Environmental Management Practice of Newly-Built Hotels in Western Province of South Africa

Abstract

Since customers, governments, and society as a whole are becoming increasingly concerned about the depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution, there is a growing trend to recognize the importance of green innovation in achieving sustainable growth. This research carefully observes the environmental practices of hotels constructed during the period 2005-2023. Hotels, as a sector in the tourism industry, contribute to the economy in most countries. However, their environmental impacts are related to climate change and should be regulated like any other industry. In light of this, the industrial ecology application in the hotel sector was investigated to improve environmental management practices. In order to accomplish this goal, a survey was compiled and sent directly to the environmentally liable individual of the hotel under investigation, who was selected through convenience sampling methods. The study focuses on the implementation of renewable and sustainable environmental principles and technology updates. The study’s results showed that the main environmental practices to which the hotel sector pays attention are water (11.99%), energy saving (10.42%), waste reduction (10.42%), and separation and recycling (9.38%). The study concludes that a majority of hotels have implemented environmental sustainability through specific programs. On the other hand, the hotel sector needs to implement more renewable environmental and sustainable principles.