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By Piyush Gupta, CEO, VOSMOS
The hospitality industry is a significant part of global economies, but it is facing increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. With growing awareness of climate change, consumers now demand sustainable practices from the businesses they support. According to Statista, 80 percent of travelers worldwide believe that sustainable travel is important. The industry stands at a crossroads: it can either continue on its current path and risk further environmental damage or innovate to lead the way toward a sustainable future.
The Global Hotel Decarbonisation Report by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance reveals that the industry must reduce carbon emissions by 66 percent per room by 2030 and by 90 percent per room by 2050 to meet climate goals. This daunting challenge also presents a significant opportunity for innovation and leadership.
Beyond carbon emissions, the hospitality industry affects biodiversity through excessive resource use, unsustainable sourcing, waste generation, and irresponsible tourism. Restaurants play a crucial role here. Food production is the primary driver of biodiversity loss, contributing to 60-70% of terrestrial and 50% of freshwater biodiversity decline.
However, the hospitality industry has a unique position to drive positive change. By adopting sustainable design and practices, it can become a model of environmental responsibility.
Using AI, ML, and the Metaverse for Sustainability
Technology, particularly AI, ML, and the metaverse, offers powerful tools to address these challenges.
AI and ML for Optimization
AI plays a crucial role in energy optimization by analyzing consumption patterns, identifying inefficiencies, and optimizing systems like HVAC and lighting. Predictive analytics forecast energy demand, enabling proactive management and reducing waste.
In waste management, AI-powered image recognition sorts waste accurately, improving recycling rates, while smart bins optimize waste collection routes, cutting down transportation emissions. AI also enhances supply chain sustainability by tracing the origin of food and other products to ensure they meet sustainability standards.
Predictive analytics optimize inventory management, reducing food waste and related emissions. For guest engagement, AI-powered chatbots educate guests about sustainable practices, encouraging eco-friendly behavior. Personalized recommendations based on guest preferences help reduce resource consumption. Additionally, AI accurately calculates the carbon footprint of guest stays, providing valuable data for improvement.
Metaverse for Training and Awareness
The metaverse is a powerful tool for training and awareness in the hospitality industry. It offers immersive training experiences for staff on sustainable practices, covering everything from energy conservation to waste management. For guest education, interactive virtual experiences inform guests about the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, encouraging environmentally friendly behavior. Additionally, virtual tours of sustainable hotels can inspire other properties to adopt similar practices, spreading the impact of these eco-friendly initiatives.
Real-World Applications
Many forward-thinking hotels and restaurants are already using these technologies to be more sustainable. Hotels use AI to manage energy consumption, reducing their carbon footprint. Smart thermostats and lighting systems adjust settings based on occupancy and time of day, cutting down on unnecessary energy use. Restaurants use AI to minimize food waste.
By analyzing purchase and consumption patterns, AI predicts demand more accurately, ensuring less food goes to waste. Smart composting systems turn organic waste into valuable compost, reducing landfill contributions.
AI helps businesses track and verify the sustainability of their supply chains, ensuring that products are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. AI-driven platforms enhance guest experiences while promoting sustainability. Some hotels use chatbots to provide information on local sustainable activities and encourage guests to participate in green practices during their stay.
Several hotel chains in India, including The Marriott, now use AI facial recognition for easy check-ins. The Park Inn by Radisson IP Extension has introduced smart rooms with voice assistants, allowing guests to control lighting and TVs and automate service requests.
Recent research from Accenture found that 83% of people aged 25 to 34 are willing to spend more on sustainable travel options. Hospitality businesses that don’t meet these expectations might lose out to greener competitors. The industry is at a key point where adopting sustainable practices can help tackle environmental issues and attract more eco-conscious travelers. While moving toward sustainability is challenging, with innovation and dedication, the hospitality industry can play a leading role in fighting climate change.
