Sustainability awards: elevating your property’s impact and visibility

Property managers and vacation rental owners, have you ever wondered if going green is actually worth the effort? Well, let us tell you about something that might just tip the scales: Sustainability Awards. These are beyond just fancy accolades to place in your office; they do have the potential to be a game-changer for your business if harnessed correctly. In this blog, let’s break down why sustainability awards are a big deal and how they can make a real difference.

What are sustainability awards?

Simply put, sustainability awards recognise businesses that are serious about integrating environmental care, social responsibility, and effective governance (ESG) into their day-to-day operations. These honours come from reputable third parties, meaning they’re substantial to your commitment to doing business responsibly. We’ve personally witnessed the impact of such awards at EnviroRental under the leadership of our CEO and founder, Bob Garner.

In 2023, we proudly took home the Sustainability Award and, in 2024, the Pioneer Award from The Shortyz, showcasing our unwavering commitment to sustainability on a massive global stage. Bob, as a host, also won the Shortyz Eco award in 2020 for his short-term rental, Casal dei Fichi. All of this is not to boast but to show that we deeply understand what these awards mean and the benefits of taking one home.

1. Build trust like a boss

Trust is everything in the STR business. Guests are increasingly looking for accommodations that walk the talk on the environment. A sustainability award vouching for your green practices can be the trust signal that tips their booking your way.

2. Stand out from the crowd

The vacation rental market is packed, and standing out can be tough. A sustainability award can be the feather in your cap that catches a guest’s eye. Whether it’s on your website, your listings, or your social media, showing off your sustainability credentials can really set you apart from the pack.

3. Attract the green-hearted guests

More and more travellers are choosing their stays based on their eco-values. Having a recognised sustainability award puts you right in front of these guests. It’s about connecting with people who share your commitment to the planet, and they’re likely to appreciate your efforts.

4. Forge stronger local ties

Winning a sustainability award doesn’t just look good—it can also strengthen your bonds with the local community. It shows you’re committed to responsible tourism, which can lead to partnerships with local businesses and tourism boards. This can enrich the guest experience and boost your reputation locally.

5. Save money while helping the planet

Going for an award often means tightening up your operations, which can lead to some serious cost savings. Think energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and less waste overall. Lower bills and fewer resources used mean you’re saving money while being kinder to the planet.

6. Happy teams, great service

People love working for a business that stands for something positive. Winning an award can boost team morale and make your staff proud to be part of your business. A happy team is essential for providing great service, which in turn, keeps those five-star reviews coming.

Assessing your STR business for sustainability award readiness

If you’re considering whether your business is ready to compete for a sustainability award, there are several key factors to evaluate:

1. Review your current sustainability practices

Start by taking a comprehensive look at your existing sustainability initiatives. Do you have measures in place for reducing energy and water usage? Are your cleaning supplies eco-friendly? How do you manage waste and recycling? A strong candidate for a sustainability award will have robust, well-documented practices across these areas.

2. Check third-party certifications

Having third-party environmental certifications can greatly strengthen your application. Industry-recognised certifications such as a Sustonica badge or QALIA certification add credibility and objectively affirm your commitment to sustainability.

3. Measure guest engagement

Assess how your guests perceive and participate in your sustainability efforts. This can be gauged through direct feedback, reviews mentioning your green practices, or through the uptake of specific eco-friendly options you offer. High guest engagement in your sustainability programs is a positive indicator of readiness.

4. Evaluate your communication

How well do you communicate your sustainability efforts to your guests and the public? Your promotional materials, website content, and guest communications should clearly articulate your commitment to environmental stewardship. Effective communication is crucial for a successful award application.

5. Document your impact

Prepare to showcase concrete results from your sustainability initiatives. This could include metrics like reduced utility consumption, waste reduction percentages, or the impact of community outreach programs. Tangible outcomes can make your application stand out.

6. Plan for continuous improvement

Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing sustainability. Judges will look for not just current accomplishments but also plans for future initiatives. Having a clear, actionable plan for continuous improvement in your sustainability efforts can be a decisive factor.

7. Are you doing more than you thought?

The very act of review not only allows you to best assess your green practices it also highlights where are the gaps in your action and what the next steps might be. The secret is not to waste your efforts. In planning your award application use that reflection to plan how you can further communicate with your stakeholders and what might be your next initiative.

Get ready for the 2025 Shortyz Awards: spotlight on the Sustainability Award

As the 2025 Shortyz Awards approach, one category stands out for its critical relevance to both the industry and the wider world—the Sustainability Award. This standout award is all about applauding those who are outshining expectations in integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

If your business has been busy greening up its act, diving into community preservation, or nailing those ESG goals, then the Sustainability Award is calling your name. It’s tailored for operators, agencies, and suppliers making a real difference through sustainable practices. And with sustainability being a hot topic, scooping up this award could really put your business in the spotlight. Here’s what the judges will be looking out for:

• Innovation: How have you spotted and seized sustainable opportunities in the market?
• Team Effort: How well have your team and resources been channelled towards sustainability?
• Growth: Have your eco-friendly strategies led to new growth avenues?
• Transformation: How have you revamped your business model to be more sustainable?
• Impact: Have these changes translated into solid business success and financial health?

Ready to apply?

 If you believe your business embodies these qualities, we strongly encourage you to submit your entry for the Sustainability Award at the 2025 Shortyz. The entry deadline is 23:59 GMT on Monday, 10 February 2025. This is your chance to showcase your achievements on a global stage at the first-ever in-person, black-tie event for the Shortyz, set to be held at The Westin City, London on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. It doesn’t get better than that!

Making the most of your sustainability award

Well done on winning a sustainability award! Whether it’s from Shortyz, Skift, or STAA, this achievement is a testament to your commitment. Now, it’s time to amplify this success and turn your hard-earned accolade into a growth opportunity for your business. Here are three immediate actions you can take:

1. Shout about it

Use every channel you have—social media, your website, newsletters—to announce your win. Make sure your guests and potential customers know about your commitment to sustainability – add it to your email signature and your digital guide. Use your award to strengthen relationships with business partners and stakeholders.

2. Tell your story

Share the journey that got you to this award. People love a good story, especially one that involves overcoming challenges and making a difference. This narrative can inspire others and deepen the connection with your audience. Make sure to thank others who have been a part of your success e.g. staff, guests and suppliers.

3. Integrate into marketing strategies

Use your award as a key feature in your marketing materials. Include it in your property descriptions, promotional emails, and even on-site signage. This continuous visibility reminds guests of your eco-friendly practices and solid dedication. Make the award work for you to help you build your business – don’t be coy, shout about it from the rooftops!

Not a win but shortlisted?

Remember this is still a huge achievement. The competition is often really tough, but being shortlisted is still a big win. It acknowledges that you scored really well against the criteria and are head and shoulders above many of your peers in our industry. Take the compliment and use it to build even better things in your business for the next time.

Now you’ve seen how impactful a sustainability award can be for your business, why not go for it? Whether you’re just starting to weave sustainable practices into your operations or you’re looking to push your existing initiatives even further, there’s no better time than now to get involved. And who knows? We all could be celebrating your success at the next awards ceremony! Let’s make sustainability a cornerstone of our industry together.