Lodging and Hospitality
Reducing operating costs can be particularly challenging in the lodging industry, where the bottom line is directly tied to guest service and satisfaction. In the face of rising energy costs, hotel owners and operators must continue to meet guest expectations for comfort and energy-intensive amenities like air conditioning and heated pools.
The largest portion of a hotel's energy consumption—42 percent on average—goes toward heating water. Guest showers, pools, and especially laundry operations account for almost half of a hotel's energy bill. From large convention hotels to national chains to bed and breakfast inns, owners and operators are challenged to lower energy costs without lowering their quality of service.
Many hotels are finding that energy-efficient technologies and processes offer bottom-line savings without any adverse impact on guests. In fact, some are finding that their energy-saving, environmentally friendly choices appeal to guests and attract reservations.
Efficient heating and cooling operations add to the savings. For guest rooms, hotels can pre-set temperature ranges, lower or raise the temperature during the day (depending on the season) and use control devices that automatically adjust room temperature and lighting when guests are present.
Designs for new high-performance hotels present an opportunity to incorporate energy- and resource-efficient technologies from the start, delivering energy savings up to 50 percent compared to traditional hotel designs. Renovations to existing hotels—replacement of inefficient boilers, lighting, and other systems—can save up to 30 percent on annual energy costs.
Implementing no-cost and low-cost solutions can yield savings up to 10 percent or more. Controlling the temperature and lighting in unoccupied guestrooms—manually or with controls—delivers small savings that make a difference when multiplied over many rooms and many days. Hotels can also implement energy awareness programs to educate cleaning and maintenance staff about energy- and cost-saving measures.
Energy-Saving Tips:
- Save energy and water with solar water heating systems and low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets
- Encourage guests to reuse towels and linens
- Save on utility bills and maintenance costs by installing centralized energy management systems
- Install digital thermostats that monitor room occupancy and automatically adjust the temperature when guests enter or exit
- Reduce lighting loads by installing efficient, or replacing inefficient, fixtures
- Save on lighting costs with occupancy sensors
- Educate cleaning and maintenance staff to turn off lights and adjust thermostats, and implement preventative maintenance programs
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has facilitated the creation of the Commercial Building Energy Alliances (CBEAs), which are designed to minimize the energy and environmental impact of commercial buildings and reduce energy costs for these buildings.