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.
Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge, with over a third of the world's population living in high water-stressed areas and forecasts indicating worsening conditions. Many of these regions are popular tourism destinations, aggravating the situation as tourists use significantly more water than residents. For instance, while individuals at home use around 120-170 litres per person/day, a tourist use up to 350 litres. Water conservation in hospitality is not only about sustainability; it is essential for business resilience. Hotels rely on water for various operations, from guest rooms and swimming pools to landscaping and food production. Water shortages can disrupt operations and damage reputation. Hotels, as major water users, face increasing pressure to implement sustainable practices that balance guest experience with environmental accountability.
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.
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.