MADE BLUE x HTH
Water is the world’s most precious, and increasingly scarce resource. Yet in the hospitality industry, excessive water use remains one of the sector’s most persistent challenges. From guest showers to laundry, dishwashing, and daily operations, the demand for clean water is immense. As future hospitality leaders, students at Hotelschool The Hague have a unique opportunity to influence more sustainable habits that can reshape the industry.
We have recently launched a new initiative across campus and in the Skotels to raise awareness about daily water consumption and empower students to adopt simple, effective water-saving habits. The campaign encourages behavioural change, highlights the importance of resource management in hospitality, and most importantly, creates measurable impact beyond our walls.
Turning daily habits into global impact
To make every effort count, HTH has partnered with MADE BLUE, a foundation dedicated to providing clean drinking water to communities in need. For each Skotel student who participates in the initiative, MADE BLUE and HTH will donate 20 litres of clean water per day to someone who lacks access to safe water.
By saving water in our own routines, students are directly helping to improve water access worldwide, a powerful example of how small actions in hospitality can contribute to global change.
How students make a difference: Practical steps on Campus and in the Skotels
The campaign focuses on easy, everyday behavioural shifts supported by visual reminders and tools throughout the school and the Skotels.
1. Following the MADE BLUE guidance stickers
Placed near showers and toilets, these stickers highlight simple water-saving choices that students can adopt instantly.
2. Choosing the small flush
Switching from a 6-litre flush to a 3-litre flush whenever possible significantly reduces water waste, an effortless change with long-term impact.
3. Taking shorter showers
Shorter showers are one of the most effective ways to reduce personal water use. Skotel residents can even scan a QR code to access the specially created “Shower Smart and the Donation Starts” playlist to help keep shower time quick and efficient.
4. Turning off the tap while brushing teeth
This common habit wastes litres of water every day. Closing the tap is simple, immediate, and meaningful.
5. Turning off the tap while washing dishes
Letting the water run while cleaning dishes is another hidden water drain. The initiative encourages mindful use without compromising daily routines.
Leading the way in sustainable hospitality
This water-saving initiative demonstrates how schools like HTH can drive real change by combining sustainability, education, and community action. Students gain hands-on practice in responsible resource management, while their efforts simultaneously support global access to clean water.
In an industry where the guest experience often relies heavily on water-intensive practices, understanding and reducing consumption is essential. By embedding these habits early in their education, future hospitality professionals can carry water-conscious practices into their careers; shaping more sustainable hotels, restaurants, and operations worldwide.