Sustainable Hospitality
Sustainable Hospitality focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint and promoting social responsibility within the hospitality industry. This includes adopting energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, conserving water, and sourcing locally to support sustainable food systems. It also involves fostering inclusive, fair working conditions for staff and engaging with local communities. By embracing sustainable practices, hospitality businesses can enhance guest experiences, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a greener, more ethical tourism sector, all while meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible travel options.
Legislation
The Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a key part of the EU Green Deal, aiming to decarbonize the building sector by improving energy efficiency. It introduces stricter standards for new and existing buildings, requiring all new buildings to be zero-emission by 2030 and public buildings by 2027. Renovation targets focus on reducing energy consumption in the least efficient buildings. The directive also promotes smart technologies, renewable energy integration, and financing for sustainable renovations. Key Objectives: -> Decarbonization by 2050: The directive aims for a fully decarbonized building stock by mid-century, contributing significantly to the EU's broader climate goals. -> Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The EPBD contributes to the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% in the building sector by 2030 compared to 2015 levels. Key Provisions: 1/ Zero-Emission Buildings: All new buildings are required to be zero-emission by 2030, with public buildings meeting this standard by 2027. 2/ Renovation of Existing Buildings: The directive mandates the renovation of existing buildings to improve their energy performance, targeting a 16% reduction in primary energy consumption for residential buildings by 2030. 3/ Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): The EPBD enhances the role of EPCs, ensuring they provide reliable information on building energy performance to owners and tenants. 4/ Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI): An optional scheme to assess the technological capability of buildings to interact with their occupants and the energy grid, promoting smart technologies and integration of renewables. 5/ E-Mobility: The directive promotes the installation of recharging points for electric vehicles in buildings, supporting the transition to sustainable mobility. Impact: -> Economic and Social Benefits: Improving the energy performance of buildings is expected to reduce energy bills, alleviate energy poverty, enhance indoor comfort, and create jobs in the construction and renovation sectors. 🔗 EP, EC
The revised Energy Efficiency Directive sets an EU energy efficiency target of reducing final energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030, compared to the reference year of 2020. It also introduces measures such as increasing annual energy savings obligations and prioritizing energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable customers and social housing. The new directive introduces a series of measures to help accelerate energy efficiency, including embracing the “energy efficiency first” principle in the energy and non-energy policies. Changes from the previous directives 2018/2002 and 2012/27/EU include the following: -> Establishing an EU legally-binding target to reduce the EU’s final energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030 (relative to the 2020 reference scenario). This includes for each Member State the requirement to set its indicative national contribution based on objective criteria reflecting national circumstances. If the national contributions do not add up to the EU target, an ambition gap mechanism is applied by the Commission. -> Increasing annual energy savings from 0.8% (at present) to 1.3% (2024-2025), then 1.5% (2026-2027) and 1.9% from 2028 onwards. That’s an average of 1.49% of new annual savings for the period from 2024-2030. -> Obliging Member States to prioritise vulnerable customers and social housing within the scope of their energy savings measures. -> Introducing an annual energy consumption reduction target of 1.9% for the public sector as a whole. -> Extending the annual 3% buildings renovation obligation to all the levels of public administration. -> Introducing a different approach, based on energy consumption, for business to have an energy management system or to carry out an energy audits. -> Bringing in a new obligation to monitor the energy performance of data centres, with an EU-level database collecting and publishing data. -> Promoting local heating & cooling plans in larger municipalities. -> Progressively increasing the efficient energy consumption in heat or cold supply, also in district heating.
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Introduction
Naked Retreats, a luxury eco-resort company in China, seamlessly blends sustainability with hospitality. Through energy-efficient design, water conservation, and renewable energy solutions, the company has created a unique ‘wild luxury’ experience that minimizes environmental impact while offering guests an immersive retreat in nature.
Background & Challenge
The hospitality industry is one of the world’s biggest energy consumers, responsible for high water usage, carbon emissions, and waste generation. With increasing pressure from climate-conscious travelers, regulators, and investors, sustainable practices are no longer optional—they’re a competitive advantage.
Naked Retreats set out to prove that eco-tourism can be both profitable and luxurious. The key challenges:
- Energy consumption & emissions – How to maintain comfort while drastically reducing energy waste?
- Water scarcity & waste management – How to reuse and treat water efficiently in a hospitality setting?
- Building sustainably in a high-end market – How to construct premium accommodations with minimal environmental impact?
- Guest participation – How to educate and engage guests in sustainability without compromising their experience?
Solution & Approach
Naked Retreats integrates sustainability at every level of its operations, from energy-efficient buildings to guest engagement and sustainable transportation. The company combines cutting-edge green technology with traditional eco-conscious practices, ensuring that luxury and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
1. Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
- Geothermal Borehole System:
- Uses underground heat storage to retain and reuse 70-80% of energy.
- Heat collected in summer is stored underground and retrieved in winter.
- Reduces dependence on external heating/cooling, cutting emissions and costs.
- Solar Power & LED Lighting:
- Photovoltaic solar panels installed on Tree Top Villas at Naked Stables, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Thermal solar collectors heat water more efficiently.
- LED lighting reduces energy consumption compared to traditional bulbs.
- Smart Building Envelope Design:
- Minimizes heat loss by using structurally insulated panels (SIPs) and autoclaved aerated blocks.
- Reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, lowering energy consumption.
2. Water Conservation & Waste Management
- ‘Reduce, Treat, Reuse’ Water Strategy:
- Each retreat biologically treats 180 tons of wastewater daily, fully reusing it for irrigation and flushing.
- Excess treated water is safely released into nearby wetlands to support the local ecosystem.
- Low-Water-Use Fixtures:
- Collaboration with eco-conscious brands (e.g., Kohler) to install low-flow taps, showers, and toilets.
- On-Site Composting & Recycling:
- Organic waste is composted and reused in the retreat’s landscaping.
- Recycling programs reduce landfill waste and align with circular economy principles.
3. Guest Engagement & Smart Consumption
- Guestroom Energy Monitoring System:
- Allows guests to track real-time energy and water consumption.
- Encourages responsible usage by rewarding guests who conserve resources.
- Sustainable Experience Integration:
- Guests participate in activities like eco-friendly farming, tea picking, and nature-based learning, reinforcing sustainability awareness.
4. Sustainable Transportation & Mobility
- Eco-Friendly Electric Carts:
- Unlike traditional lead-acid battery carts, Naked Retreats uses ultra-capacitor-powered electric carts.
- Fully charges in just 12 minutes and lasts over 20 years without replacement or maintenance.
- Reduces toxic battery waste and long-term operational costs.
- Local Sourcing & Reduced Carbon Footprint:
- Uses locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship in construction.
- Supports local farmers and businesses, reducing emissions from long-distance transportation.
Impact & Results
✅ First resort in China awarded LEED Platinum certification.
✅ 374 tons of CO₂ saved annually via solar panels at Naked Stables.
✅ Water use reduced through treatment and reuse systems.
✅ Energy-efficient buildings with minimized heat loss.
How This Can Be Applied to Other Projects:
🏨 Hotels & Resorts: Implement geothermal heating, energy-efficient designs, and guest engagement systems.
🏢 Corporate & Office Buildings: Use smart energy monitoring and water reuse systems to cut operational costs.
🏬 Retail & Malls: Install low-energy lighting, solar power, and sustainable HVAC solutions.
🏡 Residential Developments: Adapt geothermal systems, water conservation, and efficient insulation techniques for sustainable living spaces.
Key Takeaways & Lessons Learned
→ Sustainable luxury is achievable with the right design and technology.
→ Engaging guests in sustainability efforts increases awareness and impact.
→ Strategic partnerships with eco-conscious suppliers are crucial for long-term success.
6. Next Steps & Scalability
With new retreats in the pipeline, Naked Retreats aims to expand its eco-conscious hospitality model while continuing to push the boundaries of sustainable tourism.
Experts
View all experts ->Suppliers
View all suppliers ->ecoSPIRITS has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste spirits distribution technology. Their closed-loop system nearly eliminates packaging waste in the premium spirits supply chain, providing cost savings and reducing carbon footprint. By partnering with ecoSPIRITS, spirit producers, distributors, and hospitality operators can save costs and reduce their environmental impact.
VARIO stands out as a leading distributor in hygiene, cleaning, catering supplies, waste management, guest amenities, and personal protective equipment. Established in 2004, VARIO excels in delivering quality products and value-added services to commercial, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, and educational sectors. Their commitment lies in providing top-tier products and expertise, offering tailored integrated solutions to meet the diverse needs of their partners and customers.
Consulting services and project management for foreign investors in environmental fields:
- market analysis (resources, competition, stakeholders, legislation)
- case studies
- property obtainment
- support in environmental permission application
- marketing strategies
- business development
- management consultancy
- specialized consulting and project management services for investors in the recycling industry
- recommendation of appropriate recycling technologies and their configurations
Projects of waste-free replacement of disposable tableware for
- municipalities, companies, institutions, security forces
- hospitals and care facilities
- hotels, restaurants, clubs, welness
- transport means
Waste-free replacement of disposable tableware
with extremely durable, highly sustainable products made from specially designed plastics processed with advanced industrial technologies
- 100% recyclable, 100% reusable, carbon neutral glasess, cups, carafes and tableware
- using several thousand times
- worthy safe alternative to traditional glass and porcelain
Chemistry is a B-Corp Certified strategic design consultancy in Singapore and Amsterdam. They aim to champion collaboration and diversity to foster innovation. Their expertise spans industries like hospitality, healthcare, and consumer electronics, reimagining holistic customer experiences.
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