A Comparative Assessment of Environmental Sustainability in Hospitality Industry with a Special Focus on Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Indicators

Hospitality and tourism industry is one of the major contributors to the global economy, especially in many developing countries. Nevertheless, empirical research on environmental sustainability approaches in the hotel sector is scarce. The present study attempts to investigate and compare sustainable strategies in selected star-rated tourist hotels by utilizing RECP (Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production) indicators, in relation to consumption of energy, air emissions, water, material use and waste generation. The study proves that higher luxury levels can increase energy intensity, while imbalances in national grid supply and increasing thermal factor in the grid electricity affect energy productivity and air emissions. Furthermore, hotels that utilize water from the national supply have been more concerned about reducing consumption. Sustainable practices adaptation was at a satisfying level in all hotels investigated, and the more measures were implemented towards energy conservation. Nonetheless, poor record keeping was observed for wastewater and material usage. The study confirmed the RECP approach as an effective tool in assessing and quantifying a hotel's sustainability efforts. Further, cleaner production is identified as a systematic methodological pathway to achieve environmental sustainability and this will be especially beneficial to developing countries and those undergoing economic transition.