Hotels and Hospitality: How to use your Energy Efficiently

The Carbon Trust estimates that business-owners in this industry could cut their energy bills by 10-20% by implementing only simply, low- and no-cost measures. 

Furthermore, with awareness growing around climate change and the role individuals and businesses play in reducing carbon emissions, implementing these measures could improve the green reputation of your business and increase popularity.

It’s very easy to reduce fuel consumption with simple switches. In the table below there are some case studies of businesses saving money:

 KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Did you know…?

Reducing room temperature by just 1°C can cut fuel consumption by 8%

A computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day will cost around £45 a year, but switching it to stand-by mode and turning it off out-of-hours can reduce this to less than £10

Business

Swiss Cottage Pub, Shoreham-on-Sea

Money Saved 

Annual energy bills cut by 20%

Business

Londis Village Shop, Norfolk

Money Saved

£1,920 a year 

These changes are achievable and sustainable for even the smallest businesses.

 So, here are 12 ways you can easily increase your energy efficiency:

1.    REPLACE LIGHTING WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT REPLACEMENTS  

Changing the lightbulbs in the Front of House areas, bedrooms, store cupboards, and bathrooms to energy efficient options such as CFLs or LEDs can save you up to 80% on the energy you use to light your venue.

These bulbs are an investment and tend to be more expensive. See point number 11 for more on this.  

In a hotel, particularly, you can install occupancy sensors so that rooms are not lefts with their lights on when there are no guests staying in there. This will ensure lights are only used when required.

2.    KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS  

If you record your energy consumption it is easier to track how you are doing against targets.

You can also identify peaks in usage to more accurately understand how you’re using energy and whether it is in an inefficient way.

3.    SERVICE YOUR BOILER ANNUALLY  

The typical cost for a boiler service is between £50-100 but a well-serviced boiler can be up to 20% more efficient than a poor one.  

4.    ESTABLISH A ‘DEAD-BAND’ CONTROL  

This is established between the heating and cooling systems. It means that neither is turned on until temperatures are outside typical levels of comfort. These tend to be considered as between 18-24°C.  

5.    PLUG AIR LEAKS

You can reduce draughts by installing self-adhesive thermal strips around doors and windows. These areas can account for up to 10% of the heat loss in many buildings.

If you can fit automatic closures on external doors and using window blinds in winter will reduce heat loss even more so.

6.    REDUCE YOUR IMMERSION THERMOSTAT  

Reducing this makes sure your hot water it not too hot. Setting it to around 60°C makes sure that your hot water is a good temperature. Also, you shouldn’t store hot water below 60°C as it can increase the risk of legionella.  

7.    CHECK UP ON YOUR TAPS

Consider fitting spray water taps, as they use less hot water and energy. Make sure that leaking taps are repaired promptly. Ensure that pipework is well insulated.

8.    POOL MANAGEMENT

The savings, with proper use and maintenance, equal 10-30% of total pool energy use with a payback period of 1.5-3 years

Set the pool temperature control correctly

Using a portable temperature probe to test the water temperature and set the control accordingly.

An unnecessary rise of just 0.5°C will result in a substantial increase in energy use because of the high thermal heat capacity of water

Optimum temperatures are considered

-        27°C

-        28°C

-        29°C

-        30°C

For fitness, recreation, leisure and children, respectively.

Install a heat recovery system on the pool hall ventilation system

Heat recovery is the transfer of heat from a warmer source (outgoing air or water) to a cooler source (incoming air or water).

Used with pool hall ventilation systems, heat recovery can reduce energy requirements for heating by 30% with a payback period of 3-5 years.

9.    MONITOR YOUR REFRIGERATION

Refrigeration is expensive and it is not uncommon for your fridge to take up the majority of your energy bill. There are some ways you can manage and reduce the impact of refrigeration listed below.

1.    Fridges should be defrosted regularly.

2.    Check the seals on cold rooms and fridges.

3.    Keep condensers and evaporators clean.

4.    When replacing or buying new, look for energy efficient units (A rated, if possible A++ rated as they have the lowest electrical running costs)

5.    Keep fridge doors shut as much as possible

10. AVOID USING ELECTRIC HEATERS 

In particular do not use these to supplement central heating. If you’re too cold, first check the temperature settings and thermostatic radiator valves to see if this corrects the problem.  

If it does not you should consider calling an engineer as it may be that your central heating system needs servicing.  

11. BE TIME SMART  

Simple steps such as reducing the temperature during the summer months and night-time/out-of-use hours can save you a considerable amount on your energy bill.  

12.CONTACT THE CARBON TRUST  

For energy investments, payback is usually achieved within 3 years. The initial investment can be costly and seem impossible despite the eventual gain. The Carbon Trust can help prepare businesses for these kinds of bigger investments and help you identify potential suppliers.