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Climate Resilient Hotel Design
An Emerging Sustainable Hotel Design Philosophy.
Read time: 5 minutes
Welcome to the weekly AST Briefing.
Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia have been experiencing record-breaking heat waves in the past few weeks.
We turn up the air conditioning and fans to cool off, which prompts a surge in coal-powered carbon-emitting energy use. The global warming vivacious cycle continues.
What if we tell you there is a way to break our dependency on excessive energy consumption? We can do that by designing our houses and hotels that minimize electricity usage and are weather-resilient.
This week, we'd like to share an analysis of the thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Revolutionizing Hospitality through Sustainable Design Solutions for Eco-friendly Hotels" at the recent Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit in the Philippines.
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Advanced Design Strategies for Climate-Conscious Hotels
Image by El Nido Resorts
Sustainable design is changing the game for what hotels can be, and it's so much more than just switching to energy-saving bulbs or eliminating single-use plastics.
It's about a whole new way of thinking—how hotels and their environment can work together in harmony, from choosing local materials that are tough and resilient yet kind to the planet to smarter ways of handling waste, water, and energy, all the way to how they collaborate with local communities.
It's a fresh take on hospitality that's all about respecting Mother Earth.
"Every hotel—from the simple, budget-friendly hostel to a 5-star villa enclave, a chic boutique hotel, to a sprawling integrated resort—must have sustainable management in place for both operations and guest services."
Energy Efficiency: Beyond Solar Panels
The hotel industry's approach to energy efficiency is changing. It's no longer just about adding a solar panel array and calling it a day. It's reimagining every aspect of the hotel's design, technology, and operation to create spaces that aren't just efficient but also genuinely inviting.
Water Wisdom: Strategies for Water Conservation
Hotels are now taking responsibility for reducing their water footprint by integrating advanced technologies like greywater systems that recycle wastewater for non-potable uses, such as landscape irrigation or toilet flushing.
Others are installing low-flow fixtures that reduce the amount of water used per guest without impacting their comfort.
Material Matters: Local, Renewable, and Low-Impact Materials
When designing a sustainable hotel, choosing the right materials is key.
Saldaña recommended five important factors to consider when selecting materials, making sure they fit the budget, classification, and design strategy:
They should align with the main design story and concept.
They should be easy to maintain.
Safety (like slip-resistant floors) and health (such as materials that don't emit toxins) should be considered.
It's important to look beyond just what's trendy.
The local culture and the specific location should influence the choices.
Sustainable Materials: Aesthetics meet function
Designers are stepping away from conventional materials and exploring alternatives that offer both beauty and sustainability.
Recycled or upcycled materials like reclaimed wood are being incorporated into hotel interiors, adding a distinct design element while promoting waste reduction.
Textiles like organic cotton and bamboo are also gaining popularity due to their low-carbon production processes.
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