5 Energy management tips for hospitality businesses

In today’s competitive hospitality industry, energy management has become not just an operational necessity, but a strategic advantage.

With rising energy costs and increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, hospitality businesses are recognising the importance of effective energy management. Not only does incorporating energy management strategies help hospitality businesses reduce costs, but it also enhances their sustainable credentials. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential for the hospitality sector to embrace energy efficiency to meet compliance requirements and improve green credentials.

Get ahead of the game (and new legislation)

Taking a proactive approach and implementing the necessary energy saving changes can ensure you are well-positioned for any new legislation and potentially start saving energy sooner. By forecasting energy usage and making use of energy saving measures, you can gain a full picture of how hospitality operations could be changed to cut costs and save carbon.

Here are our five top tips to help your hospitality business reduce consumption and optimise your energy management.

Put your energy usage under a microscope

A thorough energy audit is the first step in identifying where your operations are consuming the most energy. Engaging a professional energy management expert can provide valuable insights into your energy consumption patterns. So, look for areas with high usage, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and water heating. Identifying and understanding these patterns will enable you to implement targeted strategies for efficiency improvements.

LED the way and save some energy

Transitioning to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to enhance energy efficiency. LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer, reducing replacement costs. Installing dimmable fixtures and integrating natural lighting where possible can further decrease energy usage while still maintaining a nice atmosphere for your customers.

Upgrade your systems and data

Traditional HVAC systems can be a major source of energy consumption in hospitality settings. Upgrading to smart HVAC systems with programmable thermostats and occupancy sensors can revolutionise your energy management approach. These systems allow you to monitor energy usage in real time and adjust heating and cooling based on actual occupancy levels, which helps prevent unnecessary energy waste during off-peak time.

Levelling up technology and reducing energy consumption

Installing automatic sensors, such as motion detectors for lighting in common areas and guest rooms, can greatly reduce energy consumption. These sensors ensure that lights are only on when needed, drastically cutting down on energy waste. By implementing smart controls for other electrical equipment can help manage energy consumption efficiently by powering down devices during periods when they’re not being used.

Stop going with the flow when it comes to water

Water usage is often overlooked in energy management, yet it can significantly impact energy costs, especially in water heating. In hotels, for example, you can encourage guests to participate in water conservation efforts by offering incentives for reusing towels and linen. Additionally, installing low-flow showerheads and taps can reduce overall water consumption and minimise energy costs associated with heating water.

How Amber’s energy management consultants can help

We offer a range of services that will support and improve your business’s energy strategy. Please get in touch to find out how we can support you