Picture of vertical farm at hotel
Hotels and sustainability: how the hospitality industry is going green

Discover how hotels are adopting more sustainable solutions and how vertical farms can help reduce environmental impact through local food sourcing and on-site farming.

Introduction: the shift toward a more eco-friendly hospitality

The hospitality industry is evolving, with hotels and sustainability becoming a top priority (Chemmanur & Fenech, 2024). From reducing energy consumption to cutting down on waste, hotels are increasingly making efforts to align with environmental responsibility. A crucial aspect of this transformation is rethinking how food is sourced and served.

Many hotels still rely on external suppliers for fresh produce, leading to significant carbon emissions from transportation and excess packaging waste. Not to mention the loss of freshness when bringing ingredients from far away! This is where Raiz Vertical Farms plays a crucial role, providing hotels with the ability to grow fresh produce on-site with Eden, an innovative vertical farm. This approach not only reduces food waste and supply chain emissions but also enhances guest experiences by offering hyper-local, fresh ingredients.

Picture of vertical farm at Raiz in Lisbon, Portugal

How hotels are adopting more sustainable practices

Hotels are embracing sustainability in various ways, integrating environmentally friendly solutions into their daily operations (Chechi, 2023). Some of the key strategies include:

Energy efficiency:
Smart climate control systems, LED lighting, and renewable energy sources help hotels significantly cut down on electricity consumption.
Water conservation:
Rainwater harvesting contribute to reducing water waste.
Waste reduction:
Hotels are moving away from single-use plastics, implementing recycling programs, and adopting composting methods for organic waste.
Eco-friendly food sourcing:
More hotels are focusing on reducing their reliance on long-distance food suppliers by sourcing locally or they could grow their own produce with Raiz Vertical Farms.

While all these efforts contribute to hotels and sustainability practices, food production remains an area where significant impact can still be made.

Picture of an impression of vertical farm from Raiz at a hotel

Raiz Vertical Farms: a game-changer for hotels and sustainability

Food traceability and impact is becoming a major concern in hospitality, and Raiz Vertical Farms offers a practical and innovative solution. With Eden, hotels can integrate vertical farming into their facilities, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, pesticide-free produce while reducing waste and emissions.

By implementing Raiz Vertical Farms, hotels can:

  • Grow high-quality herbs, leafy greens, and microgreens on-site, ensuring freshness and reducing spoilage.
  • Reduce dependency on external suppliers, cutting down transportation-related carbon emissions.
  • Offer guests unique farm-to-table dining experiences that emphasize local, eco-conscious food sourcing.
  • Optimize costs by producing only what is needed, minimizing food waste and excess purchases.

Picture of a prepared dish with ingredients fresh from the farm

Hotels and sustainability: why vertical farming is the future

Incorporating Raiz Vertical Farms into hotel operations aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions (Survey Of Travellers Finds 76% Want More Sustainable Options, 2023). More travelers are actively seeking eco-conscious accommodations that prioritize responsible sourcing and minimize their environmental footprint.

Hotels that adopt Eden can leverage this as a marketable initiative, setting themselves apart from competitors while reinforcing their commitment to waste reduction and responsible food sourcing.

Beyond food production, hotels can use vertical farms as an educational tool by offering:

  • Sustainability workshops for guests.
  • Interactive farm tours to showcase their eco-friendly efforts.
  • Exclusive farm-to-table dining experiences featuring homegrown ingredients.

This approach creates deeper guest engagement and builds a stronger eco-conscious brand.

Picture of a barrel filled with growing greens from Raiz in Lisbon, Portugal

How hotels can implement Eden

The transition to on-site farming with Eden is simple and customizable to fit the needs of hotels and sustainability strategies.

Consultation & setup: Raiz works with hotels to assess available space and determine the best setup for their vertical farming system.
Installation & training: the compact, high-yield system is installed, and hotel staff receive training to maintain the farm efficiently.
⁠Integration into daily operations: the fresh produce is incorporated into hotel kitchens, reducing supply chain reliance and enhancing menu offerings.
Guest engagement & marketing: hotels can showcase their vertical farm through storytelling, workshops, and exclusive dining experiences.

Interested in making your hotel greener? Contact Raiz today to explore how Eden can transform your food sourcing and ESG efforts!

Picture of barrel filled with a growing plant from Raiz in Lisbon, Portugal

Conclusion: the future of hotels and sustainability

Sustainability is no longer an option, it is a necessity for hotels looking to thrive in an eco-conscious world. While energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction play important roles, local food supply chains remain a critical yet underutilized area for improvement.

By embracing Eden, hotels can revolutionize their food sourcing methods, minimize waste, and offer guests an elevated farm-to-table experience.

With solutions like Eden, the hospitality industry can move toward a future where luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly. By taking action now, hotels not only improve their environmental impact but also future-proof their operations against changing consumer expectations.

Ready to redefine sustainability in hospitality? Partner with Raiz and integrate Eden today!

Picture of an impression of a vertical farm from Raiz at a hotel