Hotels: An Overview of Energy Use
and Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Energy Use in Hotels
On average, America's 47,000 hotels spend $2,196 per available room each year on energy. This represents about6 percent of all
operating costs. Through a strategic approach to energy efficiency, a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption would have the same
financial effect as increasing the average daily room rate (ADR) by $0.62 in limited-service hotels and by $1.35 in full-service hotels.
Energy efficiency provides hotel owners and operators cost savings that benefit the bottom line. Efficiency also improves the service of
capital equipment, enhances guest comfort, and demonstrates a commitment to climate stewardship.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Low-Cost Measures
> Measure and track energy performance.
> Develop an energy team and assign responsibilities to pursue energy efficiency
in all departments.
> Review and emphasize the financial and environmental results of a preventive
maintenance program for major systems and components.
> Ensure that team members from every department are trained in the importance of
energy management and basic energy-saving practices.
> Set goals and a methodology to track and reward improvements.
Cost-Effective Investments
> Recommission primary systems to ensure continuous efficiencies.
> Install energy-efficient lighting systems, ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent
lights (CFLs), and light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
> Install occupancy sensors on lighting and HVAC systems in back-of-house spaces,
meeting rooms, and other low-traffic areas.
Hotels Making a Difference:
After receiving the ENERGY STAR Partner of the
Year Award in 2005 and 2006, Marriott
International's company-wide continuous
improvement in energy management helped the
organization win the prestigious ENERGY STAR
Sustained Excellence designation in 2007. In 2006
alone, Marriott was able to save almost $6 million
and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by
70,000 tons. The program included the installation
of 450,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs),
conversion of all outdoor signage to LED and fiber
optic lighting, and implementation of energy- and
water-efficient laundry systems. Through its
reduction in energy consumption, Marriott's
efforts represent a 2 percent greenhouse gas
reduction per room —well on the way to the
corporate goal of 6 percent savings per available
room by 2010.
In 2004, the historic Willard Intercontinental in
Washington, DC, installed CFLs in common areas
and guest rooms. According to hotel management,
guest complaints of lighting quality have
decreased. As a result of this upgrade, which paid
for the initial investment in less than six months,
the hotel is saving one million kilowatt hours and
more than $100,000 annually. By rating the
property using ENERGY STAR'S Portfolio Manager
tool, management has been able to track whole
building energy savings of 11 percent over this
period.
How to Talk to Hoteliers About Energy Efficiency
Guest satisfaction is the number one priority in the hospitality sector, and hotel operators are
often hesitant to engage in activities that could be perceived as reducing comfort,
convenience, or the overall brand experience. However, energy represents the single
fastest-growing operating cost in the lodging industry. There is a well-established case for energy efficiency as a sound business
practice, and expectations for hoteliers to demonstrate their climate stewardship are growing.
Improved operating income translates to higher asset value for owners. Cost reductions through energy efficiency are quantifiable and
can be described using key financial metrics, such as revenue per available room (RevPAR) or the equivalent increase to the ADR.
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
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Hotels: An Overview of Energy Use
and Energy Efficiency Opportunities
How to Talk to Hoteliers About Energy Efficiency (cont.)
Making these linkages is an essential part of developing a sustained approach to continuous improvements in
energy and financial performance in lodging properties.
Through ENERGY STAR tools, the environmental outcomes of implementing successful efficiency programs can
be tracked and demonstrated, becoming a hotelier's leading "green credential."
ENERGY STAR Resources
ENERGY STAR Offers
- Guides and manuals
- Facility benchmarking
- Training
- Institutional purchasing
- Technical support
- Emissions reporting
- Third-party recognition
- Communications
strategies
Guidelines for Energy Management: Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines assist hoteliers in
improving their energy and financial performance while distinguishing themselves as environmental leaders.
www.energystar.gov/guidelines
Portfolio Manager — Measure and Track Energy Performance: The National Energy Performance Rating Systems allows property
operators to compare their energy performance to their peers, using an easy-to-understand 1 to 100 scale based on unbiased research
conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Training on how to use the tool is
available through Web seminars and downloadable pre-recorded sessions.
www.energystar.gov/benchmark
Other Resources for Hotels:
The American Hotel and Lodging Association's
(AH&LA) Good Earthkeeping Campaign:
http://www.ahla.com/good_earth_overview.asp
Green Lodging News:
http://www.greenlodgingnews.com
Hotel & Motel Management:
http://www.hotelmotel.com/hotelmotel
Perform Cost-Effective Building Upgrades: Plan systematic building upgrades using the
5-stage approach in EPA's Building Upgrade Manual. This online handbook offers guidance
for each stage — from commissioning to plant upgrades.
www.energystar.gov/bldgmanual
Recognition for Achievements
Earn the ENERGY STAR: Buildings that rate in the top 25 percent of energy-efficient buildings
in the nation may qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.
www.energystar.gov/eslabel
Become an ENERGY STAR Leader: ENERGY STAR Partners who demonstrate continuous improvement portfolio-wide, not just in individual
buildings, qualify for recognition as ENERGY STAR Leaders. EPA will recognize districts that have achieved reductions of 10 percent, 20
percent, 30 percent, or more.
www.energystar.gov/leaders
For more information on ENERGY STAR tools, resources, and recognition for hotels: www.energystar.gov/hospitality
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
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