REDUCING HOTEL’S CARBON FOOTPRINT: STRATEGIES AND BEST PRACTICES
The hospitality industry needs to focus on reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. This is because it is now responsible for minimizing its environmental impact and facing challenges from rising energy costs.
Recent research shows that average energy prices have doubled, causing some businesses to reduce trading hours or raise prices.
For this reason, it’s important for the industry to reduce energy consumption, not just for the environment but also to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations from guests.
Understanding Carbon Footprint and the Importance of Hotels Reducing It:
Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) that are released into the atmosphere because of an individual, organisation, or activity, contributing to climate change. Hotels have a significant impact on the environment due to their high energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. Lowering their carbon footprint not only reduces their impact on the environment, but also saves money on energy bills, improves the hotel’s reputation among environmentally conscious guests, and contributes to the overall effort to mitigate climate change. There are a handful of energy conservation techniques that hotels can implement to reduce their carbon footprint and we’ve made a helpful list of them below.
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Switch to LED Lighting
One of the simplest and most effective ways for hotels to reduce their energy consumption is by switching to energy-efficient lighting. LED lighting, for example, uses significantly less energy than traditional bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. By replacing all the hotel’s light fixtures with LED bulbs, the hotel can reduce its energy usage significantly. In addition to reducing energy consumption, switching to LED lighting can also save hotels money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and the frequency of bulb replacements.
2. Install Smart Thermostats
Another effective energy conservation strategy is the use of smart thermostats. These thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically when guests leave their rooms or when the hotel is not fully occupied. Similarly, by reducing the heating and cooling systems when the rooms are not occupied, hotels can save a significant amount of energy while still providing guests with a comfortable room temperature. So, installing smart thermostats can reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money on your energy bills.
3. Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuels and shift to renewables.
Installing renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems can help hotels reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their carbon footprint.
This not only helps the environment, but also allows hotels to become more energy independent, save on energy bills, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Renewable energy can also be a powerful marketing tool for hotels, attracting environmentally conscious guests who value eco-friendly practices. By investing in renewable energy, hotels will have the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact but also boost their reputation, lower their energy bills, and become more competitive in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Overall, given the anticipation of continued high prices for oil and gas, hotels that can produce their power from renewable sources such as renewable energy would have a competitive advantage.
4. Save your energy, money and carbon with voltage optimisation
Another recommended solution for reducing a hotel’s energy consumption and carbon footprint is voltage optimisation. This technology regulates and reduces the voltage supplied to the hotel’s electrical appliances, preventing energy waste, and minimising carbon emissions. By installing voltage optimisation systems, hotels can reduce their equipment’s energy consumption by up to 19%, saving you money on your energy bills. Moreover, voltage optimisation works well alongside the hotel’s electrical essentials such as lighting, air conditioning, and refrigerators. In addition to this, voltage optimisation systems are entirely safe, reliable, and already in use by leading organisations nationwide.
VO reduces incoming mains voltage, saving valuable energy across an entire hotel estate. Installation is non-disruptive to hotel operations, and it also prolongs the life expectancy of electrical equipment. Kitchens, laundry, sports, leisure, and swimming facilities can all benefit. Return on Investment (ROI) is typically 2 to 3 years. Furthermore, eco-max voltage optimisers are fully compatible and are a complementary fit with all renewable technologies such as solar PV, biomass, heat pumps, wind, and other generation. All in all, voltage optimisation offers a unique opportunity for hotels to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals.
Key takeaways:
In conclusion, there are several strategies and best practices that hotels can implement to reduce their carbon footprint. By adopting energy-efficient lighting, and smart thermostats, and installing renewables, and voltage optimisation systems, hotels can save energy, minimise the amount they pay on energy bills, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
At GWE, we offer voltage optimisation systems designed to help hotels and organisations save energy and money and reduce carbon emissions. Our experts can help hotels determine the best voltage optimisation solution for their specific needs. Why not find out how much your hotel could be saving on wasted energy each year? Use our Savings Calculator today!
List of Reducing a Hotel’s Carbon Footprint: Strategies and Best Practices:
- Switch to LED lighting.
- Install smart thermostats.
- Get renewables.
- Install a voltage optimisation system.
