The hospitality industry faces a number of challenges. The sector is highly competitive, and the margins are tight. For example, hotels must compete with home rental websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway. There is also a high cost of energy and utilities, which can make it difficult for hotels and restaurants to keep up with sustainable hospitality.
Moreover, energy efficiency is not just an environmental issue; it can also be a significant cost-saving measure for any business. It’s estimated that reducing energy consumption by 30% could save up to £2 billion annually in the UK alone. Improving energy efficiency could bring up to £1 billion in savings annually for the hotel industry alone, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Follow along as we talk about how hotels and restaurants can save money on energy and lower their carbon footprint.
How Hotels and Restaurants Waste Energy?
The key to being a sustainable hotel or restaurant is to use energy wisely and be aware of how much power you are using.
The following are some of the ways in which hotels and restaurants waste energy:
● The dishwasher: It is estimated that dishwashers account for around 15% of all the energy used in restaurants. So, it’s important to make sure your dishwasher works well so that it only uses what it needs to.
● Refrigerators: Refrigerators are also a big source of wasted energy, as they can account for up to 10% of the electricity bill for a restaurant or hotel. For this reason, it’s important not only to make sure that refrigerators are running efficiently but also that they have all been thoroughly cleaned out, so there isn’t any leftover food inside and, therefore, less chance for bacteria growth.
● Lights and heating/cooling: Lighting accounts for around 10% of an average hotel’s consumption, while heating
3 Simple Ways to Reduce Hotel Carbon Footprint by 90%
The hotel industry is one of the world’s largest contributors to carbon emissions. This is mainly because hotels are often located in urban areas with a high density of population, which leads to more people travelling and more flights.
To reduce the carbon footprint, hotels should consider three simple strategies:
- Reduce energy consumption.
- Use renewable energy sources.
- Invest in green technology.
Incorporate Hotel Energy Monitoring Ideas by Tracking Power Usage in Real Time
More than £1.3 billion is spent annually on energy in the UK’s hotel sector.
To begin, you must first assess the current level of your hotel’s efficiency. In what ways does your company use energy, and which parts of the building have the highest consumption rates?
An energy audit’s results should indicate where energy is being wasted. Many businesses increase their energy efficiency by implementing short-term, low-cost adjustments and longer-term, more permanent modifications to their building’s fabric and infrastructure.
It will be difficult to set priorities for your next steps if you lack the information to make those choices. The facts are crucial, whether you opt for a smart metre, cutting-edge AI, or simple record-keeping regarding your utility bills.
Reform the Structure’s Framework of the Hotel and Restaurant Buildings
It is crucial to evaluate insulation and make upgrades whenever possible because of its significant influence on energy loss. When it is colder, you should insulate the attic and any unfilled cavities in the walls. During warmer weather, you should install blinds to block the sun and keep the interior cool. Pipes, including flanges and valves, should be insulated for optimal performance.
The windows should be replaced if double glazing has yet to be installed. The lighting is another crucial part of the structure that has to be improved immediately. LEDs are more efficient since they produce light rather than heat from the energy they need.
Manage Your Hotel and Restaurant’s Heating and Water Temperature
Hotels lose a lot of energy due to poor control of their heating and hot water systems. Even in commercial structures, heating might be responsible for 40% or more of total energy consumption (source).
You may control this in a few different ways. To begin, guarantee you are using a well-maintained boiler. If you do this, you can rest assured that it will always function at peak efficiency.
The quality of the bathroom experience can be maintained while still conserving hot water for guests. If the water pressure is good enough, devices like tap controls, spray taps, and showerheads that use less water can be used to reduce the amount of hot water used.
It is important to regulate the heating system’s temperature so that each room is at the right temperature. You could also switch to a more advanced energy management system.
Maintaining optimal comfort indices with intelligent technologies like AI is a fantastic approach to controlling energy use without making guests uncomfortable.
Reducing Energy Usage in Kitchens and Recreational Areas
Hotels’ kitchens and recreational areas like pools, spas, and gyms are two “hotspots” where energy is wasted.
Preparing and cooking food for guests requires substantial energy, which must be used in kitchens. However, the stoves and hoods do not have to run continuously throughout the shift. Labeling equipment with minimum heat-up times may help workers be more energy conscious.
In addition to using the right-sized cookware and keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, you can do a few more things to ensure a healthy restaurant and hotel environment.
Waste can also occur in recreational facilities due to inconsistent daily use. Avoid using workout equipment at these times or select models that run on human motion. Ensure you have fitted covers for your pool, jacuzzi, or spa. You can use them to have fewer open windows during the night.
Concluding Thoughts
We need to think about the future of our planet and take action to save it from climate change. Those in charge of managing the energy usage of hotels and restaurants can do this by making eco-friendly choices when reducing their carbon footprint.
