Energy bills are still increasing, and non-renewable energy sources continue to hurt the environment. This can all seem pretty daunting to a hotel owner, as hotels often need their facilities to be running 24/7.
So, how can hotels save energy? In this guide, our professionally accredited team will highlight the wide variety of ways hotels can save energy, reducing costs and maximising their green efforts.
How Much Energy Does a Hotel Use?
Hotels come in a variety of sizes, and could therefore have anywhere between 20 to 30 rooms in a small, boutique hotel, or hundreds of rooms in a large, chain hotel. And depending on how many rooms there are, this will affect energy bills and consumption.
So, how much energy does a hotel use? In 2023, Bionic found that their hotel customers were using 12,873 kWh of electricity annually. That’s over 91 times more energy than if you ran a washing machine three times a week for a year!
This makes sense in terms of the scale and size of hotels; lighting, heating, laundry, kitchen equipment, and room and hotel amenities all need electricity in order to function and provide guests with a quality service.
Why is Reducing Energy Consumption Important?
As we’ve seen, hotels use up a lot of energy, most of which is essential for day-to-day operations. However, actions still need to be taken by hotels to reduce energy consumption for the benefit of the planet, as well as brand reputation, and help with cost-efficiency.
Sustainability
Let’s take a look at Bionic’s figure again; if the 12,873 kWh of electricity came from the national grid, this means that over 2,665 kg of CO2 was produced. And 3.3 cubic meters of trees would be needed to absorb the CO2 emitted.
This may not be as big as other industries, but hotels still have a responsibility to limit their impact on the environment. So, it’s in their best interest to do their best in reducing energy consumption; it’s small changes that make the biggest difference.
Brand Image
In a 2023 study from Booking.com, it was found that 74% of travellers want travel companies to offer more sustainable options. Therefore, if hotels fail to keep up with customer demand for environmentally friendly practices, they’ll eventually start losing out on good business.
This doesn’t mean that your entire brand image needs to change; it’s simply about letting your customers know all the changes you’re making to ensure your hotel is sustainable, or at least working towards it.
Cost-Efficiency
Another reason why reducing energy consumption is so important for hotels to get on board with is that it reduces costs. And with energy bills continuing to rise, becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly has become even more incentivised for all industries.
How to Save Energy in Hotels
Don’t worry, there are several renewable energy solutions hotels can utilise.
1. Solar PV Systems
Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are a great source of renewable energy. Harnessing the power of the sun, solar PV systems convert the sun’s rays into electricity.
All hotels are different; luckily, solar PV systems come in a range of shapes and sizes. From on-roof, in-roof and flat roof solutions, as well as ground mount systems and solar car ports, it’s never been easier to choose solar PV as a renewable energy source.
Are you re-roofing? Then it’s the perfect time to integrate a solar PV system. It looks modern and sleek, and saves you money on your energy bills. Get in touch to find out more.
2. Battery Storage
If you’re going to install a solar PV system, you may as well make the most of it by also utilising battery storage solutions. This combination ensures higher energy efficiency, reducing your carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
They work by storing away the excess energy your solar PV system generates during the day when the sun is out. Then at night, the batteries are used, meaning you’ll always have a reliable energy source.
3. EV Chargers
As we’ve seen, guests want to stay in hotels which share the same values as them. Which is why it’s so important that hotels show their dedication to protecting the environment. And there’s no better way to do this and attract guests than installing EV (electrical vehicle) charges.
EV charges come in an array of versatile options depending on your needs; from AC charging stations, DC rapid charging stations, and custom EV charging ports. Taking the time to install these additions to your facilities will make a difference in your brand image.
4. LED Lighting
Finally, LED lighting is a well-known and popular choice for making green changes to your business; it’s both energy and cost-effective.
In fact, LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting options. And according to Simply LED, they estimate that ‘you can expect to save about £21.83 per year for a typical 6.5W LED bulb you use instead of a 60W incandescent bulb.’
When you take into consideration how much lighting is needed in a hotel, and the amount of money, time, and energy which could be saved, switching to LED lighting becomes a no-brainer.
How We Can Help Save Energy in Hotels
We hope this article has been useful in helping you understand how hotels can save energy. And if you’re now wondering who can help you make all these big changes, InspireGreen can support you throughout this process.
Our professional installers will work with you to provide customised renewable energy solutions that work well for you and your hotel; this way, we’ll help to ensure you save time and money, all while positively contributing to our environment.
To discover how our services can help your hotel, get in touch with us at [email protected] or 02922520033. Alternatively, you can request a callback here.
