Sustainability: Smart Water Management in Modern Hospitality

According to ASSA ABLOY's 2024 Annual Report, hotels can expect a total water usage of approximately 1,261,000 cubic meters (m³), primarily divided into sanitary, industrial, and cooling needs. Due to this extensive demand, the industry faces various challenges and increasing pressures to manage water resources responsibly.

Water is an invaluable and indispensable resource in all aspects of our lives, particularly in the hospitality industry, as it is used in almost every operation, such as cleaning, food preparation, and guest experience. However, as global awareness of water scarcity and environmental sustainability grows, managing this resource has become a fundamental aspect. In modern hospitality, adopting innovative strategies to optimize its use, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance as part of social responsibility is an imperative that every hotel or resort must assume.

It's no surprise that the hotel sector is characterized by significant water consumption. According to ASSA ABLOY's 2024 Annual Report, hotels can use approximately 1,261,000 cubic meters (m³) of water, primarily for sanitary, industrial, and cooling needs. Due to this extensive demand, the industry faces various challenges and increasing pressures to manage our water resources responsibly.

Water scarcity is a growing concern, impacted by climate change, urbanization, and population growth. The World Resources Institute states that 50% of the world's drinking water resources are depleted. This creates challenges for hotel businesses, as we know that modern hospitality is about combining the best of technology to meet both traveler expectations and sustainability goals. But how can this be achieved?

Technology that closes gaps

The gap between travelers' expectations and hotels' sustainable practices is a significant challenge that persists in the industry. However, bridging this gap creates an extraordinary opportunity to attract environmentally conscious travelers and reduce operating costs.

Contrary to industry fears that water conservation could compromise traveler satisfaction, studies indicate that travelers today have a different view. In fact, many of these guests are willing to spend more to support establishments that demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. According to the Sustainable Travel Index published by Euromonitor, nearly 80% of travelers are willing to pay 10% more for sustainable services.

Furthermore, the results of a global online survey conducted by McKinsey revealed that 66% of respondents are willing to pay for experiences that have a positive environmental impact; in fact, 75% of millennial and Gen Z consumers are willing to invest more money in sustainable options.

Investing in modernizing water management infrastructure is crucial for hotels to improve their operational efficiency and minimize their environmental impact. By focusing on reducing leaks and improving monitoring systems, it's possible to track water usage more accurately and identify areas for increased efficiency. This is possible through the implementation of advanced measurement and monitoring technologies that allow us to understand the consumption patterns of both guests and staff. Regular audits also ensure that practices are aligned with the commitment to minimizing unnecessary water waste, demonstrating the proactive approach that modern hospitality requires toward responsible water management.

A key aspect of a robust water management strategy, which modern hospitality technology ecosystems include, is maximizing water reuse and recycling within operations. This approach enables Vingcard | ASSA ABLOY to achieve a 56% reduction in water intensity (measured in m³ per million SEK) from 2019 to 2024, and is expected to achieve a further 25% reduction by 2025.

Water management is now more than ever a critical component of modern hospitality operations. From cost savings and improved traveler experiences to regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility, the benefits of conscious and sustainable management are profound. By adopting effective strategies such as water audits, technology integration, or recycling and reuse systems, the hospitality industry can significantly contribute to reducing its water footprint, thereby achieving the global environmental goals of the 2030 Agenda.

As sustainability continues to become a central tenet of traveler preferences and regulatory frameworks, hotels that prioritize smart water management will be ahead of the curve in a new kind of hospitality. Ultimately, effectively managing water resources not only contributes to a more sustainable future but also improves the resilience and profitability of the hotel industry as a whole.

Source: Vingcard / ASSA ABLOY