The hospitality industry is known for its high energy consumption and is considered one of the most energy-intensive sectors. From heating and cooling rooms to powering kitchen equipment and lighting common areas, hotels consume a significant amount of energy. However, there are many ways for hotels to implement energy-saving management practices to reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills.
First, let’s start with Hotels
Energy Audit
Conducting an energy audit is an essential first step in identifying areas of the building that are using the most energy. An energy audit can help hotels understand how much energy they use and where they can make energy-saving improvements. Once hotels have identified areas of high energy consumption, they can begin to implement solutions to reduce their energy usage and save on energy costs.
HVAC Systems
Ensuring the provision of fresh air at a comfortable temperature is crucial for guest comfort and satisfaction in all hospitality establishments. However, it’s important to avoid running heating and cooling systems simultaneously, which is a frequent issue in hotels, pubs, and restaurants. One effective solution is to establish a temperature “dead band,” meaning there is a considerable gap between the temperatures at which heating and cooling systems activate.
Optimising HVAC systems by setting temperatures to reasonable levels, maintaining the systems regularly, and using smart thermostats that automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy levels can help reduce energy usage. Additionally, upgrading to more energy-efficient boilers and insulating the hotel building can further reduce energy consumption.
In a hotel setting, heating and hot water usage can make up over 60% of the total energy consumption. It’s important to ensure that guest rooms are maintained at the appropriate temperatures, with guest bathrooms being set between 26°C to 27°C when in use and bedrooms between 19°C to 21°C.
Ventilation systems also contribute to energy consumption. Using smart technology to control temperature and ventilation in unoccupied areas of the hotel can help conserve energy. Guests can also be allowed to control the temperature in their rooms, which can reduce energy waste.
Lighting
Another area of energy consumption is lighting systems.
Lighting is an essential component of any hospitality establishment, but it’s often viewed as an uncontrollable expense. However, by adopting lighting controls and efficient bulbs, businesses can reduce lighting energy costs by up to 50%. If you haven’t already, switching to low energy bulbs is a great start.
Additionally, implementing motion detectors, time switches, and daylight sensors can help save energy, and it’s also essential to encourage staff to turn off lights when they’re not in use.
Water Usage
Water usage is also an essential factor to consider when implementing energy-saving management practices. Using low-flow showerheads and faucets, as well as efficient laundry and dishwashing practices, can significantly reduce energy consumption.
In terms of temperature, Overheating hot water can be wasteful and pose a risk to both guests and staff. It’s recommended to store water at an optimum temperature of 60°C to prevent such hazards.
Staff
Educating staff and guests on energy-saving practices can also help hotels achieve their energy-saving goals. Staff should be trained on energy-efficient practices such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, while guests can be encouraged to reuse towels and linens and turn off lights and electronics when leaving their rooms.
Solutions such as energy management systems and smart meters can also help hotels manage their energy usage more effectively. These systems can allow hotels to control their energy usage in real-time, identify energy waste, and track energy savings.
Implementing energy-saving management practices can help hotels reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills. Additionally, it can help hotels reduce their carbon footprint and improve their environmental sustainability. By conserving energy, hotels can also improve their operating costs and increase their profitability.
What is the annual energy use for hotels of all sizes?
The annual energy use for hotels of all sizes in the UK can vary depending on the size of the hotel, the number of guests, and the amenities offered. According to the Carbon Trust, the average energy use for a UK hotel is approximately 400 kWh per m² per year.
For a small hotel in the UK, which is defined as a hotel with fewer than 50 rooms, the annual energy use can range from 250 to 400 kWh per m² per year, according to the Energy Savings Trust.
For a large hotel in the UK, which is defined as a hotel with more than 50 rooms, the annual energy use can range from 150 to 300 kWh per m² per year, according to the Energy Savings Trust. However, it’s important to note that the actual energy consumption can vary significantly based on factors such as the hotel’s age, location, and operating hours.
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Restaurants
Energy Audit
Once again the first step in identifying areas of the building that are using the most energy is by doing an energy audit. An energy audit can help identify areas of the restaurant that are using the most energy, and identify opportunities for energy savings. Energy audits can be conducted by a professional energy auditor or by using an online tool. The audit should analyze the energy consumption of lighting, heating and cooling, refrigeration, cooking equipment, and other appliances.
Cooking Equipment
One of the biggest sources of energy consumption in restaurants is cooking equipment. Energy-saving equipment options such as high-efficiency gas or electric ovens, grills, fryers, and broilers can help reduce energy usage. Additionally, ensuring that cooking equipment is properly maintained and cleaned can improve its efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Lighting & Sensors
Similarly to hotels, lighting is another significant energy consumer in restaurants. Using energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs can help reduce energy usage and lower lighting costs.
Additionally, using occupancy sensors or timers to ensure that lights are only on when needed can help conserve energy.
Food Waste
Conducting a food waste audit can help restaurants understand the extent of their food waste and identify opportunities to reduce it. During an audit, the restaurant should measure the amount of food waste generated, categorize the waste by type, and identify the main sources of waste. By tracking their food waste over time, restaurants can monitor their progress in reducing waste and adjust their strategies accordingly. Additionally, food waste audits can help restaurants identify opportunities to donate excess food to local charities or compost food waste to reduce its environmental impact. Ultimately, reducing food waste not only benefits the environment, but can also improve the bottom line for restaurants by lowering food costs and reducing disposal fees.
What is the annual energy use for restaurants of all sizes?
Each year in the UK, the catering industry as a whole spends £400 million on energy and uses around 20,000 million kWh.
The International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies published a study that analyzed 14 pub restaurants in the UK, which found that refrigeration accounted for an average daily electricity consumption of 70 kWh, while grills and combination ovens consumed 37 kWh and 35 kWh, respectively. These findings demonstrate how energy consumption and costs can rapidly accumulate for catering businesses.