[How To] Build an Eco-Friendly Hotel with Green FF&E

As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, travelers are increasingly seeking accommodations that align with their eco-conscious values. The tourism industry, once a major contributor  to environmental strain, is now undergoing a significant transformation.

Hotels, in particular, are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimize their carbon footprint while delivering exceptional guest experience.  

A recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed that tourism accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is expected to rise by 25% by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Designing an eco-friendly hotel meets the expectations of modern travelers is no longer a desirable goal; it’s a necessity.

Eco-Friendly Hotels are the Way

Countless studies on millennial consumer behavior have found that sustainability is not simply a “want,” it’s a requirement made by this travel rich generation. In fact, 87% of millennials have made a purchase decision based on a product or service's social or environmental benefits.

If you’re looking to appeal to those “sustainable-minded” guests here are a few things to consider when designing your Eco-friendly hotel and choosing your hotel’s FF&E.

1. Choosing Eco-Friendly Hotel Interior Design Materials
2. PSA on LCA
3. Offer the Extras

1. Choosing Eco-Friendly Hotel Interior Design Materials

Toxic chemicals aren’t just found in research labs. We live and breathe them in almost every environment we encounter through our day-to-day lives.

Why is this a concern? These chemicals can contaminate the environment and create a toxic atmosphere with significant health risks. In confined hotel rooms, the exposure to these chemicals can be amplified.

What can you do to help keep your staff and travelers safe: specify eco-friendly interior design materials to help create a safer environment for both your employees and your guests.

Common Eco-Friendly Material Options and their Benefits:

• Organic fabrics – grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals, reducing environmental pollution. These fabrics are often more breathable and comfortable, promoting healthier living. Some examples are cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo.
  
  
• Bamboo – highly renewable and grows rapidly, reducing environmental impact. It’s naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for textiles and home goods.
  
  
• Unfinished wood – reduces the need for harmful chemicals and finishes, promoting indoor air quality. It allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. 
  
  
• Sustainable wood – replanting fast-growing trees guarantees a sustainable supply. This supports healthy forests and helps combat climate change. Bamboo, eucalyptus, and poplar are fast-growing trees used for wood products.
  
  
• Reclaimed materials – reduce waste in landfills and conserve resources. These materials often have unique character and history, adding a distinctive touch to your home or project. Reclaimed wood, bricks, and metal can be used for furniture, flooring, and building materials.
  
  
• FSC-certified wood and adhesives – that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. They support sustainable forestry practices and protect biodiversity.

Specifying domestic products will also reduce (or eliminate) harmful chemicals due to the US's stricter manufacturing policies.

Going with a US manufacturer for hotel furniture production also reduces carbon footprint in subtle ways as well. It limits the amount of transit and emissions and has other environmental benefits.

2. PSA on LCA

One of the most effective ways to measure and report the sustainability impact of your FF&E choices is to conduct life-cycle assessments (LCAs). An LCA is a comprehensive tool that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product, material, process, or activity throughout its entire lifespan. 

By assessing the raw materials, processing, transportation, use, and disposal of your FF&E, you can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about more sustainable options. 

LCA results can help promote responsible design and redesign, reducing overall environmental impacts and the use of toxic materials.

3. Offer The Extras

Sure, every hotelier would like to say they've transformed their rooftop into a garden oasis, helping to lower their carbon footprint, or even turn their hotel into a completely LEED-certified building. But that also takes a lot of green (money) and can result in some major construction overhauls.

So how can you get a sustainable, sought-after, green hotel also stay within budget (and win those PR points)? 

• It’s 2024, it’s time to go paperless.
• Offer discounted rates to sustainable companies who would like to stay at and/or hold meetings at your hotel.
• Donate leftover guest amenities, old furniture, and appliances to charities.
• Offer glass cups and ceramic mugs (instead of plastic) for in-room beverages.
• Whenever possible, buy food and guest amenities in bulk (i.e., use refillable hair and skincare dispensers).
• Offer premier or free parking for green vehicles

Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Stay

Incorporating energy-saving technologies is one of the simplest and most effective ways hotels can reduce their environmental footprint. 

Switching to LED lighting, for example, cuts energy use by up to 75% compared to traditional lighting, while also lasting longer, which means fewer replacements and less waste. 

Energy-efficient appliances, like smart HVAC systems and water heaters, take things even further by optimizing energy use without sacrificing guest comfort. These systems help maintain ideal temperatures and air quality while quietly reducing the hotel’s overall energy demand. 

And the financial upside of these upgrades is hard to ignore. By reducing energy usage, hotels can lower their operating costs, making these investments well worth it over time. 

Energy-efficient hotels offer a win-win: guests benefit from improved comfort and reduced noise, while the planet benefits from reduced environmental impact. As sustainability becomes a top priority for travelers, these hotels are increasingly sought after.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reducing waste in FF&E starts during installation, with smart decisions like recycling and repurposing materials. 

Instead of always sourcing new items, hotels can get creative by reusing materials. Think reclaimed wood for furniture or recycled textiles for fabrics, as mentioned above. Not only does this give a second life to products that would otherwise be discarded, but it also cuts down on the demand for raw materials and helps tell a story of sustainability. For instance, old shipping pallets can be turned into unique pieces of furniture, adding charm while keeping waste out of landfills​.

Beyond the initial installation, waste management is an ongoing effort. Opting for modular and durable FF&E helps ensure replacements are needed less frequently, leading to less waste over time. 

Collaborating with suppliers committed to sustainable practices enables hotels to select FF&E that supports both environmental initiatives and operational performance.

Artone’s Environmental Policy

We believe in doing what we can do to conserve, period. We are committed to creating a cleaner and safer environment throughout our workplace and products. 

We are committed to making a positive difference for our planet and communities, believing that every small effort matters. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

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This article was originally published in October of 2019 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.