There seem to be two schools of thought in regards to achieving greater sustainability. One is based on a behavioural change to tackle societal and environmental challenges. More precisely in managing resources with moderation, restraint, and constraint (e.g. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra). The other approach focuses on developing and implementing technologies to drive change. Here, the premise is that greater sustainability can be achieved if green technology is developed and deployed rapidly. With this in mind and considering the various sustainability challenges as hotels enter this new decade, what are the three (3) technologies to implement in 2020?"

Simon Martin
Simon Martin
Director of Operations at Fairmont Château Montebello, Canada

The “behavioral change” school of thought is certainly the most important, yet, technology can accompany the process and certainly create awareness and help manage the change.

  1. Out of the numerous available, the primary technology to be implemented is certainly one allowing hoteliers to be “in the know”: data collection is key to understand the business and the way it evolves. Some real-time, geo-localized measurement systems, allowing engineers (and other staff) to be informed on consumptions (electricity, water, …) would be useful. Hilton's Lightstay was launched several years ago and some big players have followed or are preparing to. But what's (besides of Interel) commonly and “easily” made available to others? Not only these systems can adapt consumption, reduce it when and where needed but also allow for less time spent doing preventive inspections of all parts of building and equipments.
  2. A second thought goes to waste and particularly food waste. According to the World Food Program, nearly 800 million people in the world suffer from hunger. On the other side, some estimations indicate that 25% of food going through hotel kitchens ends-up at the trash. A full program on food waste, including technologies to measure and manage the food and reduce the waste, as well as train staff in an interactive (digital?) manner is necessary.
  3. Lastly, and because it is rather easy to implement, but that so many hotels still run on paper: aiming for a “paperless” experience for guests and staff. Property Management System (PMS) are many but there is often a monopoly situation when it comes to complex system allowing hoteliers to manage multi-units and departments.

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