Less spending and more sustainability, the future of energy in the hotel sector

Energy consumption is, without a doubt, one of the main expenses the hotel sector has to face. HVAC systems, domestic hot water, lighting, and industrial kitchens represent a considerable energy consumption that directly impacts the profitability of these businesses. Furthermore, in a social and business context where energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly important, reducing energy consumption is not only an economic necessity but also an unavoidable environmental commitment, especially given the growing demand for sustainable services from customers. According to several studies, hotels that do not implement sustainability or energy efficiency strategies and solutions can consume up to five times more energy per guest than what is consumed in their homes. These factors are driving the sector to adopt new and innovative solutions that minimize their impact and improve the profitability of their operations. Improving energy efficiency in HVAC systems through the implementation of heat pumps has become the main pathway for energy savings and decarbonization in the sector, potentially displacing fossil fuels from thermal production systems. This is combined with other energy efficiency measures both in the remaining components of the installations and in the thermal envelope of buildings. Alongside the electrification of HVAC systems is photovoltaic self-consumption. Thanks to the installation of solar panels, establishments can generate their own clean, renewable, and 100% sustainable energy, achieving savings of up to 70% on their electricity consumption, depending on the characteristics of the installation. The main advantage of photovoltaic self-consumption in hotels is that solar energy generation coincides with the periods of highest demand for most hotels, such as the summer months when the use of air conditioning and refrigeration skyrockets. And if necessary, by incorporating battery storage systems, hotels can take advantage of the energy generated during this period to cover their consumption during seasons of higher demand. Another key strategy for improving energy efficiency in hotels is the implementation of Building Management Systems or BMS. These solutions allow for real-time monitoring and control of the hotel’s different systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and domestic hot water. Thanks to these systems, hotels manage to reduce their energy consumption while improving guest comfort by ensuring optimal conditions in each space. Furthermore, their data analysis capability facilitates the detection of inefficiencies and strategic decision-making to maximize energy savings. For all these reasons, the energy transition has proven to be a great opportunity to improve the competitiveness of hotels by enhancing their image. Concern about climate change increasingly influences consumer decisions, who value and prioritize establishments committed to sustainability. At Edison Next, we offer comprehensive decarbonization and energy efficiency solutions for companies in all sectors, including the hotel industry, managing 100% of the investment and handling the entire process, from the commissioning of the installation to its management, monitoring, and maintenance. In this way, our clients can stop worrying about their energy transition and focus their efforts on what they consider important. The future of the hotel sector lies in energy efficiency and sustainability. Betting on them will boost the businesses of the most daring and position their hotels as benchmarks in the fight against climate change.