Words: Giorgia Giove
Sustainability is now a major consideration for many consumers, including Australians planning holidays. According to a recent survey by Booking.com, 75 percent of global travellers aim to travel more sustainably in 2024.
When booking accommodation or buying products, customers expect transparency in sustainability commitments. In fact, 84 percent of consumers admit that poor environmental practices would push them away from a brand, as highlighted in the 2023 State of Sustainability Survey by Forbes Research. Hospitality venues have numerous opportunities to operate more sustainably, and bathrooms should be a key focus. Bathrooms in hotels and other facilities can waste significant amounts of water, energy, and paper products. However, sustainable bathroom design is not just a passing trend—it aims to conserve resources and protect ecosystems. Even small changes can make a big difference in reducing a venue’s overall environmental impact.
If you haven’t already, now is the ideal time to review your bathroom operations. Implementing sustainable practices can conserve resources and minimise waste—while still delivering a pleasant experience for guests, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand image.
1. Switch to sustainable toilet tissue
A simple and effective change is switching to eco-friendly toilet paper. Look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), which ensures that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. You might also consider GECA-certified toilet paper, which follows the rigorous environmental standards set by Good Environmental Choice Australia.
Additionally, opt for tissue paper designed to prevent blockages. Sustainable options with built-in enzymes that help break down bacteria in pipes can reduce clogs, avoiding costly plumbing repairs and ensuring guests have a hassle-free experience.
2. Reduce water consumption
Water conservation is another essential area of focus. Smart Approved WaterMark, an Australian authority on water efficiency, notes that leaky taps can waste up to 12,000 litres of water per year. Regularly checking and fixing leaks in taps and toilets can save vast amounts of water.
Upgrading to water-saving fixtures such as sensor-activated taps and low-flow toilets is another key step. Installing Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)-rated fixtures helps limit water waste and prevents users from unintentionally leaving taps running. Adding aerators to taps is another simple and cost-effective solution to reduce water flow without compromising performance.
3. Evaluate lighting
According to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, lighting accounts for a significant proportion of energy use in commercial buildings, including bathrooms. Simple retrofits like motion sensor lighting can prevent energy wastage by automatically turning off lights when the bathroom is empty.
Switching to LED lights is another smart move, as they use up to 90 percent less energy, generate less heat, and last much longer than traditional bulbs. This can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills and a lower carbon footprint.
4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm both human health and the environment. Fortunately, safer alternatives are available. Look for cleaning products certified by GECA, Green Seal, or Safer Choice, which guarantee they meet stringent eco-friendly standards. In addition, choose products with biodegradable or recyclable packaging to reduce plastic waste.
5. Foster a sustainable culture
Implementing sustainable bathroom solutions is a positive step, but fostering a wider culture of sustainability will help you achieve your goals. Engage your cleaning staff in environmental initiatives and seek feedback from customers to understand how they perceive your venue’s sustainability efforts.
Prioritising sustainability with practical steps like these shows guests you’re committed to reducing your environmental impact. By conserving resources, improving efficiency, and adopting eco-friendly products, you can reduce your carbon footprint and strengthen your brand’s reputation as a responsible business.
About the author:
Giorgia Giove is the marketing manager for Sofidel, a leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use.
Photo by Daniel Lugardo on Unsplash
