Eco-conscious guests are seeking short stay accommodations that align with their environmental values. For short stay rental managers, integrating eco-friendly practices not only helps reduce environmental impact, but also boosts appeal, guest satisfaction, and saves money on power and products in the long run.
Here are some ways that you can integrate greener living in an industry that can be wasteful.
Energy-Efficient Appliances and Smart Systems:
The benefits are 2 pronged: saving the earth and saving your money. Reducing energy consumption is a key aspect of running a sustainable rental, as well as keeping the cost of bills down. Here are actionable ways to achieve that:
- Install Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replace outdated appliances with Energy star-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. They consume less power and water, saving money and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Use LED Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs throughout the property. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer.
- Smart Thermostats: Install programmable or smart thermostats to manage heating and cooling efficiently, particularly when the property is vacant between stays. There are heating/cooling systems that you can control remotely from an app on your phone.
- Motion Sensor Lighting: Ideal for outdoor areas, hallways, or bathrooms; these reduce unnecessary electricity usage when spaces are unoccupied. There are simple, plug in ones that are especially good for hallways – they have light sensors and so will only light up when it’s dark.
- Solar powered appliances: There are many outdoor lighting products now that use solar panels. Or go one step further and install solar panels on your roof – the long terms benefits are incredible for your bank account. Victoria has many solar panel schemes and rebates.
Again, switching to energy efficient appliances are an investment and larger initial outlay, but it will save you money over time, as well as saving the earth.
Water Conservation Techniques:
With water scarcity becoming a concern (especially down under), conserving water should be a priority. Guests will appreciate thoughtful water-saving features, especially in regions where drought or overuse is a concern.
- Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets. These fixtures significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.
- Dual-Flush Toilets: These give guests the option to use less water for liquid waste - another simple but effective water-saving upgrade. Most Australian homes have this default feature, check if yours does too.
- Drought-Resistant Landscaping: If your property has a garden or yard, use native or drought-resistant plants. They require less water and maintenance but are still aesthetically pleasing and better for the overall ecosystem.
- Educate Guests: Use friendly signage or a digital welcome guide to encourage shorter showers and mindful water use.
Waste Collection and Recycling:
Sustainable waste management isn’t just good for the planet; it creates a cleaner, more organised property and a better guest experience.
- Provide Clearly Marked Recycling Bins: Make recycling easy and accessible by placing labelled bins in the kitchen and outdoor areas. Add information to your guest compendium and have print outs at the property.
- Offer Composting: If your area supports compost/green waste collection, include a small compost bin and instructions on what can be composted.
- Managing rubbish collection: Turning up to a holiday home you’ve booked to find the bins full and overflowing can put a bad taste in your mouth from the get-go. Make sure that your employees and your guests are aware of the rubbish collection days to put the bins out.
Waste Reduction:
One of the most wasteful parts of the travel industry is all the single use products and plastics – follow these helpful tips to break the mould at your holiday home.
- Use Refillable Amenities: Instead of single-use shampoo and soap bottles, opt for wall-mounted dispensers or refillable containers. At Retreats Victoria we like to use Thank You products: their soaps are divine, and you can order 5 litre refills and simply keep your 500ml bottles at the properties topped up.
- Ditch the single use plastics: many places offer plastic wrapped tea, coffee, or sugar portions. Instead, opt for paper wrapping and encourage guests to recycle the paper.
- Buy in Bulk: Reduce packaging waste by purchasing household supplies in bulk. Look for eco-friendly brands that use biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
- Reusable Items: Consider offering reusable tote bags or coffee cups guests can use during their stay. Many places in Victoria offer refillable coffee cups.
- Environmentally friendly cleaning products: Another area where you can use refillable products and bottles to reduce your plastic waste.
We have found the simplest way to reduce waste whilst also saving money is to phase out single use plastics, buy amenities in bulk, and buy refillable products.
Promote Your Sustainable Features:
Once your eco-friendly systems are in place, be sure to market them effectively:
- Highlight green features in your property listing.
- Add a section in your property information about your sustainability efforts.
- Encourage guests to participate in your initiatives by offering small incentives or simply providing clear, easy-to-follow guidelines.
Final Thoughts:
Sustainability isn’t just about saving resources - it’s about delivering a thoughtful, responsible, and high-quality guest experience. By integrating eco-friendly practices into your short stay property, you not only appeal to a growing demographic of conscious travellers but also invest in long-term cost savings and a healthier planet.
Whether you're managing a city studio or a countryside cottage, every step toward sustainability counts. And the best part? Your guests will notice - and appreciate - the difference. This will improve guest experience, leading to better reviews, resulting in higher occupancy. Results for everyone!
