Aug 264 min read

Sustainable Practices in Hospitality Construction and Design

Sustainability is a hot-button issue in the contemporary economy. Businesses are scrambling to find ways to establish eco-friendly operations that stay ahead of tightening governmental regulations. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the design of a sustainable facility.

This will ensure that the business has an eco-friendly base on which to build its business. It can even have financial benefits in the hospitality sector. According to recent data, some 60% of U.S. travelers said they would be willing to pay more for an eco-friendly hotel room.

This number is only likely to increase as consumers get more and more conscientious. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the best sustainability practices in hospitality construction and design.

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Passive Design Strategies

Passive design is the first step in creating a sustainable hospitality facility. It uses the building site and strategic orientation to leverage as much natural lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation as possible. This will involve incorporating features such as architectural louvers and continuous insulation systems to promote the energy efficiency of the building envelope. It will also factor in building near shade trees, bodies of water, and other topographical features that provide natural cooling benefits.

Arguably the most important component of a passive building is ample window area. This allows the facility to leverage natural daylighting for reduced reliance on electricity. Sufficient window areas can also provide some heating benefits during the colder months.

With that said, it is important to mitigate direct sunlight during the summer. Employ the best scaffolding for construction to add awnings and exterior shading devices to upper-story windows. Check to make sure that the window-to-wall transitions are effectively sealed to limit the unwanted transfer of conditioned air.

Long-Lasting Materials

Sustainability and durability go hand-in-hand. The fewer ongoing resources required for upkeep, repair, and renovation, the lower the structure’s environmental footprint.

Steel is one of the premier building types in this regard. It offers unmatched resistance to fire, pest, and weather damage. Many steel buildings will last over 100 years. However, if demolition is ever necessary, steel is a fully recyclable product.

Other materials that offer elite durability for hospitality facilities include epoxy terrazzo floors, engineered quartz countertops, and stainless steel fixtures.

Rooftop Gardens

The green roof trend in commercial facilities is very much a part of contemporary hotel construction. Rooftop gardens have multiple benefits for hospitality buildings. They provide a stunning natural aspect that enhances curb appeal. They provide functional exterior space that allows guests to get outside and soak in some breathtaking rooftop views.

However, their major plus lies in the realm of sustainability. Green roofs are a proven solution for providing a natural cooling effect that helps fight urban heat islands.

The EPA estimates that vegetative insulation keeps green roofs some 30-40 degrees cooler than standard roof types.

They also provide rooftop shade that helps lower ambient temperatures by as much as 5 degrees. Rooftop gardens also play an important role in stormwater management, helping protect local water supplies from contamination due to toxic runoff.

Demountable Partitions

The open interior is a trending concept in modern construction. Its primary sustainability benefit is fewer obstructions to inhibit the flow of light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting sources. The streamlined customization also makes open interiors a perfect fit for hospitality buildings. Hotels see a continual flow of conferences, retreats, parties, and other types of large-scale gatherings. The open interior allows space to be quickly reconfigured to meet these types of emergent needs.

Demountable glass partitions are a great solution to leverage this concept. They are easily erected, moved, and taken down. This helps create defined space and privacy as needed without being overly restrictive of light flow.

Glass Staircase Railings

Similar to demountable partitions, modern railing systems are increasingly employing glass to maximize the flow of natural light throughout the building. Not only does this enhance energy efficiency, but glass railings help present a clean, elegant aspect for hospitality interiors while maintaining full compliance with all ada railing requirements.

ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act

They are also much easier to maintain than wood railings. They require no ongoing sealing and can be quickly cleaned with a surface cleaner and a wipe of the rag. Another benefit of glass railings is that they allow for clear sight lines to help promote security and surveillance in hospitality facilities.

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Technology Adoption

Modern hospitality buildings are leveraging technology to improve designs and enhance the guest experience. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems are used by architects during the construction process. It helps them see the building in action before construction is complete, allowing them to preempt any structural inefficiencies.

Motion-detected lights, doors, and water fixtures help reduce waste and conserve resources. Contactless check-in and room keys reduce paper and other types of material waste for a more efficient and environmentally-friendly guest experience.

Transform Your Hospitality Facility with Sustainable Architecture

From passive design strategies to comprehensive technology adoption, modern hospitality buildings have a diverse array of resources to help them in their quest for sustainability.

For more of the latest trends shaping the commercial construction sector, explore the resources at Structures Insider for the leading insights in the industry.