A Path to More Sustainable Operations

Michelle Williams
4/23/2024

Sustainability has become an increasingly vital focus of late in various industries, including vacation rental management. Engaging in more sustainable back-of-house operations has numerous benefits for a vacation rental business, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. For instance, contributing to the global effort to reduce environmental impact can enhance your guest experience and strengthen your brand as a responsible and forward-thinking business.

Many guests are now seeking eco-friendly accommodation options, and showcasing your commitment to sustainability can become a unique selling point for your properties. That said, you need to be able to “walk the walk” and ensure that you are backing up your eco-friendly promise with demonstrable practices. “Greenwashing” is the term used when a company gives a false impression or misleading information about how environmentally sound their practices or products are.

The good news is that many businesses might already be implementing sustainable practices without labeling them as such. Some of your products, tools, and technology may already be eco-friendly or energy efficient. Carrying out a sustainability audit and reviewing your existing operations to identify areas where the business is already acting in an environmentally conscious manner (or not) will help you set clear and measurable sustainability goals.

From reducing waste to saving water and using greener products, we have compiled a number of ideas that can get you started toward creating benchmarks and improving the sustainability of your operations. Not every company or community can immediately support all these actions; it is important to focus on what you can do. Think about which steps will generate the greatest impact, which will be the most important to guests, and which will maximize what can set you apart from your competitors.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Choose products with minimal packaging. Avoid single-use plastic wherever possible.
• Source supplies locally to reduce transportation emissions.
• Donate leftover amenities like soap, shampoo, and conditioner to local shelters or recycling programs.
• Repurpose old linens and towels as cleaning rags or donate them if in good condition.
• Set up designated recycling stations in housekeeping/maintenance areas for easy access. Ensure that these stations are well-maintained and clearly labeled.
• Train staff on how to identify and sort recyclable items properly.
• Partner with local recycling vendors for items like batteries, light bulbs, and electronic waste. Implement a system for handling hazardous waste safely.
• Conduct regular waste audits to identify areas for improvement and track progress. Use the findings to adjust practices and reduce waste further.
• Properly dispose of or recycle old appliances and building materials.
• Implement energy- and water-saving techniques and appliances.

Sustainable Housekeeping

• Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals (including fragrances) that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Switch to biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce toxicity to people, pets, and the environment.
• Avoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Many standard cleaning products emit VOCs, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and trigger allergies or asthma.
• Opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead of using disposable paper towels. In addition to generating less trash, microfiber cloths also require less water for cleaning. 
• Train staff on using the right amount of cleaning product for each task to avoid waste.

• Implement a recycling program for waste generated during cleaning.
• Purchase cleaning supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
• Use refillable containers for cleaning products. Leveraging dispensers for cleaning products helps to control portions and reduce waste. Make sure to regularly check and maintain equipment to ensure it dispenses products accurately.
• Use washable mop heads and cleaning pads.
• Launder with sustainable detergents, which are available for both commercial and residential equipment.
• Utilize energy-efficient equipment and regularly maintain it to ensure that it operates efficiently.

Sustainable Maintenance

• Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems for optimal performance.
• Use LED or energy-efficient lighting throughout your properties and offices.
• Fix leaks promptly to prevent water wastage.
• Use sustainable or recycled materials for repairs and renovations.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify areas needing improvement or repair. Focus on preventative maintenance to address issues before they become major.
• Utilize energy-efficient appliances and fixtures and regularly maintain equipment to ensure they operate efficiently.

Guest Participation

• Provide informational materials regarding your sustainability efforts and include actionable steps that guests can take to participate in these efforts.
• For instance, you can encourage guests to perform simple actions like turning off lights or appliances when not in use, conserving water, and reusing towels.
• Provide recycling bins and compost bins in your properties.
• Offer incentives or recognition for guests who actively participate in recycling initiatives.
• If you supply amenities like shampoo or soap, leverage refillable containers instead of single-use containers.
• Supply recycled paper products such as toilet paper or paper towels.

Homeowner Participation

• Minimalist décor, with fewer knickknacks and easy-to-access surfaces, will take housekeepers less time, energy, and products to clean.  
• LED light bulbs, motion sensor lighting, and smart thermostats can all help conserve energy.
• Owners can be encouraged to install low-flow showers and toilets to help conserve water.
• Switching to a lower-flow faucet aerator can reduce water use without reducing performance.
• When it is time to upgrade larger appliances, encourage owners to invest in energy-efficient ones.
• Provide drying lines or racks that can encourage guests to hang clothing to dry instead of relying on a powered dryer.
• Encourage owners to install an EV charger for guests with electric vehicles. This is a cutting-edge amenity that will set their property apart while catering to the growing number of environmentally conscious guests.

These are just some of the many eco-friendly actions that your business can take on its path to greater sustainability. As you move forward, provide your staff with training on green practices, encouraging awareness and responsibility among the team. In addition, recognizing and celebrating sustainable efforts, even if they’re minor, can motivate employees to actively engage in further sustainable actions.    

Adopting sustainable practices across your vacation rental operations is not just beneficial for the environment; it also offers substantial benefits to the business itself, the local community, and your owners and guests. It contributes to a positive brand image, operational efficiencies, cost savings, and an overall enhanced guest experience, making the greening of your business a win-win.

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