Sustainable Business in Radisson Blu Hotel Prague

Dive deep into the interview with Jan Sovadina, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel Prague, to find out how he perceives sustainability and what kind of processes he would like to implement in the hotel itself.

The interview was shortened for editorial purposes. You can read the full version here.

 

How do your personal values and beliefs regarding the environment and social responsibility shape the way you approach sustainability in your role as a general manager?

As a parent and general manager, I'm dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. I prioritize environmentally friendly business practices, workplace diversity, fair labor, and community engagement. Transparency and accountability are key to building trust with stakeholders for a better future. In essence, my managerial decisions are guided by a dedication to a sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious business future.

If you could implement one unconventional sustainability initiative in your hotel, what would it be and why?

If given the opportunity to implement an unconventional sustainability initiative in our hotel, I would introduce an "Energy-Generating Gym Equipment" program. This innovative approach involves outfitting our fitness center with exercise equipment that converts the energy generated during workouts into usable electricity.

This initiative serves a dual purpose: encouraging guests to stay active and promoting energy efficiency within the hotel. It is an excellent way to demonstrate our dedication to environmental responsibility while leveraging the engagement of our guests in a positive manner. By implementing this program, our hotel would not only distinguish itself in the hospitality sector but also make a tangible contribution to energy conservation.

What role do you believe technology will play in advancing sustainability within the hospitality industry?

I believe technology will play a key role in advancing sustainability within the hospitality industry. Technological innovations have the potential to drive significant positive changes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Technology is crucial for advancing sustainability in hospitality. Smart building tech and IoT devices optimize energy use, while sensor-based waste management reduces emissions. Water-saving technologies conserve resources, and digitalization cuts down on paper waste while enhancing guest engagement with sustainable practices.

In summary, the integration of technology in the hospitality industry holds great potential to advance sustainability by optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and enhancing overall efficiency.

If you had unlimited resources at your disposal, what ambitious sustainability project would you undertake at your hotel?

All of the above! But to start with one single project, it would be Net-Zero Carbon project for the hotel. This initiative would involve a comprehensive overhaul of our energy infrastructure, incorporating cutting-edge renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and carbon offset programs. The goal would be to make the hotel completely self-sufficient in terms of energy, achieving a net-zero carbon footprint and serving as a beacon of sustainable hospitality.

In your opinion, what are the biggest misconceptions or myths surrounding sustainability in the hospitality sector?

One prevalent misconception in the hospitality sector is that sustainability initiatives are too costly and are a burden on profitability.  While certain projects may require significant initial investments or might not be even feasible for particular property, there is a broad array of low-cost or no-cost options available. In truth, even incremental changes, such as transitioning to eco-friendly amenities or various guest sustainable practices collectively contribute to significant environmental benefits when adopted industry wide.

How do you involve guests in the co-creation of sustainable experiences during their stay at your hotel?

We engage guests in sustainability with initiatives like our towel reuse program, encouraging guests to reuse towels to conserve water and energy. Our Green Housekeeping initiative uses eco-friendly products and offers guests the option for limited daily room cleaning, aligning with sustainability goals. Over 30% of guests chose this option last year, showing strong support for sustainable practices while enhancing their hotel experience.

Radisson Hotel Group has a 3-year sustainability program each hotels need to implement; can you tell something about that and what part as a hotel do you play in this program?

RHG launched the 'Hotel Sustainability Basics' in 2022 with the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. This program sets twelve criteria for hotels to market themselves as sustainable, focusing on Efficiency, Planet, and People. Over three years, hotels implement measures like reducing energy and water use, using green cleaning products, and addressing team inequalities. It ensures systematic monitoring and sets a foundation for broader sustainable practices, with verification to prevent greenwashing.

Are there any future sustainability initiatives or goals that your hotel is working towards?

Aligned with the Hotel Sustainability Basics, we're advancing key initiatives this year. First, upgrading our Building Management system to integrate seamlessly with our PMS enhances energy efficiency and guest comfort by automating room heating/cooling based on occupancy status. Second, we're replacing all in-room amenities with eco-friendly alternatives, building on last year's switch to dispensers for bathroom amenities. Our ongoing collaboration with SOS Children's Villages includes financial support and assistance with seasonal needs, underscoring our commitment to social responsibility.

What role does employee training and engagement play in your sustainability efforts, and how do you empower your staff to contribute to these initiatives?

Employee training and engagement are crucial for our sustainability efforts, fostering a culture of responsibility and environmental consciousness. Our programs educate employees on sustainability principles, empowering them to integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily tasks. Assigning specific roles and responsibilities enables our staff to lead and promote sustainable practices, ensuring everyone contributes positively to our environmental and community impact.

Finally, how do you see the role of sustainability evolving in the hospitality industry in the coming years, and what steps do you plan to take to stay ahead of these changes?

Sustainability in hotels has evolved beyond environmental checkboxes to a dynamic commitment. Future strategies will integrate social responsibility, community engagement, ethical sourcing, inclusivity, and partnerships with charitable organizations. Travelers seek authentic experiences aligned with their values, making sustainability a pivotal factor in consumer choices. Hotels staying ahead will invest in innovation, community initiatives, stakeholder collaboration, transparency, and employee training—a continuous journey akin to enhancing guest experiences and quality.