The hospitality industry stands at a critical juncture. While many sectors are making significant strides in implementing sustainable practices, our industry lags behind. This disparity was starkly highlighted at the recent Global Good Awards 2024, where Clean the World was one of only two hospitality businesses out of 64 recognised for ongoing sustainability efforts.
The awards ceremony took place at the renowned BMA House in London, bringing together industry leaders and purpose-driven organisations from around the world, including major global players like DHL, eBay, UNICEF, HSBC, and Canon.
Receiving the Silver Award for Waste Reduction and Minimisation was a tremendous honour for Clean the World, validating the hard work and dedication of our team and partners. Our Global Hospitality Recycling Programme, which collaborates with over 8,300 hotel partners including industry giants like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, has transformed more than 12.1 million kilograms of soap and plastic waste into more than 86 million bars of recycled soap. These efforts not only divert waste from landfills but also provide essential hygiene products to communities in need worldwide.
A Gathering of Visionaries
Yet, while we were thrilled to be recognised for our success, the limited representation of the hospitality industry at the Global Good Awards was a sobering reminder that as an industry, we have a long way to go and must prioritise sustainability to remain both relevant and responsible in today’s world.
The statistics are frankly alarming. Hospitality is responsible for up to 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions while UK hotels alone generate 289,700 tonnes of waste annually.
Not only that, but our consumers are growing increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable tourism. According to a study of over 11,000 travellers, 90% of travellers look for sustainable travel options before making a decision. Addressing our collective impact and catering to consumer demands requires a fundamental shift in how our industry operates.
Leading the Charge for Sustainability
At Clean the World, we have demonstrated that it is possible for hospitality businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, such as a circular approach to waste management. Our partners have shown that with commitment and innovation, significant progress can be made. However, we believe it is imperative for our industry as a whole to embrace this mindset.
There are several steps that the hospitality sector can take to bridge this gap:
- Commit to transparency and accountability: Hotels and venues must review, analyse and track their current environmental, social, and governmental (ESG) impact and set objectives for each going forward for each of these. This is a simple yet crucial step for taking action for any hospitality-based organisation.
- Invest in sustainable solutions: Both time and financial resources are required and will vary depending on organisational size. From energy-efficient technologies to waste reduction programmes, investing in sustainable solutions is essential. This investment will pay off in the long term, both financially and in terms of brand reputation.
- Educate and engage staff and guests: Sustainability should be a core value within the hospitality industry. Training staff and educating guests on sustainable practices can drive meaningful change for years to come.
- Collaborate across the industry: Sharing best practices and collaborating on sustainability initiatives can amplify impact. Industry associations and forums should prioritise sustainability in their agendas. Sustainability is all about working together for the wider goals.
Looking Ahead
While we are proud of our recognition from the Global Good Awards, we believe it is not enough to have isolated examples of excellence. We need a collective effort to elevate the entire sector to a higher standard of environmental stewardship.
As we look ahead, the urgency for sustainable practices will only grow. The hospitality industry must seize this opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist. Our planet depends on it, and so does the future of our industry.
In our effort to support the hospitality industry and promote best practices, Clean the World has created a sustainability guide, available here. This valuable resource offers various examples of sustainability initiatives that hospitality partners can easily implement to support their ESG objectives.
Together we can make the world a better place!
