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Growing Energy Costs
by James Bentson
Escalating oil, gas and electricity prices necessitate that property owners, general managers, engineers, and developers make more informed energy decisions to help lower operating costs and increase their bottom line.
The utilization of the latest energy management technologies is simply good business for hotels and resorts. Research suggests that owners and managers who view energy management as a priority achieve superior financial performance. Energy management can help lower operating costs and improve efficiency – particularly important during this time where decreased occupancy remains a concern across the board.
“As we head into a summer of near-certain blackouts, record high oil prices and off-the-charts natural gas costs are getting the attention of government and lodging industry officials alike. Rightfully so,” said Rich Viola, Publisher and President of Hotel Interactive, Inc. “Energy accounts for a sizable chunk of hotel operating costs, and savvy hoteliers are paying careful attention to this line item. It makes perfect sense to seek out viable, timely alternatives that could help cut costs in this critical area.”
Making informed energy decisions and evaluating the latest trends in energy management technologies is a critical task. New and improved energy management strategies seem to sprout forth nearly every day.
Some of the latest progressive energy reduction technologies implemented in “green” hotels and resorts throughout the country include:
Centralized air filtration systems with seasonal humidity adjustment;
Use of renewable energy;
Modular boiler systems;
White rubber-ply roofs to maximize cooling;
Occupancy and door sensors;
Low-flow shower heads;
Compact fluorescent lights;
Programmable, digital thermostats;
High-performance, operable low-e, insulated casement windows
General managers and property owners are looking to these and other new materials to contribute to the overall energy efficiency of their hotels and resorts into the future. However many of these methodologies remain a cost prohibitive option.
“Property owners and managers are more cognizant than ever about their energy consumption,” said Robert Kobek, Principle, Mobius Vendor Partners. “Many properties are initiating energy audits to assist them in evaluating their current HVAC systems and develop a cost-effective, strategic energy management plan.”
Guest satisfaction must be the primary consideration when evaluating energy management technologies. Solutions that may help contribute to the bottom line, but compromise comfort, are not an option.
One such solution that is finding acceptance in the hospitality industry is the use of energy economizers such as IntelliCon, a line of energy-saving economizers manufactured by Intellidyne LLC of Glen Cove, New York. These controls can be installed on new and existing heating, air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems without affecting the guest experience.
IntelliCon works by monitoring and analyzing the load on the heating or cooling system, in real time, and then modifying the way that the burner or compressor would normally be controlled or cycled. This cycle modification results in a more efficient use of the system, with subsequent reductions in energy consumption, wear and tear on the equipment, maintenance requirements and pollution.
Properties can expect to see energy savings of at least 10%, with typical savings falling within the 15% to 20% range.
For property owners and general managers looking to receive the most bang for their energy management buck, energy economizers can certainly help to take the sting out of these seemingly never ending cost increases. Unlike many energy management options, economizers offer a swift return-on-investment, with most units covering their initial costs within months of installation.
Another consideration for hotel and resort general managers and owners looking to reduce energy consumption is lighting. Proper energy-efficient lighting can have a significant impact on bottom line, due to the fact that hotel guests typically leave lights on that they wouldn’t in their own homes. To combat this problem, and reduce energy expenditure, hotels and resorts are turning to lighting companies that offer energy-saving options.
Companies like Watt Stopper manufacture the latest technology in lighting controls. Vacancy sensors to replace standard wall sensors, occupancy-based lighting, motion detectors and photosensors are becoming the standard in properties across the country.
“The numbers involved with employing energy management solutions are significant enough to have created both widespread acceptance and the desire to learn more within the industry,” continued Mr. Kobek. “Hotel professionals looking for a place to begin their search for viable energy management solutions should start with the ARDA member base for reputable companies manufacturing proven energy-saving technologies.”
In the absence of the capital or time expenditure required to implement many of the “green” energy-efficient strategies available today, products like fuel and energy economizers and energy-efficient lighting may just be the immediate solution to the growing problem of energy management for hotels and resorts.
And while it may be awhile before there is a white rubber roof atop every hotel, there are other cost-efficient and measurable energy-saving technologies available to hotel and resort properties to increase both energy efficiency and the bottom line, without sacrificing guest comfort.