The responsibility of a hotel establishment in matters of environmental sustainability goes beyond reducing the negative impacts its activity has on the environment. The responsible use of resources also needs to be passed on to interior design. It is the so-called ecodesign.
Ecodesign deals with minimizing the environmental impact of a product throughout its whole life cycle, from design to manufacturing, usage and withdrawal. Making use of this definition for the design of a hotel interior project means to consider sustainability from the early stages, looking into all the equipment and materials that will be used in each stage.
Ecodesign. Sustainability in the hospitality industry
Sustainability must not only be considered for the interior, but also for the hotel design. Optimization and energy efficiency systems, support of renewable energies, such as solar panels, and water saving systems are a few options that must be kept in mind when the time comes to design a sustainable hotel.
In addition to the above, we must add the reduction of the materials employed, the use of biocomponents, of new technologies, the optimal management of material transport… A very clear example is the use of wood, natural or recycled, in FF&E or as a decorative element. Wood is a resistant and durable material; its versatility makes it easily combinable with all kind of materials and styles. And it is a natural product that will promote the creation of a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere that helps in reducing energy consumption.
Other examples of ecodesign are the manufacturing of FF&E or decorative elements from recycled materials, the use of environmentally friendly fabrics and materials, which enable to create outstanding pieces as well. Or, for instance, designing the room in such a way that furniture does not interrupt heating or air conditioning coming out, or that they make their transmission easier, thus reducing energy consumption.
Besides, sustainability in the hospitality sector also deals to a great degree with its commitment to the socio-cultural environment where it will be implemented. A hotel is not an island, but it belongs to a community and as such, it must pay attention to its needs and respect, and promote its culture, tradition and values. Working with local suppliers, for instance, reduces costs and emissions derived from transport while at the same time it promotes the development of the local economy.
Sustainability provides an added value to the service offered by a hotel. Besides improving the brand image, it also enhances the quality of the hotel establishment. This is why in Simply we always introduce sustainability standards in our designs for the hospitality sector. Since we manufacture our own designs, we guarantee that during the process, the highest standards of quality and environmental respect are fulfilled. It is something we also bear in mind when the time comes to move the furniture to the place where the hotel is located. And we always examine the culture and local traditions so that the establishment excellently integrates into its environment.
