Why you should read this book

Achieving real sustainability progress is hard. Goals like net zero and zero waste require the full participation of guests and staff. Why? Because humans consume the resources in tourist accommodations, not buildings. They also create the waste by how they use those resources, for example:  

  • Machines are set, used and maintained by people;
  • People’s routines and habits may be out of sync with best practice;
  • Staff and guests can be demotivated to save;
  • Very often there is a mismatch between the facilities and the user’s requirements
  • People cannot take adaptive action in advance of extreme weather or they do not have low/no carbon systems to do so.

Make big savings

But there is a way of making big savings. In this book, Christopher Warren details a proven method that can make savings of over 38% from engaging guests and staff as partners and driving sustainability outcomes, build reputation, save costs, and fundamentally create a competitive advantage.​

This practical handbook contains:

  • 5-step proven method to design guest-centric sustainability experiences
  • Over 400 research examples
  • Case studies from around the world
  • Opportunities from real-world guest participation experiments

Quick and easy​

The easy-to-follow layout lets you find solutions quickly. Not jargon-led or heavy scientific text, but a personal tour of cutting edge science-based solutions that is easy to read.

Science-based

The book applies proven behaviour economics, persuasive communications and social psychology methods to demonstrate how you can make substantial savings by directly involving your guests and staff at your tourist accommodation. 

About the author

Dr Christopher Warren has owned one of Australia’s leading hosted accommodation businesses for nearly 20 years, as a consultant conducted hundreds of site visits and carbon audits, introduced the first tourist destination carbon calculator in 2006, and as a scientist conducted real-world scientific experiments with Griffith University in Australia and Europe. In 2010 he received the EcoTourism Medal (Ecotourism Australia) for services to tourism and nature. Christopher is the founder of WISE Sustainability.

Reader Testimonials

“The advice given helps you design a sustainability management system that helps you reduce operating costs (and your impacts), as well as attract more customers, improve satisfaction, increase expenditure, promote customer loyalty and reduce seasonality.”
Xavier Font
University of Surrey, UK, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway
“Apply these ideas and you will see guests enjoying helping your business by interacting with employees in a new way, making significant savings, and reducing the destruction of our natural resources.”
Nicole Ouimet
Previously Environmental Manager Disneyland Paris
“What came across to me is that if one followed the five steps from the first audit to a well rounded integrated business ethos of ‘conserving together with the guest’, one will not only achieve a major benefit for the environment, but a much better business as a whole.”
Dr Susanne Becken
Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University, Australia

Sustainability Tips
for Small Properties

Sustainable Wellness

Guests are searching for personalised experiences to de-stress or achieve personal goals. As hosts we need to help guests achieve this deeper level of satisfaction beyond what amenities can do to enhance their wellness. Click the title above to read more.

Comfort Advice

Comfort uses a lot of energy. As much as 40% of your energy bill will most likely be spent on heating and cooling systems. That makes this the perfect place to start to save costs and encourage greater guest satisfaction. Click the title above to read more.

Activity Planning

Weather is the essential ingredient for a great holiday, and a great holiday generates positive reviews and referrals. Designing great itineraries that best suit the weather and your guest type helps boost your business. Click the title above to read more.

Resource Savings

Resource usage, food waste and other landfill can be the main contributor to carbon emissions. Hospitality has a unique opportunity to engage guests through persuasive messaging and educational information. Click the title above to read more.

Generate real change within your organisation today.

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