Integration of a sustainable learning module for students in the hospitality industry, ET HospitalityWorld

At our school, we are acutely aware of the transformative power of education in shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Today, we are faced with unprecedented changes driven by technological advancements and increasing environmental awareness. The hospitality industry, with its significant dependence on natural resources, must evolve to meet these challenges. Integrating sustainability into the core of hospitality education is essential.

Why sustainability is essential in hospitality education
The hospitality industry is closely linked to the environment. Hotels, resorts and restaurants rely on natural resources and have a significant impact on the environment. By embedding sustainability trends into hospitality education, we ensure that future leaders in the industry are equipped to effectively address these challenges.

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Sustainability in hospitality goes beyond environmental considerations to include social and economic dimensions. By incorporating it into the curriculum, we prepare students to think holistically about their impact on the planet and society. This understanding is crucial to developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the industry.

Integrating sustainable practices into the curriculum
To effectively integrate sustainability into hospitality education, practical, hands-on experiences must complement theoretical knowledge. Key areas of focus include:

—Energy and water savings: Courses should cover technologies and methods to reduce energy and water consumption in the hospitality industry, including energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources.

—Waste management: Teach students about comprehensive waste management practices, such as recycling and composting. Hands-on projects may include waste audits and zero-waste initiatives.

—Sustainable purchasing: Focus on sourcing food, beverages and supplies from sustainable, local and ethical producers to reduce carbon footprint and support the local economy.

—Green building and design: Integrate principles of green architecture and sustainable design, including sustainable materials and LEED certification standards.

—Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Teach students about the broader social responsibility of businesses, including fair labor practices and community involvement.

Ensuring students understand the importance of sustainability
Educational institutions must go beyond classroom instruction to ensure that students understand the importance of sustainability by:

—Experiential learning: Engage students in real projects that address sustainability challenges, such as internships and field trips to sustainable companies.

-Interdisciplinary approach: Integrate subjects such as environmental science, economics and social sciences to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability.

—Guest lectures and keynotes: Invite industry experts to speak on sustainability topics to inspire students and provide insights from leading professionals.

—Research and innovation: Encourage students to research sustainability issues within the hospitality sector and thus promote a culture of continuous learning.

—Community Involvement: Involve students in community projects that promote sustainability so they can see the tangible impact of their efforts.

The role of Spark
One initiative at our school is “Spark,” designed to ignite students’ intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Spark brings together technology companies, industry partners, innovation specialists, and expert faculty, providing students with real-life business consulting and academic projects. Through Spark, students evaluate and improve innovative solutions, such as using VR training for realistic customer service scenarios and developing eco-friendly alternatives like body dryers instead of traditional towels. This initiative ensures that our graduates are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Challenges and opportunities
Integrating sustainability into the hospitality curriculum comes with challenges, such as updating the curriculum and training faculty in sustainability concepts. Building partnerships with industry leaders for experiential learning also requires effort and coordination.

However, the opportunities far outweigh these challenges. Preparing students for sustainability increases their career prospects and contributes to a sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Events like ShiftIn’ powered by Spark show how industry leaders and students can collaborate on sustainable innovations.

The future of hospitality education lies in integrating sustainability into the curriculum. Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices ensures a resilient and responsible future for the hospitality industry. As educators and leaders in the industry, we must instill these values ​​in our students and encourage a new generation of hospitality professionals who are committed to sustainability. Initiatives like Spark at Les Roches are paving the way for a better and more sustainable future in hospitality.

The author, Carlos Diez de la Lastra is CEO of Les Roches. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ET HospitalityWorld.

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