How to make Bed & Breakfast eco-friendlier & more efficient

As a bed-and-breakfast owner, there is so much that you need to consider, from the logistics of exploring suitable insurance for B&Bs and managing suppliers to customer-facing considerations such as quality of service.

While these things may now be second nature to you, there is also the increasingly important matter of how eco-friendly your B&B is.

Running a financially successful business that operates in a sustainable manner while avoiding greenwashing is no mean feat, but it can be done if proper effort and attention are paid.

What is an eco-friendly B&B and how is it different?

While all B&Bs aim to provide excellent services to all customers, an eco-friendly one also has the aim of reducing its carbon footprint, allowing guests to enjoy their stay without compromising the environment.

The way in which these B&Bs differ from others is dependent on the approach taken toward sustainability but could include different products on offer, the use of renewable energy, or the appliances found in rooms.

Being an eco-friendly business does not have to impact customer experience and, when done well, can enhance it.

The Benefits of going green as a B&B

Of the 5% of global CO2 emitted by the tourism sector, hotels and other accommodation types are responsible for 2%. This demonstrates the need for more eco-friendly options to combat the issue of climate change. While the efforts of one B&B may seem minor, it is vital that all businesses take responsibility and proactively make greener decisions.

Going green does not only benefit the environment but can be fruitful for you as an owner, too. With a survey of 29,000 travelers conducted by Booking.com in 2021 revealing that 83% of global travellers think that sustainable travel is vital, it is clear that there is a significant demand for more environmentally friendly accommodation options. Therefore, by offering this, your B&B will stand out from the competition and appeal to those looking for a B&B with a low carbon footprint.

What to change when turning your B&B eco-friendly

Heating – Ensuring that your B&B’s heating system is as green as possible is a great place to start. Do some research into whether you could utilise a renewable energy source such as solar power and determine how many solar panels would be needed for your specific energy needs. This is also a good area to make use of smart technology, such as a thermostat to allow you to control the indoor temperature of your B&B at all times, meaning that individual rooms are not kept warm while not occupied.

Lighting – While it can be costly to make the initial switch, changing to LED bulbs can make for considerable energy savings in the long run. It is also a good idea to install lighting sensors for communal areas, such as corridors, to prevent lights from being left on when not required.

Water – Hotels and B&Bs can use staggering amounts of water. There are lots of simple changes that you can implement to help to cut down on this. For example, allow guests the opportunity to skip out on fresh bedding and towels daily if they do not want them, helping to save on washing and water consumption.

There are various other things you can implement to make your accommodation more sustainable, so get inspired by these sustainable London stays or conduct your own research to save money and the planet for your Bed and Breakfast business.

Author Profile

Manuela WillboldOnline Media & PR Strategist

Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Fascinated to Write Lifestyle Blogs in News & Education I have completed a journalism summer course at the London School of Journalism and manage various blogs.