In light of the climate crisis, we’ve all been considering how to reduce our carbon footprint and sustain an eco-friendly lifestyle wherever possible. As a holiday homeowner there are steps you can take within your holiday let to help deliver a more sustainable short-letting business. Going green can also increase your properties appeal as sustainable short let options are increasingly sought after by eco-conscious guests.

But where to start? Pass the Keys have compiled a list of top tips to ensure your guests short-let stay is as sustainable as possible.

Save water

Whilst you can’t control the amount of water your guests use, there are ways you can make water use more efficient and it all starts with your appliances. Swap old showerheads for water-efficient ones, install a dual flush toilet and if taps are old and creaky, invest in low flow taps instead. You could even go the extra mile and install a water butt in your garden that collects rainwater.

Reduce plastic consumption 

If your holiday home is close to the coast, provide beach and BBQ equipment that is sustainably sourced to prevent guests purchasing single use plastic. Keep plastic use to a minimum by providing reusable bags for food shopping, refillable water bottles and supply refillable cleaning products.

Decorate sustainably

Whether it be antique furniture, a print from a local artist or a handmade throw; decorating your holiday home with second hand and sustainable sourced items is not only good for the planet but gives it a unique character.

Offer recycling facilities 

Without on-site recycling facilities, it is highly likely guest waste will not be properly recycled. Many guests will be keen to recycle, and having these services on site will help prevent wastage.

Support local businesses

It’s a nice touch to offer guests a welcome box which includes local products from nearby small businesses; you can even recommend local places guests could shop during their stay. By doing so, you are supporting your local economy, reducing your carbon footprint and providing your rental with a personal touch that guests will appreciate long after they’ve finished their staycation. 

Encourage your guests to be eco-friendly

It is worth mentioning in your welcome pack that you have made your holiday home as sustainable as can be, as this will encourage guests to be more eco-conscious during their stay and be more considerate of the planet.

Switch to green energy or use smart alternatives

Whilst the initial start-up costs are notoriously expensive, the long-term benefits of using sustainable energy sources include substantial savings on both your energy bills and your holiday home’s carbon footprint. There are plenty of options depending on your local climate and price range which we’ve listed below with estimated energy savings:

• Solar panels: whilst expensive to install, solar panels have a long lifespan and are estimated to save you £120-£310 a year
• Wind turbines: A well-situated turbine could save you £250 a year
• Solar water heaters: relatively inexpensive to install, a solar heater could save you £60 a year

To learn more about saving energy in your holiday home, check out this blog post.