Article: Assessing environmentally sustainable practices in boutique hotels: frontline staff perspectives Journal: World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WREMSD) 2026 Vol.22 No.3 pp.1 - 10 Abstract: This study examines environmentally sustainable practices in boutique hotels in Makati City, Philippines, from the perspective of frontline staff. Using a descriptive quantitative design, we collected data from 40 employees across the front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage departments. Two validated instruments captured perceived challenges and the extent of environmental sustainability practices. Limited training opportunities and budget constraints emerged as the most significant barriers, while internal communication and administrative support were not perceived as problematic. Basic practices, such as waste segregation, energy-efficient lighting, towel and linen reuse, and leak monitoring, were consistently applied. Advanced initiatives, including hazardous waste management, renewable energy adoption, and water recycling, were only occasionally implemented. Results suggest that hotel managers should prioritise capacity-building, allocate funds for sustainable initiatives, and enhance guest engagement strategies. This study provides baseline evidence on boutique hotel sustainability in the Philippine context, contributing to the global discourse on sustainable hospitality. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Assessing environmentally sustainable practices in boutique hotels: frontline staff perspectives

Authors: Catherine Doromal; Hannah Marie Rae Bauto; Kyla Katrina Gatpo; Raiza Malasa; Jazzlhyne Mae Vinarao; Ian Llenares

Addresses: World Citi Colleges, Manila, Philippines ' World Citi Colleges, Manila, Philippines ' World Citi Colleges, Manila, Philippines ' World Citi Colleges, Manila, Philippines ' World Citi Colleges, Manila, Philippines ' Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines

Abstract: This study examines environmentally sustainable practices in boutique hotels in Makati City, Philippines, from the perspective of frontline staff. Using a descriptive quantitative design, we collected data from 40 employees across the front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage departments. Two validated instruments captured perceived challenges and the extent of environmental sustainability practices. Limited training opportunities and budget constraints emerged as the most significant barriers, while internal communication and administrative support were not perceived as problematic. Basic practices, such as waste segregation, energy-efficient lighting, towel and linen reuse, and leak monitoring, were consistently applied. Advanced initiatives, including hazardous waste management, renewable energy adoption, and water recycling, were only occasionally implemented. Results suggest that hotel managers should prioritise capacity-building, allocate funds for sustainable initiatives, and enhance guest engagement strategies. This study provides baseline evidence on boutique hotel sustainability in the Philippine context, contributing to the global discourse on sustainable hospitality.

Keywords: boutique hotels; environmental sustainability; sustainable practices; staff perspectives.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2026.154001

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2026 Vol.22 No.3, pp.1 - 10

Received: 21 May 2025
Accepted: 23 Sep 2025
Published online: 09 Jun 2026 *

Title: Assessing environmentally sustainable practices in boutique hotels: frontline staff perspectives

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