Philippine E-Journals

Water and Energy Efficiency in Zamboanga City’s Accommodation Industry: Challenges and Opportunities to a Low-Carbon Future: Basis for Developing a Sustainability Awareness Training Plan

Ardric Impe

Discipline: business and management (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

This study addressed the limited adoption of sustainable water and energy practices in the accommodation industry, particularly in the context of climate change and resource depletion. Focusing on Zamboanga City, it explored how accommodations can implement low-carbon strategies while navigating operational and financial constraints. Specifically, the study aimed to profile respondents and accommodations, assess opportunities for sustainable practices, identify barriers to implementation, and propose a training plan to enhance awareness. Using a quantitative descriptive method, data were collected via survey questionnaires from 39 room attendants in Department of Tourism-accredited Mabuhay accommodations. Results indicate that while basic measures such as switching off unused appliances, cleaning air-conditioning units, and using electronic key cards are commonly adopted, more advanced solutions including motion sensors, renewable energy, and retrofitting are rarely implemented due to high upfront costs, limited awareness, weak policy support, and staff workload. Despite these challenges, the study found that transitioning to low-carbon operations can reduce operating costs, enhance guest satisfaction, and improve brand reputation. However, such shifts also present financial, technical, and human resource challenges. The study recommends capacity-building initiatives, stronger managerial commitment, and enhanced government support to foster long-term sustainability. It concludes that local efforts in Zamboanga's accommodation sector can meaningfully contribute to global environmental goals through consistent, small-scale actions.