Most hotels waste thousands on energy bills.
Yet simple changes can slash these costs overnight.
Want to know how?
The Hidden Energy Drain in Your Hotel
Running a hotel means keeping lights on, rooms comfortable, and guests happy. But this comes at a cost – energy bills that eat into your profits.
The UK hospitality sector spends over £1 billion yearly on energy, contributing to around 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
That’s a lot of money going down the drain.
But here’s the good news…
Most hotels can reduce energy consumption by 10-14% with simple measures. Some businesses have achieved 40% energy savings during refurbishment projects.
Let me show you how.
Quick Wins That Make a Big Difference
1. Get Your Lighting Right
LED lighting is now the standard for energy-efficient hotels. Why?
LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional lighting and last up to 50,000 hours (compared to just 2,000 hours for incandescent bulbs).
A simple switch to LEDs throughout your hotel can pay for itself within months.
But don’t stop there…
Install occupancy sensors in corridors, storerooms, and toilets. These can reduce lighting costs by 30-50%.
2. Control Your Heating Smartly
Poor heating control is the most common cause of energy inefficiency in hotels.
Set the right temperatures:
- Guest bedrooms: 19-21°C
- Bathrooms: 26-27°C
- Corridors: 19-21°C
- Restaurant areas: 22-24°C
- Kitchen: 16-18°C
Install programmable thermostats and review settings regularly as seasons change.
Remember: heating an empty room is literally burning money.
Beyond the Basics: Strategic Energy Management
3. Implement Zoning for Different Areas
Different areas of your hotel have different temperature requirements. Zoning allows you to:
- Turn off heating in unoccupied floors
- Keep kitchens and storage areas cooler
- Set different temperatures for lounges and function rooms
This targeted approach prevents wasting energy on spaces that don’t need it.
4. Tackle Your Water Usage
Heating water accounts for more than 60% of energy used in a typical hotel.
Simple changes make a big difference:
- Install low-flow fixtures in showers and taps
- Store water at 60°C (no higher)
- Use water-efficient appliances for laundry
- Consider heat recovery systems for shower water
These measures not only save energy but also reduce water bills – a double win.
5. Invest in Smart Building Management
For larger hotels, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can reduce energy costs by 10% or more.
These systems provide:
- Centralised control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Real-time monitoring of energy usage
- Automated adjustments based on occupancy
- Data insights to identify further savings
The Competitive Advantage of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money – it’s about staying competitive.
Today’s guests are increasingly eco-conscious. According to Aviva’s latest How We Live Report, 64% of UK travellers now opt for greener accommodation options.
By implementing these energy-saving measures, you’re not just cutting costs – you’re enhancing your reputation and appealing to a growing market of environmentally aware customers.
Your Next Steps
Start with an energy audit to identify your biggest energy drains.
Then implement these changes in order of priority:
- Switch to LED lighting
- Optimise heating controls
- Train staff on energy-saving practices
- Consider zoning for different areas
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Remember, every pound saved on energy goes straight to your bottom line.
Ready to transform your hotel’s energy efficiency? Contact Link Utility Consultants today for a free energy procurement assessment and discover how we can help you secure the most competitive energy contracts for your hotel.
