The operation of a hotel consumes a considerable amount of energy; however, careful energy management practices can be executed to save costs without affecting the quality of guest experience. In this blog from AEMACO, we discuss nine actionable hotel energy management strategies that can help hoteliers sustainably and profitably meet demand while minimizing energy use and maximizing efficiency in an eco-aware business environment.
Table of Contents
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
In HVAC systems, inventions such as smart energy units with inverter technologies and occupancy sensors have been shown to significantly minimize energy consumption in hotels.
Performance
Regular maintenance, like cleaning air filters or checking refrigeration levels, guarantees peak performance. Moreover, the integration of a building management system (BMS) allows for centralized property control of the hotel, improving energy optimization and preventive maintenance scheduling.
Comfort
Although the cost of the upgrade doesn’t seem reasonable, these resources will increase the overall comfort of the guests while improving the sustainability and economic efficiency of the hotel.
Visit AEMACO’s Energy Management Solution to identify and automate energy-intensive operations.
2. Install LED Lighting Throughout the Property for Better Hotel Energy Management
An example of an energy saving measure that is not only easy to do but cost efficient is replacing regular incandescent and fluorescent lights with LED lighting. LEDs consume less energy, last about five times longer than regular bulbs, and result in less expenses related to upkeep and maintenance.
Cooling
Because they consume less power, the heat that is emitted is also less. This, in turn, diminishes the amount that needs to be spent on cooling the premises. Installing LEDs in guest rooms, lobbies, hallways, conference rooms, exterior spaces, and other areas around the property improves the hotel energy management.
Sensors
The use of LEDs combined with motion sensors and timers in areas with minimal traffic like storage rooms or stairwells leads to even greater savings. From an economic viewpoint, this switch makes sense, however it also provides a statement that the hotel is going green, which will appeal to environmentally aware guests.
Read our blog How to Reduce Energy Consumption in Buildings to learn the benefits of switching to LED lighting and integrating smart controls.
3. Use Smart Room Controls and Occupancy Sensors
Automated smart rooms control and save a great deal of energy. Blinds, lights, and temperature can be adjusted depending on whether a guest is present or their preferences. This shows how smart property management systems (PMS) work alongside check-ins and check-outs.
Wasted
Because rooms are unoccupied, energy is not wasted. Maximizing guest comfort while maintaining energy efficiency is achieved because touch screen panels and mobile applications allow settings to be adjusted.
Luxury
Travel smart technology appeals to the contemporary traveler as it positions itself to modern-day luxury alongside acid green sustainability. These systems achieve massive savings with energy and operating costs.
Visit our blog 10 IoT Energy Saving Solutions You Can Use Today to discover AEMACO’s IoT energy-saving tips.
4. Optimize Water Heating and Laundry Operations
Heating water is one of the most significant drains of energy, particularly for hotels that have high laundry requirements. If hotels installed energy efficient water heaters or switched to solar powered water heating systems, it’d greatly reduce the amount of energy used.
Conserves
In terms of laundry, the use of low temperature detergents paired with high efficiency washers and dryers conserves energy and improves the durability of the linens. Scheduling off-peak hour laundry loads further reduces electricity costs.
Providers
Hotels might even consider outsourcing laundry services to environmentally friendly providers. Regular maintenance such as descaling heaters and checking for leaks allows for continued efficiency. Lowering the energy used for water heating and laundry increases cost control and fosters sustainability.
Check out our blog Hotel Energy Efficiency: 7 Strategies to Improve It to learn how to optimize water heating systems to reduce energy consumption.
5. Insulate and Seal the Building Envelope
Inefficiency in energy use can occur when heating and cooling systems are overworked due to insufficient insulation and air leaks. Minimizing energy expenditure requires proper insulating of walls, roofs, and floors to help maintain the delicate internal temperatures, along with sealing doors and windows.
Insulated
Heat loss or gain can also be reduced with double glazed windows and insulated curtains. Cooling demands in warmer climates can also be reduced with reflective roof coatings. Uncovering gaps and cracks where energy can escape is a result of regular building envelope inspections.
Efficient
Improved guest experience is an outcome of better insulation, which leads to year-round energy savings. Environmentally friendly, resilient, and more energy efficient is what defines a sealed and insulated hotel.
6. Implement Energy Management Software (EMS)
An Energy Management System (EMS) monitors energy use in your hotel energy management in real-time. With analytics and reporting capabilities, hotel operators can unlock usage patterns, inefficiencies, and make better performance decisions.
Alerts
EMS monitors HVAC loads, lighting schedules, water consumption, and appliances in the kitchen. By setting benchmarks and usage alerts, hotels can stay within targeted energy limits. The software also makes sustainability and regulatory compliance easier.
Automation
Connecting EMS with building automation systems greatly improves energy management. Over time, EMS uncovers trends and opportunities for long-term cost reductions and sustained improvements.
7. Train Staff on Energy-Efficient Practices to Improve Hotel Energy Management
Your employees are essential to your energy conservation strategies. Training in these areas has the potential to yield real results. This includes turning off lights and other electronics when not in use, correctly reporting maintenance problems, and operating equipment within its defined parameters.
Maintain
For example, housekeeping can close blinds in unoccupied areas which helps maintain temperature levels, further reducing HVAC usage. Other contributing staff, such as those in the kitchen and maintenance, can minimize energy usage by using appliances during off-peak hours.
8. Use Renewable Energy Sources Where Possible
Switching to renewable energy solutions, such as geothermal heating and solar panels, minimizes the use of standard electricity while decreasing overall expenses in the long term.
Incentives
The hospitality industry can make use of government incentives and tax breaks, leading to an easier investment in renewables because installation costs are decreasing. Not only can solar panels be used for lighting, heating, and powering pools, but solar water heaters also reduce costs associated with hot water.
Control
Geothermal systems efficiently control temperature year-round. Embracing renewables helps decrease carbon footprints, but more importantly helps improve your reputation as an environmentally friendly business, increasing attraction from eco-conscious travelers and corporate clients.
9. Schedule Regular Energy Audits and Maintenance
Conducting regular energy efficiency audits is essential to finding and fixing issues. Professional energy audits tend to systems like lighting, HVAC, water heating, and building insulation which aids in finding further savings. Routine maintenance such as covering HVAC filter cleaning, leak repairs, and sensor adjustments helps in achieving optimal equipment performance.
Audits
For larger properties, conducting annual or monthly audits fosters the ability to measure progress and gauge ROI on system upgrades. Hotels can use these audits as preparatory steps for earning environmental credentials such as LEED or ISO 50001, which improves their market position.
Frameworks
Maintenance coupled with professional audits go beyond reactive strategies, serving as advanced frameworks for enduring energy efficiency and operational stability.
How We Can Help
AEMACO offers bespoke solutions in energy management designed for the hospitality sector. We enable hotels to automate systems and integrate renewables to optimize energy consumption, lower utility expenses, and achieve sustainability targets. Call us today to empower your property to be efficient, green, and smart while maintaining high service levels and comfort to your guests.