Episode 4/5: Small Simple Actions
September 27, 2022
In this episode, we will discuss several small and simple actions that hotels are taking to reduce their energy and environmental footprint.
A more responsible diet
Following the EGalim law (1), certain products such as plastic straws are prohibited. Since January 1, 2022, collective catering is subject to an obligation to offer 50% of sustainable products, including at least 20% of organic products. Although this trend is not mandatory in commercial catering, many customers are turning to establishments that also offer organic and local food. Many ecological labels such as the Green Key (2) encourage the use of more responsible food purchases.
Low energy lighting
Lighting has undergone many technological advances over the past 25 years. Among them, the emergence of low-energy light bulbs has allowed hotels to considerably reduce their bills, but more recently, the use of LEDs has become the norm. Manufacturers insist on the energy savings that can be achieved (3) (up to 80%) as well as the variety of products offered (spotlights, ribbons, etc.), making it possible to adapt the lighting to the atmosphere desired by the hotelier. This is an essential lever for improving the energy performance of hotels, but naturally requires substantial renovation work.
Devices to reduce water consumption
Water is a major expense in hotels, with expenses multiplied by a factor varying from 2 to 5 compared to a conventional home (4). It is therefore essential to implement a series of measures to reduce water consumption. While some of these require investment (changing flush toilets, washing machines, installing water saving devices on taps, etc.), others are much simpler to implement, such as ensuring that the swimming pool is properly managed, or using rainwater harvesters to irrigate the gardens (5).
Sources
1 - What is the EGalim law, November 20, 2021. https://www.agencebio.org/2021/11/20/quest-ce-que-la-loi-egalim/
2 - The criteria of the Green Key label. https://www.laclefverte.org/le-label/les-criteres-du-label-clef-verte/
3 - Importance of lighting for a hotel, The ClubLed, https://support.leclubled.fr/portal/fr/kb/articles/importance-de-l-%C3%A9clairage-pour-un-h%C3%B4tel
4 - The need for domestic hot water in hotels, Cegibat, https://cegibat.grdf.fr/dossier-techniques/besoin-eau-chaude-sanitaire-etablissements-hoteliers
5 - 10 concrete actions to preserve water, Unesco. https://unescosustainable.travel/fr/comment-conserver-l-eau