(Going Green Will be the Most Important Trend in Hospitality)
Academic Paper
Introduction
Being Green is the most important trend in hospitality. Being green has no standard definition. This term is commonly associated with eco-friendly business. It is generally practiced through the installation of solar panels on rooftops, the reduction of carbon emissions, or even the recycling of waste (Kasavana 2008). This is I consideration of the fact that ‘being green’ is one of the emerging trends in hospitality and is suggested by research as one of the most important trends in the field. Green hospitality promotes cost effectiveness and the protection of the environment at the same time. In this view, the writer will examine the claim that being green is the most significant trend in hospitality. It aims to answer the research question, is being green the most important trend in hospitality?
Literature Review
Going green in the hospitality industry is now considered mainstream. It is because of the growing popularity of the movement of going green. In green hospitality, one must consider the three part balance – profit, planet, and people. Taking those three components into account, a sustainable development program for going green in hospitality can lead to benefits for the environment and the society, as well. It also makes the industry cost-effectively viable (Wang et al 2009). Several research findings show that there are several economic benefits that can be acquired in hotels through the implementation of social and environmental proposals. The cost effectiveness of going green in hospitality includes the loyalty of the clients, the increased value of the brand, compliance to regulations, recognition and award, retention of the work force, risk management, and being a leader in the field, which lead to a competitive advantage. Nowadays, numerous companies are implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social plans, which they practice on a regular basis. Corporate social responsibility involves the local community, practicing and advocating for environmental plans, and the management of human resources. It has been widely practiced by several hotel industries in order to prevent t corporate unethical behavior from taking place within the system (Graci et al n.d). The hotel industries begin implementing the green hospital because they can save money and increase their profits. The expense of the company will increase and revenue will decrease. The hotel industries can save water and energy, and can save on water bills by up to 40 percent. The hotel industry can offer allergy-friendly rooms to clients at a premium and reduce the use of products that are toxic, in turn reducing the health risks for the staff members. In addition, healthy indoor air can increase productivity, which means that employees can contribute to the achievement of the organization’s goals and objectives (Ruben n.d; Ruben 2013).
The reason for the green movement is because of the increase in environmental problems, which result from the excessive consumption of energy. The idea behind the sustainable use of energy and the management of the environment has been suggested by almost everyone. Given that the hotel industry plays a significant role in the development of tourism, they are the ones that consume a substantial amount of energy and resources (Yang et al 2012; Han et al 2010). The hotels that promote green hospitality and being environmentally friendly often practice the reduction of solid waste, water conservation, and energy conservation. Furthermore, these hotels are concerned with its local community, culture, work force, and the surrounding environment (Millar et al 2008; Cortez et al 2009; Tzschentke et al 2008; California Department of General Services n.d).
Findings and Analysis
The result of the study is that ‘being green’ is the most important trend in hospitality. Indeed, being green is important in hospitality because it provides several benefits to organizations, particularly in the hotel industry, which centers on providing hospitality to its clients. The hotel industry has a significant part in the development of tourism; hence, they are by far the biggest consumer of energy and water. The hotel industries are aware that they consume a considerable amount of water and energy. As such, they implemented regulations about saving energy and practicing water conservation. The hotel industries began implementing environmental initiatives and promoting green hospitality because it not only protects the environment but also increases the company’s profits.
Methodology
The research utilizes a qualitative research methodology to support the claim that being green is the most important trend in hospitality. It is a type of research that involves collecting data and interpreting the data into findings in the form of themes and concepts, which explain the phenomena. The objective of this research is to actively incorporate the phenomena detailed cognition. In addition, qualitative research methodology uses the exploratory approach, which highlights the terms rather than quantifies and analyzes the gathered data. It considers the context and describes the phenomena in order to highlight the actual procedure and to develop theories and ideas as well (Devatak et al 2010). The research uses the qualitative research method by observing and analyzing the sources, in turn enabling the researcher to explore the concept of ‘being green’ in hospitality.
Conclusion
Green hospitality is practiced by most of the hotel industry because it realized the significance of being green. The concept of being green is cost-effective, environmental friendly, improves productivity, and attracts more customers. Given that the number of environmental issues is increasing, it is better for the hotel industry to implement green hospitality to reduce these problems. In addition, green hospitality is beneficial to the hotel industry because it reduces the expenses for energy and water bills and increases the revenues.
References
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