Sustainable Hospitality Practices: Highlight eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices in the industry

Celebrating International Hospitality Day with a Commitment to Sustainability

Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson, Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI

As we mark International Hospitality Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the growing importance of sustainable hospitality, an approach that not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters long-term value for communities and businesses alike.

The hospitality industry, being resource-intensive, must take proactive steps to minimize its ecological footprint. Today, sustainability is no longer a choice but a responsibility. Encouragingly, many hotels and restaurants are adopting eco-conscious measures such as energy-efficient appliances, solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting units and eliminating single-use plastics.

Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has taken firm strides in this direction. Our collaboration with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) aims to promote green building certifications and encourage environment-friendly designs in hospitality establishments. Furthermore, our recent MoU with AIC–BARC for implementing sustainable solid waste management technologies like ‘Nisargruna’ offers hotels a viable solution for managing biodegradable waste at the source.

These efforts not only align with global sustainability goals but also resonate with the conscious traveller who seeks meaningful and responsible experiences. Sustainable hospitality promotes community engagement, supports local economies and contributes to preserving India’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.

As we move forward, it is essential for all stakeholders including Governments, industry players and guests to collaborate in building a regenerative tourism model that gives back more than it takes. On this special day, let us renew our commitment to a greener, cleaner and more responsible hospitality industry.

Innovative Hospitality for a Greener Tomorrow: The Fern's Sustainability Journey

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts

The hospitality industry has long played a pivotal role in shaping global tourism and enriching local economies. Today, it stands at the forefront of a powerful transformation where sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a pathway to innovation, resilience and meaningful guest experiences.

At The Fern Hotels & Resorts, we believe that environmental responsibility and exceptional hospitality are not opposing ideals, but essential partners. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations, guided by the conviction that progress must be both innovative and responsible.

A major pillar of our approach is renewable energy. Several of our properties are powered in part by solar panels, significantly reducing reliance on conventional sources and lowering carbon emissions. This is bolstered by energy-efficient LED lighting and equipment that further enhance our environmental performance. Equally vital is our focus on water conservation. We have implemented advanced water recycling systems and rainwater harvesting across many properties, alongside low-flow fixtures that preserve water without compromising guest comfort.

Effective waste management forms a key pillar of our strategy. Through meticulous segregation, composting and recycling partnerships, we reduce landfill contributions. Eliminating single-use plastics in favour of biodegradable and reusable alternatives furthers our commitment to environmental responsibility. Beyond operations, we actively engage guests in eco-friendly practices like tree planting and community clean-ups, enriching their stay and promoting collective responsibility.

At The Fern Hotels & Resorts, we see sustainability not as a destination, but as a defining purpose that inspires us to lead with integrity, innovate with intention and redefine what responsible hospitality truly means.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality

Rama Mahendru- Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel

International Hospitality Day is a great reminder of what our industry is truly about—people, places, and the connections we help create. But with that privilege comes responsibility.

Sustainability in hospitality doesn’t have to be complex. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—cutting down on single-use plastics, using local ingredients, or training teams to be mindful of energy and water use. These small steps, when done consistently, make a big impact. Guests notice too, and increasingly, they value businesses that care for the planet.

Our industry plays a big role in shaping how travelers experience local cultures and communities. That means we need to be thoughtful—supporting local businesses, celebrating heritage, and we must ensure that the growth of tourism enriches rather than burdens local communities.

At its core, hospitality is about care—caring for our people, our communities, and our environment. As industry leaders, we must continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose. By aligning our operations with sustainability and responsibility. Every small step matters, it’s up to us to keep the momentum going—not just on International Hospitality Day, but every day.”

Leading the Way in Sustainable Events: Radisson Blu's Carbon Compensated Meetings

Anirban Sarkar, General Manager, Radisson Blu Greater Noida

As environmental concerns take center stage globally, the demand for sustainable practices in all industries has grown exponentially. In the hospitality industry, this translates into a growing focus on reducing the carbon footprint of events and meetings. Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida is leading the charge by offering Carbon Compensated Meetings and Events, an innovative approach to sustainable hospitality that sets a new benchmark in eco-friendly event hosting.

At Radisson Blu Greater Noida, we are proud to offer Carbon Compensated Meetings in partnership with First Climate and Carbon Footprint Ltd., the world’s most reputable carbon offset organizations. This means that for every meeting or event held at our venue, the carbon emissions generated are automatically calculated and compensated through certified carbon offset projects, all at no additional cost to our clients. This initiative is part of a broader global commitment by the Radisson Hotel Group to reduce environmental impact, making us the only hotel brand to offer Carbon Compensated Meetings across all of our hotels worldwide.

This innovative carbon compensation process is effortless for both the event organizers and attendees. From large-scale corporate conferences to Weddings and intimate social gatherings, every event at Radisson Blu Greater Noida leaves a minimal environmental footprint, helping organizations achieve their sustainability goals with ease. Companies that are increasingly focused on minimizing their carbon impact can now align their corporate meetings and events with their environmental objectives, ensuring that they not only host impactful events but also contribute positively to global sustainability efforts.

Green Retreat: Karma Lakelands' Commitment to Sustainable Living

Akash Roy Saigal, General Manager, Karma Lakelands

"At Karma Lakelands, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, driven by a range of impactful, planet-friendly initiatives. Our organic farming practices allow us to serve fresh, chemical-free, farm-to-table meals, while our comprehensive waste management system ensures composting of organic waste, recycling of plastics and e-waste, and a dedicated effort to eliminate single-use plastics in favor of sustainable alternatives. We prioritise water conservation through rainwater harvesting, treated wastewater irrigation, and eco-friendly urinals that significantly reduce our water footprint. A substantial portion of our energy needs is met through solar power, and the use of electric golf carts and vehicles across the property helps cut down on both noise and air pollution. Our golf course is thoughtfully designed with minimal chemical use and organic maintenance, reflecting our belief in sustainable recreation without compromise. Additionally, our ‘Seed to Sample’ initiative gives guests the opportunity to engage more deeply with our eco-conscious philosophy, educating them on sustainable farming practices and encouraging a more mindful way of living."

Travel with Purpose: Hilton's Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality

Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park

At Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, sustainability isn't an afterthought, it’s the foundation on which we build every guest experience. In today’s world, where travel is more conscious and mindful than ever, true hospitality means not just welcoming people but also protecting the planet that makes those journeys possible.

We have taken this mission to heart. Through Hilton’s global Travel with Purpose ESG strategy, we have embedded environmental stewardship, social impact, and ethical governance into our DNA. It’s no longer about doing less harm; it’s about actively doing good.

Powered by Purpose

Today, 96% of our Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Manyata’s energy comes from renewable sources. Moreover, we are working towards achieving Hilton’s 2030 goals of:

· 75% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions intensity

· 56% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity

· 50% reduction in water use and food waste intensity

· 100% waste diversion from landfill

Innovation in Action

Our in-house water bottling plant produces 2,500 glass bottles daily replacing thousands of plastic bottles annually, offering guests pure, safe water with zero waste. Our solar-powered hot water system produces up to 15,000 litres daily, showcasing clean energy at work. Inside every room, we have bid goodbye to single-use plastics. Instead, guests sip from eco-mugs made of rice and coffee husks and enjoy amenities that are sustainably sourced and packaged.

Even our smallest choices reflect our bigger purpose like our zero soap waste program, where leftover toiletries are recycled instead of ending up in landfills. Moreover, food is thoughtfully sourced and carefully served with focus on sourcing materials from local vendors and sustainable farmers allowing us to create multi-dimensional, healthy, and sustainable culinary concepts.

Designing for a Greener Future

Our LEED Gold-certified property is built with sustainability in mind. From energy-efficient HVAC systems and double-glazed windows to green roofs that support biodiversity and reduce urban heat, every architectural decision is a nod to the environment. Thoughtful design ensures we reduce dependency on artificial lighting and cooling, without compromising on guest comfort.

People and Planet First

Sustainability at Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Manyata is also about people. Our teams are trained in environmental and social impact initiatives, and we are actively building partnerships

with responsible suppliers to expand our influence. We proudly support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Every guest who stays here contributes to something bigger whether they know it or not and we make sure their footprint is lighter because of it.

Looking Ahead

In 2024, we received the Hotelier India ESG Excellence Award, which is a testament to our team's relentless dedication towards sustainability and responsible business practices and in turn motivating us to elevate our standards and continue leading in sustainable hospitality

This journey continues with bold steps toward net-zero emissions, zero-waste operations, and water conservation. But most importantly, we are creating a space where sustainability and comfort don’t just coexist—they elevate each other.

Greening Your Hotel: Essential Sustainability Strategies

Rajib Roy Choudhury - Senior General Manager, Hotel Vedic Village Spa Resort

Sustainable hospitality practices include :
- Energy Efficiency: Using LED lighting, energy efficient appliances and green HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption

-Water Conservation: Implementing low flow fixtures and greywater systems to minimize water usage

- Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Composting

- Sustainable Sourcing: Prioritizing local and eco friendly products

- Green Building Design: Using sustainable materials, green roofs and energy-efficient design

-Guest Engagement: Educating guests on sustainable practices and encouraging participation

- Digital Solutions: Digitizing guest experiences, reducing paper waste and optimizing operations.

Sailing Towards Sustainability: Seven Seas' Eco-Friendly Journey

Ramesh Dang, Director, Seven Seas Hospitality

Sustainability is a growing focus for us at Seven Seas. From eliminating single-use plastics to promoting responsible waste management and water conservation, we’re

continuously working to reduce our environmental footprint. We also encourage guests to make greener choices during their stay, fostering a shared responsibility toward our planet.

Embracing Sustainability: Novotel Kolkata's Responsible Approach

Akash Bansal, Director of Operations, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences

At Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, sustainability is not just a practice—it’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly. From switching to energy-efficient LED lighting to generating clean energy through our solar panels, we’ve taken several meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact. Our in-house bottling plant helps minimize single-use plastic, while waste reduction initiatives and sourcing raw materials from local markets support both the environment and the community. These efforts go beyond operations—they reflect our core values. We’re proud to be recognized as a Green Key certified hotel, a global symbol of our commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Sustainability is the need of the hour, and we actively encourage our guests to join us in this journey—whether by choosing glass water bottles, supporting local produce, or simply being mindful of energy use during their stay. Together, through conscious choices, we can make a lasting impact.

Green Retreat: Clarks Exotica's Harmonious Approach to Hospitality

Chetan - Chief Engineer, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa

Nature is not a backdrop at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa—it’s the heart of our experience. Sprawled across 70 acres of lush greenery, our resort is designed to coexist harmoniously with the environment, guided by sustainable hospitality at every level.

Our commitment starts with infrastructure. We’ve implemented solar power systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting to minimize our ecological footprint. Over 60% of the water used on the property is recycled, and landscaping is done using drought-resistant native plants that reduce the need for excessive irrigation.

Our kitchens embrace a ‘local-first’ philosophy, sourcing fruits, vegetables, dairy, and spices from nearby farms. We actively reduce single-use plastic across F&B, amenities, and in-room dining. Guests are also encouraged to be part of the journey—with options to reuse linen, opt for low-waste dining, or join guided eco-walks that educate while inspiring.

Our waste management system separates biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, with composting done on-site to nourish our gardens. We also collaborate with NGOs and local vendors to upcycle materials and support green innovations.

For us, sustainability isn’t a marketing message—it’s an ethos. A belief that luxury and responsibility can not only coexist, but enhance each other. Clarks Exotica is proud to offer guests a stay that is indulgent, immersive, and environmentally intelligent.

Eco-Friendly Hotels: Reducing Environmental Impact

Radhika Changoiwala - Marketing & Communications Manager at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

Sustainable hospitality practices focus on eco-friendly initiatives like energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and local sourcing. Many hotels also adopt green building designs, eliminate single-use plastics, and implement zero-waste programs to reduce their environmental impact.

Sustainability in Action: ITC Grand Central's Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Kunal Pahwa, General Manager, ITC Grand Central Mumbai

Through sustainable initiatives like Sunya Aqua, which is providing zero-mile water. It is purified drinking water to cut down on plastic waste. ITC Grand Central promotes sustainable hospitality. Moreover, with recycled packaging and ethical sourcing by our online food delivery services or takeaway dining Gourmet Couch, the hotel further promotes eco-friendly living. We also believe in practising Waste Segregation and the Organic Waste Converter.

Hence, the hotel has been woven with innumerable sustainable practices

Hospitality Redefined: Where Technology Meets Tradition and Sustainability

Vijay Parashar, F&B Manager, The Orchid Hotel, Shiml

In today’s evolving hospitality landscape, we’re witnessing a beautiful blend of innovation, personalization, and purpose. Technology is transforming the way we connect with our guests—virtual reality tours now offer a glimpse of the Himalayan charm before check-in, while smart room features and seamless digital services make stays effortless. But beyond convenience, it’s the personal touches that truly matter. Every guest is unique, and crafting experiences around their preferences—from food to adventure—has become central to how we host. Equally important is our role as stewards of the environment. Nestled in the lap of nature, we take pride in eco-friendly practices like water conservation, waste reduction, and sourcing from local farmers. Sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a way of life here. Our guests are invited to immerse themselves in the region’s culture, be it through Himachali cuisine, local art workshops, or guided nature walks led by our team. These authentic experiences foster a genuine connection with the place and its people. We also believe in practicing responsible tourism—ensuring that our presence uplifts the local community and respects the fragile ecosystem around us. As the industry shifts, we’re not just adapting—we’re reimagining what it means to offer hospitality. It’s about creating spaces that are warm yet mindful, high-tech yet human, rooted in tradition yet ready for tomorrow. Through every stay, every interaction, we aim to offer more than a room—we offer a meaningful, memorable journey.

Dining with a Conscience: The Growing Importance of Sustainable Hospitality

Hitesh Keswani, Managing Director at Aspect Hospitality

Sustainability has become essential in the restaurant industry. Diners are increasingly choosing restaurants that align with their values, particularly those that embrace eco-friendly practices. From sourcing locally grown, seasonal ingredients to reducing single-use plastics, sustainable hospitality is all about making conscious choices at every level of operation. In fact, many restaurants are shifting to farm-to-table models, supporting regional farmers, and cutting down on transportation emissions. Additionally, many are turning to composting, recycling, and food waste reduction programs. Water-saving kitchen equipment, energy-efficient appliances, and green building materials are also becoming the norm. Furthermore, menus are being redesigned and shared with customers in digital formats. Sustainability through transparent means not only attracts guests with similar values, it also builds trust and loyalty, in turn improving the overall dining experience of guests.”

Eco-Friendly Practices: Enhancing Guest Comfort while Minimizing Our Footprint

Glen Dsouza, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata

Sustainability is no longer just a responsibility—it’s a core pillar of how modern hospitality should function. We’ve integrated several eco-friendly practices into our daily operations to minimize our environmental footprint while enhancing guest comfort.For starters, we’ve transitioned to cage-free eggs and have incorporated plant-based options into our menus, promoting both animal welfare and conscious dining. Over 90% of our lighting across the property uses energy-efficient LED systems, and dimmable lighting has been installed in public areas to optimize energy use without compromising ambiance.Our guest rooms feature smart thermostats equipped with motion and humidity sensors, ensuring intelligent climate control and energy conservation. We also provide sustainable amenities in rooms and have introduced wooden key cards as a greener alternative to plastic.In the back of house, we ensure kitchen used oil is responsibly disposed of through authorized vendors, and garbage is carefully segregated to support recycling and waste management efforts. These small yet impactful steps are part of our ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future in hospitality.