Gestión ambiental en la industria hotelera: diagnóstico, brechas y estrategias para la implementación de la NTC ISO 14001:2015 en Colombia

Abstract

The hotel industry in Colombia, although consolidated as an economic and social driver, generates significant environmental pressures due to its high consumption of water and energy, as well as the production of solid and liquid waste. In light of this situation, the Colombian Technical Standard ISO 14001:2015 serves as an international benchmark for the development of Environmental Management Systems (EMS), aimed at regulatory compliance, pollution prevention, and continuous improvement. In this context, the present monograph analyzed the level of alignment of a hotel located in the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) with the requirements of the standard, with the purpose of identifying strengths and gaps in its environmental management and proposing guidelines for its improvement. A qualitative and descriptive approach was adopted under a case study strategy, integrating document review, interviews, on-site observation, and the application of a checklist based on ISO 14001:2015.Overall, the study revealed institutional progress in environmental policy and managerial commitment, but also significant shortcomings in documentation, operational control, and performance indicators. In response, technical instruments and management plans were developed to optimize the administration of water, energy, waste, and emergency situations.The study concludes that it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the EMS. As an academic contribution, this monograph offers a replicable methodological proposal for other hotel establishments, contributing to the strengthening of sustainable tourism in Colombia.