In a sector where tradition often overshadows transformation, Aileen Williamson stands out as a passionate voice for change. With over 30 years of experience in housekeeping, from room attendant to executive housekeeper, Aileen has become a sought-after consultant and workshop facilitator, helping hotels transition toward more sustainable practices. In this conversation, she opens up about the often-overlooked role of housekeeping in environmental responsibility, and how uniforms, chemicals, waste, and procurement practices hold the key to meaningful change.
Housekeeping and Sustainability: A New Frontier
Housekeeping is not usually the first department that comes to mind when sustainability is discussed. Yet, as Aileen points out, it’s a department deeply entrenched in daily consumption and waste. Her workshops target this very disconnect, offering head housekeepers hands-on strategies for reducing environmental impact without compromising guest satisfaction.
She identifies three major areas where housekeeping can make an immediate difference: procurement, chemicals, and waste management. These are not abstract issues; they impact every room, every guest, and every team member. “If we can get our procurement right and address waste management issues, we’ll be on top of many of the things we can achieve within housekeeping,” she explains.
Uniforms: The Hidden Opportunity
Aileen spotlights a key area of hotel operations that is ripe for innovation: staff uniforms. Often an afterthought, uniforms not only represent a significant line item in housekeeping budgets but also carry a heavy environmental burden due to overproduction, short lifespans, and synthetic fabrics.
Her enthusiasm for Crestwell Attire’s approach is unmistakable. The company’s use of AI to design uniforms tailored to a hotel’s concept, their use of sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled textiles, and their innovative take-back scheme that transforms old linens into school uniforms or tote bags, all exemplify the kind of circular economy thinking she champions.
“Crestwell have created the perfect circular system for uniforms,” Aileen says. “It’s not just the environmental benefits there are real cost savings too. Up to 25% per item, and a carbon footprint reduction of about 30%.”
Addressing the Skeptics: Quality vs. Sustainability
One of the most persistent myths in hospitality is that sustainability compromises luxury. Aileen firmly disagrees. “Sustainability should elevate the guest experience,” she asserts. Far from detracting from comfort or style, sustainable practices can enhance both, especially when backed by quality suppliers and smart design.
She also challenges the misconception that recycled or plant-based fabrics lack performance. “There are amazing innovations in textiles. Some of the recycled fabrics feel just like cotton. It's impressive,” she adds.
In her view, sustainability doesn’t belong only to the guest-facing side of operations. “Back of house is where we must start our sustainability journey,” Aileen says. When staff see their employers investing in ethical, comfortable, and environmentally friendly uniforms, it builds morale and reinforces a hotel’s values from the inside out.
Why Change Is Hard—and How to Lead It
Despite the clear benefits, change in the hospitality industry doesn’t come easily. Aileen attributes this to the sector’s deeply rooted traditions and the operational pressures most housekeepers face. “We’re a very traditional industry,” she notes. “Introducing change, whether it's a new supplier or a new system, can be a big ask, especially when you’re not sure it’s going to work.”
She believes that one of the biggest barriers is fear of the unknown. Suppliers need to understand that hotels can’t afford trial-and-error strategies. New products or systems must work seamlessly from day one. “There’s no room for failure when it impacts the guest experience,” she stresses.
Cost is another factor. Aileen argues that cost savings need to be clearly demonstrated, not just in terms of product pricing but also in operational efficiency and long-term durability. Crestwell’s model stands out here, offering measurable cost reductions and lifecycle benefits that align with the goals of GMs and procurement teams alike.
The Power of Workshops and Education
Education, Aileen believes, is key to overcoming resistance. Her workshops bring practical, evidence-based training to housekeepers, often for the first time. She begins with the basics of climate science to build context, then moves into actionable topics: energy use, water conservation, waste sorting, chemical alternatives, and carbon footprint analysis.
She credits the success of her recent session with Rubbermaid, where she delivered a two-hour sustainability workshop to top London-based housekeeping teams, as a turning point. “Partnering with a respected brand lends credibility,” she notes. “It also opens doors to new audiences who may not otherwise attend.”
Aileen sees potential for further partnerships with companies like Crestwell, who not only produce sustainable solutions but also have an interest in empowering those who implement them.
Looking to the Future: Ethical Procurement and the Role of Technology
As the conversation shifts to the future of hospitality, Aileen is optimistic. She sees AI, automation, and smart inventory systems as welcome tools, provided they are accessible and well-supported. But she also stresses the need for ethical procurement and a shared responsibility among leadership teams.
“Sustainability starts with taking responsibility for every purchase decision,” she says. “We can’t turn a blind eye to how something is made. We should only use suppliers who can show they’re doing as little harm as possible.”
The metrics are becoming clearer: a 10% cost saving, 30% lower carbon footprint, and a 50% longer product lifespan. These are the kinds of statistics that can help drive adoption.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Finally, Aileen talks about the next generation of housekeeping professionals. With many executive roles now outsourced or absorbed into broader room division functions, there’s a risk of losing deep expertise and innovation.
“I believe there's a huge need for my generation to empower the next,” she says. “Head housekeepers today are often caught between operational demands and quality expectations, especially when outsourced. They need support, mentorship, and space to innovate.”
She encourages aspiring consultants and trainers to pair up with business-minded partners to help with marketing and strategy. “My heart is in housekeeping, not marketing,” she admits. “But if you have a passion for people and sustainability, there’s a real opportunity to lead.”