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Ten ways to save energy in Hotels

Hotel Energy

By Lauren PedroPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

One of the five pillars in the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge is reducing energy consumption. Your hotel can not only reduce electricity consumption but also cut costs. Here are ten ways!

1. Smart technology can be used to regulate the temperature

Heat, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC), systems consume huge amounts of energy. Smart thermostats allow your guests to choose which room thermostats they want to use based on their usage patterns. Your hotel will make your guests feel at ease, and you'll save money on energy. It's a win-win situation!

2. Modern heat pumps are now available.

These heat pumps are a great way to cut down on your HVAC energy consumption. Air-source heat pumps move heat from the hotel's interior to the outside, making rooms warmer or colder depending on the guests' needs.

These heat sources are great for small spaces and don't require a full HVAC system. These heat sources can also make a profit if you take into account the savings on cooling and heating costs.

3. Change the bulbs

Energy-efficient lighting is one of the easiest ways to reduce your hotel energy consumption. Energy-efficient light bulbs can help reduce costs and provide as much illumination, if not better than traditional bulbs.

4. Automate your lighting

Optimizing lighting is not just about changing the bulbs. Smart lighting technology allows you to automate the whole process. It can adapt to your energy needs based on typical patterns and usage.

You could, for example, install a smart system to control lighting in hallways that don't get enough sunlight. You can turn all the lights on during peak hours, and you can switch off any lighting at night. The switch is completely automated and you only need to set it once a day.

5. Solar panels can be installed

Solar panels are a popular way to cut down on energy consumption. Solar panels can be a great option for areas with heavy rain and clouds. Renewable electricity reduces carbon dioxide emissions, lowers your energy bill, and increases resistance to power interruptions. In some cases, solar panels can even generate income through the sale of surplus power back to the grid.

6. Reduce standby power

Many appliances and devices draw electricity even when they're turned off or put in standby mode. Unplugging the device is an obvious choice, but it is not always possible for hotels. You could instead add automatic shut-off sockets to the outlets.

Automated shut-down programs let you choose which outlets are to be completely shut down to reduce standby power. You could, for example, close down kitchen appliances during non-operating hours. You could also use sensors to determine when to turn off the power to the outlet.

7. Catch problems early to prevent them from getting out of control

Modern technology allows you to spot energy-related issues before they become serious. Predictive and software-based sensors allow maintenance personnel to identify problems early on. This will reduce energy consumption and also lower maintenance costs.

If the HVAC system becomes worn and damaged, it will use more energy to provide the required cooling and heating. The benefit of removing the component before it becomes damaged is doubled in terms of energy consumption and cost.

8. Take care not to heat your water too much

Hoteliers are required to heat water for various purposes, including laundry facilities, guest rooms, and kitchens. Temperatures above 140°F (60°C) are dangerous for legionella bacteria and can make water uncomfortable. There are ways to reduce the temperature and energy consumption of your water heater if it is heating at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). You can also heat water by making sure pipes are properly protected from heat loss and switching to water sprayers that use less heat and energy.

9. Training should be provided for all staff.

Employees who are trained in energy-saving techniques will make them more efficient. Make sure your staff are informed of any changes you make so you don't have to send out maintenance requests or use inefficient methods. You can also involve your staff by offering incentives to those who follow green practices, or asking them for suggestions on ways to reduce the hotel's energy consumption.

10. Instructions for your guests

Public acceptance of sustainable practices is higher than ever. Don't be afraid, however, to make your sustainability policy public. You could ask your guests to reuse their towels, in order reduce energy consumption.

Sustainability is a hot feature in hotels. You can integrate your energy-saving strategies into your communication with guests and let them know your green practices.

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