Why Do UK Hotel Venues Lag in Sustainability?

There are challenges in achieving sustainability for UK hotel venues

The publication of the 2023 Cornell Hotel Sustainability Index at the end of last month revealed that the UK doesn’t feature in the top 3 countries where hotels rank highly for sustainability (these are Norway, Sweden and Costa Rica). While many countries have made substantial progress, the UK faces unique challenges in its quest for fully sustainable hotel venues. What are these challenges, and what questions should event profs ask when shortlisting hotel venues for their events?

The UK’s Sustainable Hospitality Landscape

The United Kingdom has been proactive in promoting sustainability initiatives across various sectors, including the hospitality industry. However, several factors contribute to the struggle faced by hotel venues in achieving full sustainability.

1. Aging Infrastructure:

One significant challenge faced by hotel venues in the UK is our aging infrastructure. Many historic and iconic venues possess architectural features that limit the implementation of modern sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient systems, renewable energy generation, and effective waste management.

2. Limited Space for Renewable Energy:

The UK’s smaller land area compared to other countries also presents a constraint when it comes to incorporating renewable energy solutions. Hotel venues often struggle to find sufficient space for installing solar panels or wind turbines, limiting their capacity to generate clean energy.

3. Regulatory Framework and Policy:

The regulatory framework and policies in the UK, while supporting sustainability goals, can also pose obstacles for hotel venues.

i. Complex Planning Permissions:

Obtaining planning permissions for sustainable infrastructure installations can be a complex and time-consuming process in the UK. The bureaucratic hurdle makes it challenging for hotel venues to implement sustainable practices within a reasonable timeframe.

ii. Unclear Incentives:

While the UK government offers incentives and grants for sustainable initiatives, these programs may lack clarity or have limited accessibility. The absence of clear guidelines and consistent support makes it difficult for hotel venues to navigate the sustainability landscape effectively.

4. Supply Chain Challenges:

The pursuit of sustainability requires collaboration throughout the entire supply chain, which can be a challenging task for hotel venues in the UK.

5. Local Sourcing Limitations:

Despite the rising demand for locally sourced products and services, the UK faces limitations in terms of local availability. Hotel venues often struggle to find reliable local suppliers for sustainable materials, food, and beverages, hindering their ability to embrace a fully sustainable approach.

6. Transportation and Logistics:

Logistics and transportation play a crucial role in sustainability efforts. The UK’s dense urban environment, coupled with limited public transport infrastructure, increases reliance on road transportation. This reliance on vehicles can have a significant environmental impact, particularly when it comes to large-scale events hosted by hotel venues.

With all the above in mind, here’s our handy checklist for exploring the suitability of hotel venues for your event.

Key Questions for #EventProfs Investigating Hotels & Venues

1. What sustainable initiatives has the venue implemented? (e.g., energy-efficient systems, waste management practices, water conservation measures)

2. Does the venue have any certifications or accreditations for sustainability? (e.g., LEED certification, Green Key, ISO 14001, EcoSmart)

3. What renewable energy sources are used or planned for the venue?

4. How does the venue manage waste and recycling? Are there any composting or recycling programs in place?

5. Does the venue have a clear sustainability policy and targets?

6. What efforts are made to source local, seasonal, and sustainably produced food and beverages?

7. How does the venue encourage sustainable transportation options for guests and event attendees?

8. Are there any partnerships with local sustainability-focused organisations or suppliers?

9. Does the venue have plans for ongoing sustainability improvements and innovations?

10. What support does the venue provide to event planners in achieving sustainability goals?

While the UK has embraced sustainability and made progress in various sectors, achieving full sustainability in UK hotel venues continues to pose unique challenges. Event planners should be aware of this and ask critical questions when investigating hotel venues for their events. Even within the challenging environment, hotels can still demonstrate that they are making steps to achieve sustainability and help event planners meet their sustainability targets.

If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable event planning, get in touch to find out how our tool track can calculate your event’s projected carbon footprint and help you evaluate the impact of different venue choices.