Smart technology and behaviour change for water conservation in hotels

Water scarcity is a growing challenge, particularly in tourism hotspots where guests consume far more water than residents. While technology—such as smart shower timers and leak detectors—can help, its effectiveness depends on guest behavior. Our study, conducted across hotels in Denmark, Spain, and the UK, tested real-time eco-feedback devices in showers and found they reduced water use by 25.79%, saving an average of 10 litres per shower. Guests responded best to selfless, high-effort messaging, demonstrating that combining technology with behavioral science can drive meaningful conservation. As water becomes an increasingly critical resource, hotels must embrace smart solutions that balance sustainability with guest experience.

Water sustainability in hospitality

While technology offers valuable solutions for water conservation, it is not always a panacea. Showerheads, leak detectors, smart timers, greywater recycling mechanisms, and water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce water consumption, but their impact will be limited -or insufficient- if guests and staff do not adapt their behaviour. To optimise the benefits of technology innovation, a human-centred approach needs to be always present. This means that we need to understand people, specifically how they interact with water and why or why not. Behavioural science-based approaches can offer these answers.

Read the full article

HYB 2025 Sustainability Tech Edition

The upcoming edition of the Hotel Yearbook, titled "Sustainable Technology for Hospitality," offers essential insights into the transformative role of sustainable technologies within the hospitality industry. Arriving at a critical moment, a decade after the Paris Agreement, this edition emphasizes the growing urgency for intensified sustainable practices. It explores a broad range of themes, including sustainable hotel architecture, energy- saving designs, and nature-based solutions. The yearbook delves into carbon management tools for Scopes 1, 2, and 3, circular economy practices for waste minimization, water conservation techniques, sustainable supply chains, and AI-driven ESG reporting. Additionally, it covers green finance for real estate and addresses implementation challenges across diverse regions. Through a rich compilation of thought-provoking articles, case studies, and expert opinions, this publication serves as a valuable resource for industry leaders, providing the insights, strategies, and forecasts necessary to advance sustainability through innovative technologies. The HYB 2025 edition aims to guide, inspire, and challenge professionals in the hospitality sector to embrace and drive sustainable technology in their operations.
www.hotelyearbook.com/edition/sus-2025.html