Being energy efficient is important. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, have been identified to be responsible for causing climate change that affects our ability to live safely, grow and transport our food, and run our businesses. People are becoming more aware of the effects of climate change and that sense of awareness is prevalent in a lot of ways. For example nowadays, survey says that a lot of customers are more inclined to choose a hotel that does not damage the environment and some are even willing to pay extra to guarantee this.
By being energy efficient you will save money on energy bills while reducing your impact on the environment. You will also enhance your corporate reputation for protecting the environment and will therefore gain better engagement with your staff, customers and service contractors reducing the need for costly government investment in energy infrastructure. Reducing energy consumption also helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases entering our atmosphere.
Here are some handy energy saving tips:
Lighting
By switching to LED’s and compact fluorescent tubes you will considerably lower the cost on your energy. The newer light bulbs also lasts up to eight times longer than their predecessors. They also produce less heat, which will help with the cooling of the building. You can also install sensors that will be able to detect if a room is occupied and that turns the lights off, when the room is not in use.
Air conditioning
Avoid using air conditioning if the temperature has not exceeded 23°C. A big mistake that a lot hotels make is using the heating and the cooling at the same time.
Install a programmable thermostat that controls and monitors heating, ventilation and air conditioning will also reduce energy consumption.
Heating
Overheating bedrooms and corridors are not only expensive but it can be uncomfortable for quests also ensure that when you install thermostats that they are not influenced by outside factors like sunlight.
Boilers should be serviced regularly and make sure that the pipes leading to the rooms are well insulated.
Refrigeration
Regular defrosting and maintenance is essential, keeping a close eye on seals and making sure that evaporators and condensers are kept clean.
Try to buy the most efficient equipment with an A++ rating, which will ensure the lowest possible energy usage. Opening of fridge doors should be kept to a minimum and the fridges or cold rooms must not be close to heat sources.
Hot water
Water should not be heated above 60°C, the water will still be comfortable as well kill legionella bacteria.
Fitting spray taps will also use a lot less water and will save on energy costs, leaking taps should be fixed promptly.