Hotels have a responsibility to adopt sustainable initiatives, as consumers are making far more conscious purchasing decisions based on the matter. In this exclusive editorial with Andrew Parsons MIH, Head of Sales at Pelican Group Purchasing, we talk about making greener procurement choices in your hotel operations.
Hoteliers are now considering multiple solutions for their procurement, weighing up a combination of factors, including delivery options, prices, products, and their environmental impact. It’s about finding what fits their business best in the long run.
Andrew Parsons, guides us, sharing the latest trends adopted by hotel and hospitality operators.
Consolidation of the Supply Chain
We now see many hoteliers leading the way in sustainable procurement by consolidating their supply chain and making direct changes to their purchasing where they can. This reduces delivery drops, generating fewer road miles and reducing their carbon footprint.
We have recently helped one of our clients that runs several leisure venues. They previously used multiple suppliers, but we worked with them to identify a supplier that could provide a diverse range of products – and even expand their line items to accommodate them. By consolidating, they now receive just one efficient truck delivery reducing their carbon emissions.
Business Differentiation
Similarly, another client that runs an exclusive wedding venue, located in a forest, has made sustainability a central theme. They amalgamated their purchasing basket and opted for local and regional supply solutions. While national suppliers offered cost savings, the venue prioritised local suppliers to minimise their ecological impact, in line with its eco-ethos.
Removal of Single-use Plastic
We are working with a hotel client looking to replace in-room plastic water bottles with a filtered water tap fitted in a communal corridor. Guests can then fill a carafe with filtered water when needed. For the 246-bedroom hotel, they would switch from providing around 8,000 bottles a year over five years, with time seeing that the installed system saves them around £20,000 if they rented it or £33,000 if purchased outright.
In addition, many hotels are moving away from single-use plastics by replacing small toiletry bottles with fixed dispensers for refillable options. Though high-end hotels may continue providing bespoke amenities, many embrace eco-friendly alternatives.
From a catering perspective, using biodegradable straws, recyclable tetra packs, and compostable take-out trays is becoming a necessity. With new legislation coming into effect from 1st October 2023, there will be bans on single-use plastic plates, bowls, containers, cutlery trays and balloon sticks.
Greener Room Service
We are noticing hotels re-evaluate their room servicing practices, offering guests the choice of whether they want their rooms serviced every day or not. This reduces unnecessary water, cleaning chemicals and energy usage, while maintaining guest comfort.
Eco-Friendly Food Service
To further measure eco-impact, some hotels are adding carbon footprint information with their food. This encourages chefs and customers to make more environmental purchasing decisions, helping hotels reach their sustainability goals.
Furthermore, some hotels are also looking more closely at waste management to reduce food waste as well as costs. We are currently working with customers to conduct waste audits, to find solutions and recycle more effectively, leading to accreditations that hotels can proudly promote to their environmentally conscious guests.
Energy-Eficient Solutions
Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of sustainability. Standard practices now include switching to more energy-efficient lighting, implementing timer switches, and managing occupancy to reduce energy consumption.
Some hotels even invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, which may have a higher initial cost but provide long-term sustainable benefits and help demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
What’s Next?
As consumers become more environmentally-conscious, hotels implementing genuine sustainable measures will stand out. Guests now actively seek information on a hotel’s eco-friendly practices before booking. As attitudes continue to evolve and innovations arise, the hospitality industry has a bright future in creating a greener, more sustainable world.
About Pelican Group Purchasing
At Pelican, we understand the value of your time and resources. As your dedicated partner, we will collaborate with you to enhance your hotel’s profitability, streamline your operations, and achieve your sustainability goals.
With our team of experts, specialised group purchasing services, and a cutting-edge eProcurement system, you can concentrate on what truly matters – enhancing your guest experiences and growing your business. Our services are flexible, leaving you in complete control of any decision-making. Put simply, we work for you, helping you achieve your objectives.
To reduce your carbon footprint and explore how we can support you in achieving your hotel’s goals, contact our team at hello@pelicanprocurement.co.uk today.
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