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Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have”; it's essential. Hospitality businesses face growing pressure from government regulations, more savvy eco-conscious consumers, and the rising costs of energy and waste management.
Here at Trail, we understand the challenges of sustainability in the hospitality industry, from food waste to single-use plastics. We know with the right approach, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, cut costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In this article, you’ll discover why sustainability matters and how your business can implement effective solutions to make a positive impact on both the planet and your bottom line.
Sustainability in the hospitality industry is all about implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimise carbon emissions while delivering that all important high-quality service.
The hospitality industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with restaurants alone using up to 10 times more energy than other commercial businesses. Here are the key sustainability challenges:
Food waste: Hospitality businesses in the UK discard 900,000 tonnes of food each year, costing in excess of £2.5 billion and producing harmful greenhouse gases.
Single-use plastics: Disposable packaging, straws, and utensils have surged, particularly during the pandemic as the use of delivery services and convenience food increased, contributing to plastic pollution.
Paper consumption: Many hospitality businesses still rely on paper so things like menus, receipts, and operational checklists contribute to deforestation and waste.
Energy use: Commercial kitchens and venues consume significant amounts of energy due to heating, lighting, and appliance usage.
Transportation: On average, food travels 1,500 miles, adding to the industry's carbon footprint.
To remain competitive and future-proof their operations, hospitality businesses must prioritise sustainability for the following reasons:
Government regulations: The UK aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, meaning businesses must comply with stricter environmental laws.
Consumer expectations: Millennials and Gen Z demand eco-friendly practices, with 90% of consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products.
Cost-saving opportunities: Minimising food waste, energy use, and paper consumption can significantly cut operational costs.
Despite the clear benefits, sustainability can present challenges:
Upfront investment: Energy-efficient appliances and digital systems require initial capital, which may be difficult for smaller businesses.
Operational changes: Implementing new processes, like waste tracking and carbon reporting, takes time and effort.
Supply chain limitations: Sourcing local, seasonal ingredients may be challenging depending on location and supplier availability.
Here are actionable steps your business can take to reduce its environmental impact:
1. Manage food waste: Implement inventory management systems like Simple Order or MarketMan to avoid over-ordering. Partner with platforms like Too Good To Go to sell surplus food at discounted prices and prevent waste.
2. Minimise carbon miles: Source from local suppliers and use seasonal produce to reduce transportation emissions and support your local community.
3. Switch to energy-efficient appliances: Upgrade to LED lights and energy-saving equipment. While there may be an upfront cost, the long-term savings in utility bills will outweigh it.
4. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives like Vegware and Biopak. Consider reusable packaging for takeaways.
5. Go paperless: Use digital tools to manage operations. For example, Zettle or Nobly provide digital receipts and save paper by moving your menu online with Lightspeed. While Trail allows you to run digital checklists, saving both time and paper.
In this article, we’ve explored the importance of sustainability, key challenges in the hospitality industry, and practical solutions to reduce your business’s carbon footprint.
Looking to reduce energy consumption in your hotel or restaurant? Check out our guide on energy-saving tips for restaurants and explore tools like Trail’s digital checklists for streamlined, sustainable operations.
By embracing sustainable practices, your business can make a lasting impact on the environment—and your bottom line.
Find out more or start your sustainability journey today!
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