India is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and warm-hearted hospitality. With the tourism industry growing rapidly, there is an increasing demand for hotels and accommodations across the country. However there is a rising trend among travelers to select and visit eco-friendly hotels. This is because more and more people are becoming aware of the impact of tourism on the environment, and are seeking out accommodations that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices.
Hotels are generally one of the largest consumers of energy and water, and generate significant amounts of waste. Consequently, concept of green or eco-friendly hotels is increasingly being preferred by travelers. Green hotels are those that have implemented measures to reduce their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, implementing water conservation measures, reducing waste and promoting recycling, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and sourcing items and food locally and sustainably.
Here are some of the features adopted by green or eco-friendly hotels:
Energy efficiency
Green hotels reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient lighting, equipment, appliances and HVAC systems, by implementing energy-saving practices and investing in renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Motion sensors can be installed in public areas to automatically turn off lights when no one is present.
Water conservation
Green hotels implement water-saving measures, such as low-flow showerheads and faucets, use recycled water for irrigation and have measures for rain water harvesting. These hotels encourage guests to reuse their towels and linens, reducing the amount of laundry that needs to be washed.
Waste management
Hotels in India generate a lot of waste. Green hotels implement some of the following waste management practices:
Reduction of waste by using reusable or biodegradable items like glassware, cloth napkins, reusable toiletry bottles and avoiding usage of single use plastic products.
Recycling by setting up recycling stations in public areas and guest rooms to encourage guests to recycle their waste. This can include paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and aluminium.
Composting can compost food waste and other organic materials, which can be used as fertiliser for landscaping or gardening.
The Green Hotels Association of India (GHAI) has implemented a waste management program that has helped hotels reduce their waste by up to 50 percent.
Sustainable sourcing
Eco-friendly hotels use products made from sustainable materials and prefer to serve their guests with organic food and beverages. They are familiar with the local cultures of the areas they are located in, support local communities by sourcing products from them and giving them employment. This eventually also helps reduce the carbon footprint of these hotels.
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Green Hotels use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
Green transportation
They promote eco-friendly transportation options, such as bicycles, public transit, and electric cars.
Government support
The Government of India has taken many steps to help the growth of tourism industry like, launch of schemes such as Swadesh-Darshan and Prasad, update of existing schemes such as hunar-se-rozgar tak, continuation with E-tourist Visas to many nations, developing a mobile application for tourists and an Incredible Indian Tourists helpline educating tourists about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The Ministry of Tourism has also launched the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
Financial incentives
Governments can offer financial incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans to hotels that implement sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Consumer awareness
By raising awareness about the environmental impact of travel and tourism, consumers or travellers can be encouraged to make sustainable choices when selecting hotels and planning their trips.
Travellers can support green hotels by choosing to stay at hotels that have been certified by reputable sustainability certification programs, such as LEED, Green Globe, or EarthCheck.
Impact on the economy
Green hotels do less harm to the environment, reduce costs in the long run, win good reviews from guest travelers and provide lot of job opportunities for outsiders as well as local communities.
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council found that the tourism sector in India could create over 45 million jobs by 2025 if it adopts sustainable tourism practices.
In addition to the environmental benefits, eco-friendly or green hotels also provide a unique and memorable experience for travellers. Many of these properties are located in stunning natural settings, and offer guests the opportunity to connect with nature and local communities in a responsible and sustainable manner.
As the demand for Green hotels continues to grow, more and more properties are implementing sustainable practices and promoting their eco-friendly credentials. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as travellers become even more conscious of their impact on the environment and seek out accommodations that align with their values.
The author is founder of Smiling Tree.
