights in your inbox!
L Cook mainly with own produced food Become a master of the World of Hospitality, Business &
Education by staying up to date with our latest news.
Implement energy efficient practices in SPA (e.g. no overheating of pool or jacuzzi, reduction of
M
working hours, etc.)
N Use of own produced renewable energy for SPA (e.g. solar panels)
O Store rainwater (e.g. for irrigation, toilets, washing machine)
WRITTEN BY
EHL Faculty
WRITTEN BY
Dr Luciano Lopez
WRITTEN BY
Dr Florent Girardin
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