Home
/
Glossary
/
Sustainable Hospitality Technology

Sustainable Hospitality Technology

What is Sustainable Hospitality Technology?

Sustainable hospitality technology refers to digital systems and devices that help hotels reduce their environmental impact. These technologies enable more efficient use of energy, water, and other resources while enhancing guest comfort. Examples include smart thermostats, energy management systems, water-saving devices, waste tracking software, and digital check-in solutions that minimize paper consumption.

How hotels use sustainable technology

Hotels implement sustainable technology to monitor and optimize resource consumption. Smart sensors automatically adjust lighting, heating, and air conditioning based on occupancy. PMS integrations track utility data for sustainability reporting and certification purposes. Automated controls ensure optimal energy use without manual intervention. Many of these solutions integrate with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor performance in real time.

Main applications of sustainable technology:

  • Energy management: Smart meters, motion sensors, and AI-driven HVAC controls.
  • Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures combined with sensor-based monitoring.
  • Waste reduction: Digital menus, paperless check-in/check-out, and analytics tools for waste management insights.
  • Carbon tracking: Platforms that calculate CO₂ emissions per room or per guest.
  • Sustainable procurement: Systems that identify and connect with certified eco-friendly suppliers.

Pros and cons of sustainable hospitality technology

‍

Related articles:

Automate Guest Messaging

Getting a lot of repetitive questions from guests? 

See how it works
Hotel AI chatbot by Viqal managing guest requests and boosting upsells.
FAQ
How does sustainable hospitality technology help hotels save costs?
Which systems typically include sustainability features?
Can small hotels use sustainable technology effectively?
How does sustainable technology affect guest experience?
What certifications relate to sustainable hospitality technology?
How can hotels start implementing sustainable technology?

Other Key Terms

Guest Journey Mapping

Guest Journey Mapping is the process of outlining all the steps a guest takes before, during, and after their stay. It identifies all touchpoints — from booking and check-in to feedback after guests have stayed — to understand how guests interact with the hotel and how their experience can be improved.

Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the ability of a hotel to deliver high-quality service using the least amount of time, effort, and resources. It measures how well a property turns inputs (staff, utilities, inventory) into customer satisfaction and profit.

Smart Hotel

A smart hotel is a property that uses digital systems, automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance operational efficiency and improve the guest experience. It employs technology such as smart room controls, mobile check-in, voice assistants, energy management systems, and data-driven personalization.

POS System (Point of Sale in Hotels)

A POS system in hotels is software that records and manages all financial transactions within the hotel. This includes things like room service orders, minibar charges, late check-out fees, and meeting room rentals. It processes payments, tracks revenue, and communicates directly with the Property Management System (PMS) for accurate billing.