Sustainability in Hospitality: How the Industry is Evolving and How You Can Be Part of It

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in hospitality.

Guests are seeking eco-friendly travel options, and hotels that adopt sustainable practices can save money, improve their reputation, and operate more efficiently.

At Semper, we help hotels transition to greener operations with user-friendly technology.

We’re also proud supporters of Greenpeace, a global organisation dedicated to protecting the environment, and we align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to contribute to a healthier planet.

The Environmental Impact of Hospitality

The hospitality industry accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions (World Travel & Tourism Council). High energy and water consumption, excessive waste, and outdated operational methods all contribute to environmental challenges. However, even small adjustments can significantly reduce a hotel's environmental impact.

Simple Ways Hotels Can Become More Sustainable

Beyond technology, here are simple, yet impactful measures hotels can adopt to make a difference:

• Encourage guests to reuse towels to save water and energy.
• Serve locally sourced food to reduce transportation emissions.
• Donate unused food to reduce waste and support local communities.
• Use refillable dispensers for toiletries to minimise plastic waste.

The Business Case for Sustainability

Sustainability is not only beneficial for the planet—it also makes good business sense.

According to Booking.com's 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 75% of travellers want to travel more sustainably in 2025. Of these, 57% are focused on reducing energy use, and 54% prefer eco-friendly transport options (Booking.com, 2024).

Guests are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly accommodations. By incorporating sustainability into your daily operations, you can attract environmentally conscious travellers, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.

How Semper Helps Hotels Go Green

At Semper, we’re committed to helping hotels become more sustainable. Our technology supports hotels in reducing waste, conserving energy, and optimising resources with these key features:

• Cloud-Based System: Semper’s cloud-based operations help reduce energy consumption by operating through energy-efficient data centres (Microsoft, 2024; Azure, 2024).
• Digital Guest Services: Our digital check-ins, payments, and communication minimise paper waste, enabling a contactless, eco-friendly guest experience. (Learn more about Semper's guest online services module)
• Automated Operations: By automating manual tasks, we help hotels reduce resource use, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly workflow. (Learn more about Semper's automation feature)
• Inventory Management: Our automated stock adjustments prevent over-purchasing and help reduce waste, ensuring optimal inventory levels. (Learn more about Semper's POS and stock control module)
• Smart Housekeeping Module: This feature eliminates paper checklists and reduces resource waste by updating room statuses digitally, making housekeeping more efficient and eco-friendly. (Learn more about Semper's housekeeping module)

The future of hospitality is green—are you ready to be part of it?