Sustainable Hospitality: The Role of Energy Management Systems in Business Success

Energy consumption plays a key role in hospitality and tourism.

22:31 23 October 2023

Energy consumption plays a key role in hospitality and tourism. Consider the dynamic operations of hotels, where guests flow in and out, restaurants that craft culinary delights, and transportation services ensuring travelers' mobility - all of these rely profoundly on energy-intensive operations. Whether it's the inviting glow of ambient lighting, the snug warmth in the midst of a cold winter night, or the seamless cooling that guarantees a comfortable stay, energy forms the cornerstone of the hospitality industry. In an era where sustainable practices are becoming paramount, businesses in this sector increasingly turn to Energy Management Systems (EMS) as a beacon of efficiency and environmental responsibility. So, how can a travel company be sustainable, and what role do Energy Management Systems play in this? 

Energy efficiency in the hospitality sector

In the hospitality industry, hotels consume energy primarily for lighting, cooling, heating, charging devices, and kitchen operations, while restaurants rely on energy for cooking, refrigeration, lighting, and HVAC. Transportation services within the sector use energy for vehicle fuel, maintenance, climate control, and onboard electronics, collectively contributing to their environmental footprint.

As Better Buildings Hospitality, an initiative supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) that unites organizations to exchange insights on energy conservation, states:

“With 24-hour, 365-day operations, hotels are one of the highest energy and water consumers per square foot. Better Buildings Hospitality partners represent 1 billion square feet of the sector's total 6 billion square feet of national floorspace. Across America’s 47,000 hotels, it is estimated that the average guest room incurs nearly $2,200 in energy costs annually. By investing in and prioritizing energy efficiency, hoteliers can improve guest comfort and realize cost savings.” 

Inefficient energy use in the hospitality industry results in higher carbon emissions, harming the environment and potentially damaging a business's reputation. It also leads to substantial operational costs as businesses face soaring energy bills and increased maintenance expenses. 

"Energy efficiency is the fastest, lowest cost, and lowest risk approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in most organizations," - says Liam McLaughlin, energy systems specialist at UNIDO.

That’s when Energy Management Systems (EMS) come in.

Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Energy Management Systems (EMS) are comprehensive software and hardware solutions designed to monitor, control, and optimize energy consumption in various facilities, including those in the hospitality sector. These systems collect data from multiple energy-consuming equipment and systems, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, and appliances. They then analyze this data to identify areas where energy can be saved and implement strategies to reduce consumption.

EMS employs a range of technology and tools, including sensors, meters, and communication devices, to gather real-time data on energy usage. Advanced software platforms process this data, providing insights and recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Besides, EMS often includes automation features that allow for the remote control and adjustment of energy-consuming equipment.

The primary objectives of implementing an EMS in the hospitality sector are to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, improve guest comfort, and minimize the facility's environmental impact.

The role of EMS in sustainable hospitality

As mentioned above, EMS provides a dynamic platform for hotels and resorts to effectively manage their energy consumption, offering a multitude of advantages. Let’s take a closer look at these advantages:

• Reduced energy consumption: First and foremost, EMS enables hotels and resorts to monitor energy usage in real time and identify areas where energy is being wasted. Businesses can significantly reduce their energy consumption by optimizing HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-intensive equipment.
• Cost savings: One of the most compelling benefits of EMS is its capacity to deliver substantial cost savings. Hotels, resorts, or restaurants can significantly lower their energy bills.
• Environmental impact reduction: EMS helps hospitality establishments minimize their carbon footprint by curbing energy waste. Lower energy consumption translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to a more sustainable planet.
• Enhanced guest comfort: Many EMS solutions also focus on improving guest comfort. For example, they can adjust room temperatures based on occupancy or guest preferences, or if there are any problems with room conditions, EMS can quickly detect and alert staff. Some EMS systems can even help manage noise levels by controlling HVAC systems and other equipment to minimize disturbances.
• Regulatory compliance: As sustainability regulations become more stringent, EMS helps hotels and resorts adhere to these guidelines. This proactive approach avoids potential fines and aligns with the growing trend of eco-conscious travel.

Case studies: success stories

The Mandarin Hotel in Santiago, Chile

This hotel has embraced sustainability and nature within its urban setting. Partnering with Enel X, the hotel embarked on the Living Roof project, which introduces a rooftop garden fostering biodiversity and providing guests with a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. This initiative includes two beehives, a greenhouse, 8 fruit trees, and an orchard. In addition, a 21.6 kWp solar energy plant was installed, generating 19.2 MWh of renewable energy annually. This eco-friendly approach helps the hotel significantly reduce its carbon footprint, cutting emissions by 7.5 tons of CO₂ per year.

Silken Hotels, Spain

With its commitment to energy efficiency, the hotel partnered with Endesa X's Comfort Management for its Silken Indautxu Bilbao and Silken Puerta Valencia four-star hotels. This initiative led to an impressive 14% reduction in energy costs while maintaining guest comfort at the forefront. These energy-efficient measures are projected to save the hotel group approximately 54,000 euros annually and, more significantly, prevent the emission of 143 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere each year, making it a commendable step toward sustainability.

Hotel Mera Mare, Thailand

The hotel is situated in the heart of vibrant Pattaya city, which exemplifies the power of embracing energy efficiency and smart technology. Facing the challenge of high energy expenditure and humidity issues due to the humid climate, the hotel partnered with SensorFlow to implement a wireless sensor network across 80 rooms. Powered by IoT and AI technology, this solution not only delivered energy savings of 13% (approximately 6,300 kWh) but also provided real-time insights for HVAC optimization and room maintenance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SensorFlow's system proved invaluable, allowing remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to ensure optimal guestroom conditions, cost savings, and guest satisfaction. This energy-efficient approach saves Mera Mare more than 350,000 THB (US$10,000) annually, contributing to sustainability and profitability.

Bottom line

EMS serve as a win-win solution for travel companies in the hospitality sector. By reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs, enhancing guest comfort, and minimizing their environmental impact, travel companies can contribute to sustainability and bolster their profitability and reputation in an increasingly eco-conscious world. EMS is a vital tool in achieving these objectives while ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable and environmentally responsible stay.

About Author

Kseniia Vyshyvaniuk is a highly experienced content manager and tech writer at KITRUM, a software development company. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, she is a true tech geek and stays up-to-date with the latest tech news and trends.