The hotel trade has gone through a serious evolution and expansion over the recent decades. Tourism is the most important industry in the world economy. The hotel industry constitutes one of the most energy and resource-intensive branches of the tourist industry. Substantial quantities of energy are consumed in providing comfort and services to guests, many of who are accustomed to, and willing to pay for exclusive amenities, treatment and entertainment.
There are many energy saving tips for hospitality managers to reduce their energy bills with just a few adjustments to electricity, water, as well as heating and cooling systems, so that the bill at the end of the month is less stressful.
Statistically, guests confirm that they abandon their “green initiatives” when they stay at hotels. They expect fresh linen and towels every day, open a new shampoo bottle or soap every time they shower and so on. So as hoteliers, it’s important to find ways to keep costs down.
Energy saving is not limited to hotel management only. It’s the responsibility of the management to educate and train staff as well as guests on ways to improve energy efficiencies.
We gathered some energy saving tips for hospitality managers and hotels:
Lighting Upgrades
Older flourescent fixtures are often T12 lamps, which are inefficient, often provide poor light and are prone to flickering and buzzing. To dramatically improve efficiency, consider replacing these older fixtures with efficiency T8 and T5 flourescents. These lamps will result in immediate cost savings and can improve ambiance.
In Rooms:
- Install low-flow showerheads and aerators.
- Inform guests that only if they require new towels should they place their old ones in the bath so that staff know to replace them with clean ones.
- Replace mini amenities with dispensers with ones that cannot be removed but can be replenished.
- Switch to low-flow or dual flush toilets and make sure your toilet flappers are not leaking.
- Plan properly for arriving guests so only reserved rooms are set to heat or cool at a comfortable temparature. Limit the thermostat range available to guests.
- Guests should not be able to set rooms to below 65 degrees F in the summer or above 80 degrees F in the winter.
Compact Flourescent Lights (CFLs)
Each traditional incandescent light bulb uses approximately five times as much energy as a new CFL bulb; CFLs also last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
Tips for the Housekeeping Staff:
Your housekeeping personnel can assist your hotel in saving energy in a number of ways including: resetting thermostats, closing drapes, reporting water leaks, and turning off lights.
- Open the curtain to let natural light flow in to brighten the room.
- Wash linens and towels at a lower temparature.
- Report water leaks as soon as you find them.
- Turn off the lights, aircons or heaters when rooms are being cleaned or are unoccupied. 19-21 degrees is usually a recommended or comfortable room temperature for guests.
Small Energy Uses
Saunas, exercise rooms and other infrequently used facilities can benefit from motion sensors to shut off lights, HVAC systems and equipment during periods of inactivity. Use only enough outdoor lighting to effectively and efficiently light the area. Turn off office machines and equipment overnight and when not needed.
In general building and public areas:
- HVAC systems provide heating and cooling, as well as filtration, fresh air and humidity control. Use an energy management system to prevent conditioning space when it is not necessary.
- Use solar water heating systems for hot tubs.
- Use daylight sensors for your lights so that they only come on when it’s dark.
- Modify your HVAC heating and aircon units to include more energy efficient technologies like heat pumps.
- Service your heating and cooling equipment regularly.
To learn more about United Energy Consultants, please visit their website.
