Main Advantages of Disposable Linens for Your Business

Three Steps to Decarbonize Your Spa

By Paloma Zapata, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Travel International

This article provides a roadmap for reducing your carbon footprint. We've broken it down into three main steps: 1. reduce reliance on fossil fuels, 2. protect forests and blue carbon ecosystems, and 3. Support innovative climate solutions that scale. Step 1: Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Spas consume energy for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, refrigeration, and other end-uses. When this energy comes from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal it can add up to a massive carbon footprint. To identify which of your operational activities are the most carbon-intensive, you can conduct a carbon footprint assessment. Once you've done this, you'll have a better idea of the greatest opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint.

Switch to Renewable Energy Sources The most effective way to reduce their carbon footprint is by transitioning to renewable energy sources which produce significantly less emissions than fossil fuels. In addition to mitigating climate change, switching to renewables can result in long-term cost savings.

Over the past few decades, many spas have started using solar energy. It is important to note that there are actually two different types of solar energy technologies: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems. Though these technologies both harness the power of the sun's rays, they serve different purposes. Solar PV panels convert sunlight directly into electricity which can be used for your spas power needs. Solar thermal systems on the other hand absorb the sunlight and then convert it into heat. Other types of on-site renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the local environment include small-scale wind turbines or micro-hydropower systems.

Looking for a more creative option? Some spas are introducing electricity-generating gym equipment that allows guests to power up the building while they're working out.

When determining which type of renewable energy technology to utilize at your property, there's no onesize-fits-all answer. Select the type that makes the most sense for your spas particular needs and the energy sources that are readily available. If there isn't much wind in the destination where you're located, it probably doesn't make sense to install wind turbines.

Adopt Energy-Efficient Design and Technologies Spas can also lower the carbon-intensity of their operations by reducing the amount of energy that is used for different processes and activities. By decreasing your energy usage, you'll also cut down on needless energy expenditures.

Spas can incorporate efficiencies directly into their buildings by adopting bioclimatic design principles. Bioclimatic design works in harmony with the local climate to create comfortable spaces while optimizing energy use. Though bioclimatic techniques vary by climate type, examples include orientating windows to absorb the sun's heat, using trees and overhangs for shading, and choosing light-colored roofing materials to reflect solar rays. Traditional architecture styles often tend to be bioclimatic since they've been adapted to the local environment for centuries. They are also a good way to showcase traditional construction techniques and locally-sourced building materials. Beyond the design of the building itself, spas can utilize energy saving technologies to further drive down their carbon footprint. Replace existing light fixtures with LED bulbs which use 75% less energy, and last much longer, than incandescent lighting.

This day in age, it's no longer just about which devices you use, it's also about how you control them. Automated energy management technologies are quickly becoming the way of the future. Photosensors or timers can be used to automatically turn off or dim lights at certain times of day. This is especially useful for areas such as outdoor areas that only require bright lighting after dark.

More advanced "smart" energy management systems utilize sensors to detect when a treatment room is empty. These systems prevent unnecessary energy use by automatically turning off the lights, or adjusting the thermostat when rooms are unoccupied.

Localize Your Supply Chains Once you've optimized your direct operations, you can go a step further to reduce fossil fuel usage within your supply chain. While there are a number of ways to decarbonize your supply chain, there are some tactics that you will have more control over such as where you source your goods from. Localizing your supply chain can reduce carbon emissions while also providing a number of business benefits. There is a growing movement among consumers to "buy local," so incorporating the local flavors and culture into your offering can make for a distinctive guest experience. For spas, this means creating locally-inspired menus and sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishers, cheese-makers, or bakeries. Furnishings, decor, linens, and staff uniforms are also good items to source from local suppliers.

When you procure goods locally, it cuts down on the amount of transportation, packaging, and refrigeration needed to get them from point A to point B. This equates to less energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, local supply chains also tend to be more resilient to global crises and disruptive events.

Step 2: Protect Forests and Blue Carbon Ecosystems

After you've cut down your spas fossil fuel use, the next step is to protect or restore natural ecosystems that act as carbon sinks. Forests are carbon sinks, as are blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes. These ecosystems possess a natural ability to fight climate change by capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and soils.

In addition to preventing carbon emissions, forests and coastal habitats provide other important benefits. These critical habitats promote biodiversity and support nature tourism activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, and snorkeling. They can also help to reduce flooding and stabilize shorelines. In fact, one study found that mangroves prevent more than $65 billion of property damage each year. The most direct way that you can protect these ecosystems is by leaving them intact. It is common for coastal hotels to remove mangroves that grow along their property or use fertilizers that kill seagrass beds. Be consciously aware of your impact on these sensitive ecosystems and implement practices that conserve them. Another way that you can protect these ecosystems is through carbon offsetting. When you purchase carbon offsets, you fund projects around the world that have been certified to reduce carbon emissions. One way that carbon offset projects can deliver these emissions reductions is by protecting or restoring natural ecosystems.

When you invest in these types of carbon offset projects, you can help create benefits that go beyond carbon reductions and conservation. Many projects also improve the livelihoods of local communities by creating local jobs, providing skills training, improving sanitation, or increasing food security. There are a number of different organizations that offer carbon offsets. To create the greatest impact, look for projects that are located in the country or region where your spa is located and be sure to choose a reputable provider.

Step 3: Support Innovative Climate Solutions

As the world races to tackle the climate crisis, new technologies and solutions are emerging on a regular basis. You can support decarbonization at a larger scale by supporting the development and implementation of these innovative technologies. In order to fully decarbonize the planet, we must reach a point where all energy is generated by renewable sources. However, there isn't currently the infrastructure in place to meet the world's energy demands. You can advance the global clean energy transition by investing in the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Again, carbon offsetting offers a means to do this. While some carbon offset projects reduce emissions by conserving ecosystems, others focus on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.

You can also help curb the climate crisis by investing in companies or donating to projects that are researching and developing newer technologies. While some companies are developing renewable energy technologies that harness the power of the ocean, others are working to improve energy storage technologies. As it becomes more apparent that we'll need to go beyond reducing emissions, more attention is being given to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies which remove existing carbon from the atmosphere.

As climate solutions continue to evolve, stay informed on the latest technologies and strategies and take action to position your spa as a leader in the fight against climate change.

About: Paloma Zapata leads the Sustainable Travel International's global efforts to maximize tourism's contribution to conservation and development in order to protect destinations, preserve natural environments, and improve community well-being. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism and economic development, Ms. Zapata has designed and implemented impactful initiatives and projects in 25 nations across the globe. Her work has ranged from addressing the shortcomings of the current tourism supply to deriving sustainable development strategies and formulating policies. Earlier in her career she worked for IBM's microelectronics division as Staff Industrial Engineer and registered three patents. Ms. Zapata holds a master's in business administration and a postgraduate degree in tourism management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.