As South African companies face mounting financial and environmental pressures, green hotels are providing an effective means to address both. Businesses opting for sustainable accommodation are seeing notable cost savings and carbon footprint reductions, according to recent industry findings.

New data from the State of Sustainability in Corporate Travel report by HRS, global corporate lodging and payment technology company, highlights the impact: companies using green hotels have achieved a 27% reduction in carbon emissions and 17% savings in accommodation costs compared to traditional hotels this year. These figures underscore the growing importance of sustainable options in the corporate travel sector.

"Aligning sustainability with cost-effectiveness is a positive trend," notes Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager for Corporate Traveller. "Companies are increasingly seeking accommodation options that meet environmental and budgetary requirements."

Green hotels are incorporating advanced technology to enhance efficiency with:

• Artificial intelligence-driven energy management systems optimising heating ventilation and air-conditioning functions.
• Smart water systems monitoring usage and detecting leaks.
• Digital check-in options and smart mirrors displaying sustainability information to reduce resource waste.

Amid recent improvements in power stability, hotels focusing on sustainable practices, such as solar power and energy-efficient operations, remain attractive to corporate planners concerned about potential load-shedding challenges. Some properties are also converting organic waste into biogas as part of their alternative power solutions.

Pricing remains crucial in driving innovative corporate travel tools. "We've introduced Hotel Source, a platform integrating inventory from various sources like Booking.com and GDS systems, helping clients access the best rates while meeting sustainability goals," says Moroke.

Many firms now request sustainability reporting but some are still adapting to new data. Travel management companies (TMCs) are assisting with detailed environmental metrics, allowing organisations to track and improve their impact.

Moroke advises companies considering green hotels to:

• Analyse current accommodation data to identify potential green alternatives.
• Collaborate with TMCs in using available sustainability reporting tools.
• Develop a sustainable accommodation policy balancing environmental and financial goals.
• Educate employees about the benefits of green hotels.
• Benchmark sustainability performance against industry standards.

"Transitioning from measurement to action is key," says Moroke. "When companies can access sustainable choices at competitive prices, responsible travel decisions become more straightforward, benefiting finances and the environment."