Full circle

In our second article on the hospitality sector, we look at the transformation in hotel design, operations, and guest experiences, leading us towards a future where hotels play a crucial role in a sustainable ecosystem.

Circularity in hospitality focuses on reducing waste, maximising resource efficiency, and minimising environmental impacts. This includes responsibly sourcing materials, designing adaptable spaces, and considering the lifecycle of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).

Toolkit for circular design
Integrating circular design principles within the hospitality industry mandates a structured methodology. Below is a toolkit designed to help developers, architects, and operators embed circular economy strategies throughout every stage of their projects:

Modular design
Modular layouts enable reconfiguration, allowing spaces to adapt to different functions or requirements over time. Modular design reduces the need for frequent renovations, decreasing material waste and extending the lifecycle of building components. This adaptability helps hotels stay aligned with market trends without extensive remodelling. For example, a hotel lobby can serve as a co-working space during the day and a social lounge at night with adjustable partitions and modular furniture. Not only does this provide opportunities to maximise revenues, but it can also reduce the footprint to do more with less space.

Repurposing FF&E
Choosing FF&E which can be disassembled and reused prevents these items from ending up in landfills, aligns with cradle-to-cradle principles, and reduces the environmental footprint of furniture turnover. For example, creating a partnership with furniture providers who take back used items, refurbish them, and reintroduce them to the market, either within the hotel or for resale. This offers a sustainable end-of-life solution for FF&E. This approach can be incorporated within renovation strategies, to reduce capex, or within an asset management strategy to reduce FF&E reserves.

Cradle-to-cradle materials
Cradle-to-cradle certified materials are those which can either be safely returned to the earth or reprocessed into new products at the end of their lifecycle. These materials help in reducing waste, promoting material safety, and supporting closed-loop systems where resources are continuously cycled through production processes. They also ensure that no toxic residues are left, thus minimizing environmental impact. A good example is carpeting which is made from recyclable fibres or reclaimed wood for flooring ensures that these elements can be reused or safely biodegraded without negative impacts.

Digital and data-driven resource management
Leveraging data can help hotels identify resource-intensive processes, improve efficiency, and lower operational costs, while also enabling transparent reporting for guests who prioritise eco-friendly practices. Digital platforms that track energy and water consumption allow operators to pinpoint areas of inefficiency and take proactive steps to enhance sustainability.

Partnering to develop circular hotel concepts
Achieving the full potential of a circular economy in hospitality requires collaboration with sustainability experts, material scientists, and specialised vendors. By partnering with experts who share a vision of circularity, hotels can develop innovative design solutions that use modular interiors, adaptable FF&E, and closed-loop systems. Collaborative efforts also allow for ongoing R&D that drives forward sustainable practices, enabling hotels to keep pace with advancements in sustainable materials and operational technologies.

The business case for circular design
Implementing circular economy principles can yield financial benefits while advancing sustainability goals. Here are key metrics for evaluating circular design impact:

1. Waste diversion rate: The percentage of construction and operational waste that is diverted from landfills, providing a tangible measure of environmental impact.
2. Energy and water efficiency: Tracking reductions in energy and water usage achieved through circular practices, including waste-to-energy and water recycling systems.
3. Lifecycle cost savings: Estimating the cost savings from extended lifecycles of materials and FF&E due to modularity and repurposing, as well as reduced renovation frequency.
4. Guest engagement metrics: Surveys and guest reviews can reveal how sustainability efforts resonate with guests, which directly influences brand loyalty and long-term revenue potential.

Circularity as the future of hospitality
Looking toward the future, the circular economy presents a sustainable framework for hospitality design that extends beyond conventional “green” marketing. Hotels investing in circularity are creating a lasting impact, reducing their environmental footprint, and aligning their brand values with those of their guests.

By adopting circular principles, the hospitality industry is not only satisfying market demand but also setting a precedent for sustainability across various sectors. As these practices continue to be refined and expanded, circular design will redefine the construction, operation, and experience of hotels, showing that a sustainable future is both attainable and indispensable.

Pragma can assist you with integrating a circular economy within your projects, from market analysis, and development appraisals, through to renovation strategy, an approach that maximises the highest and best use of space, aligned with your sustainability goals.

Paul Boldy