Heatwaves put sustainability higher on the agenda: thirty small-scale Flemish accommodations show how things can be done differently. These thirty B&Bs, holiday homes, and youth hostels have investigated how they can operate more sustainably without compromising guest comfort. The project provides a practical framework for energy, water, procurement, local collaboration, and guest communication.
Field test at thirty small-scale accommodations
Thirty Flemish accommodation providers have tested an integrated approach to sustainable business over the past two years. The program was set up by PXL University of Applied Sciences and Thomas More, together with tourism services, industry experts, and VLAIO.
The reason for this is the consequences of warmer summers, drought, rising energy prices, and increasingly scarce raw materials. According to the initiators, smaller accommodation businesses in particular do not always have sufficient time, knowledge, and investment capacity to structurally adapt their business operations.
The project therefore focuses not only on individual measures, such as solar panels, LED lighting, and waste separation. Purchasing policy, mobility, employees, collaboration with local parties, communication, and the complete customer journey have also been included.
The guest does not want to be raised.
An important principle is that sustainable choices must be simple and self-evident for the visitor. During their stay, holidaymakers do not want to be constantly reminded of what is not allowed or what should be done less of.
The participating entrepreneurs therefore experimented with, among other things, local breakfast products, circular procurement, smart energy applications, and collaboration with entrepreneurs from the surrounding area. Sustainability is presented as part of the quality and authenticity of the stay.
“Sustainability does not have to be a story of limitations. It can actually be a lever to make entrepreneurs more resilient and future-proof,” says Nele Bylois, Project Manager at PXL University of Applied Sciences.
Small accommodations connect guests and the surroundings.
Small-scale accommodations have relatively many opportunities to make more sustainable choices visible due to direct contact with guests. This can be done at the breakfast table, in the room decor, and in tips for excursions, transport, and local products.
This means the impact can extend beyond lower energy or water consumption. Local procurement and collaboration can also contribute to the regional economy and a more recognizable tourist offering.
“Sustainability only becomes truly powerful when it becomes part of the entire customer journey. From the first booking to the guest's departure,” says Bylois.
Practical framework for entrepreneurs
The experiences of the thirty accommodations have been incorporated into a framework that allows lodging entrepreneurs to assess their entire business operations. This involves examining energy, water, waste, purchasing, mobility, staff, local partners, and guest experience.
The goal is not to burden entrepreneurs with an extensive theoretical model, but to help them choose feasible measures that suit the size, location, and target group of their business.
For tourism organizations and local authorities, the framework can be used for guidance programs for small-scale accommodation facilities. Practical experience shows that support should not only cover technical aspects and subsidies, but also communication, operational management, and collaboration within the destination.
Presentation on September 24
The results will be presented on September 24, 2026, to tourism organizations, local authorities, sector organizations, educational institutions, and accommodation providers. During the meeting, the sustainability framework, practical examples, and the key lessons learned from the process will be explained.
More information
Source and more information: PXL University of Applied Sciences