Water management in the hospitality industry: key to sustainability and competitiveness
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March 19, 2025
Content in collaboration with our partner Bioscore Sustainability, a sustainability consultancy for tourism companies.
Water as a strategic resource in the hotel sector
Water is an essential resource for the hospitality industry. Its use extends to multiple areas, from supplying rooms and common areas to maintaining swimming pools, gardens and laundry services. Efficient water management is key to reducing environmental impact, optimizing operating costs and complying with increasingly demanding regulations.
The tourism sector, especially in destinations with a high influx of visitors, faces growing challenges related to water stress and resource availability. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism industry accounts for approximately 1% of global water consumption, although in destinations with high hotel density this percentage can be considerably higher.
Against this backdrop, measuring and optimizing water consumption has become a strategic necessity for hotels. Not only does it reduce costs, but it also strengthens the reputation of the establishment and improves its positioning in a market where sustainability is a key decision factor for travelers.
The impact of water consumption in hotels
Water consumption in a hotel varies according to the type of establishment, its location and the category of service offered. Some relevant data on water use in the hotel industry include:
● A hotel guest can consume between 300 and 1,200 liters of water per day, depending on the type of accommodation and facilities available.
● Laundry and room cleaning account for approximately 16% of total water consumption in a hotel.
● Pool and spa maintenance can account for up to 20% of a hotel's total water expenditure.
● Irrigation of gardens and green areas, especially in arid regions, can consume up to 30% of the water used by a facility.
These data highlight the need to adopt a strategic approach to water management in order to minimize waste and ensure efficient use of this resource.
Technological solutions for efficient water management
Water management in the hotel industry involves not only reducing consumption, but also implementing tools to measure, analyze and optimize water use. To this end, Bioscore Sustainability provides innovative solutions based on technology and certification, enabling hotels to manage their water footprint more efficiently.
1. Real-time consumption monitoring and analysis
One of the main challenges in water management is the lack of detailed information on consumption in different areas of the hotel. Through digital platforms such as Bioscore Sustainability, hotels can:
● Obtain accurate data on water consumption by area of the facility.
● Detect usage patterns and possible waste or leaks.
● Compare its performance with other hotels with similar characteristics.
The availability of this data allows informed decisions to be made and concrete measures to reduce consumption to be established.
2. Implementation of consumption optimization measures
Once consumption in each area of the hotel has been identified, specific solutions can be applied to reduce water use without compromising the guest experience. Some of the most effective strategies include:
● Installation of low-flow faucets and showerheads.
● Implementation of graywater reuse systems in laundry and irrigation.
● Use of smart irrigation technologies with humidity sensors for gardens and green areas.
● Raising awareness among guests and employees about responsible water use through information campaigns.
3. Blue Leaf Bioscore Certification: a hallmark of water sustainability.
For hotels seeking to consolidate their commitment to sustainability and differentiate themselves in the market, Bioscore Sustainability offers the Blue Leaf Bioscore certificate, a specific certification for efficient water management in tourist accommodations.
This award evaluates multiple aspects of water management, including:
● Water consumption reduction and efficiency policies.
● Implementation of water optimization and reuse technologies.
● Transparency in the communication of water metrics.
● Awareness-raising actions aimed at guests and employees.
Hotels that obtain the Blue Leaf Bioscore certificate improve their competitiveness in the sector and reinforce their commitment to sustainability, allowing them to access markets and platforms specialized in responsible tourism.
Benefits of efficient water management in the hotel industry
Investing in water consumption optimization not only has environmental benefits, but also translates into operational and commercial advantages for hotels.
● Reduced operating costs: Reducing water consumption implies a direct reduction in supply and maintenance costs.
● Regulatory compliance: In many regions, water consumption regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and having a water management plan in place allows hotels to stay ahead of future regulations.
Improved reputation and customer loyalty: A hotel with sustainable practices attracts environmentally committed travelers and enhances its brand image.
● Access to new distribution channels: Booking platforms and travel agencies are prioritizing accommodations with sustainability certifications.
Towards a more responsible hotel industry in terms of water use
In the framework of World Water Day, Roiback and Bioscore Sustainability reaffirm their commitment to sustainability in the hotel sector. The implementation of water management technologies, the certification of best practices and the optimization of consumption not only contribute to the protection of the environment, but also generate value for hotels and their customers.
In a context of growing demand for sustainable practices, efficient water management has become a determining factor for the competitiveness and viability of tourist accommodations. Committing to innovation and sustainability is not only an option, but a necessity to guarantee the future of the sector.
For more information on how to become Blue Leaf Bioscore certified and improve your hotel's water management, visit Bioscore Sustainability.
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