It is a given than energy efficiency in hotels should be a top priority. Data reveals that typically the energy use associated with the operation of HVAC systems in hotels is 50% of the total. In short, HVAC systems are the biggest energy guzzler, which leads to the rather trite but still ignored simple truth that HVAC systems can significantly contribute to high energy costs and an unpleasantly high total cost of ownership (TCO), if not properly managed. 

Rahul Bhalla

Enter IoT, the saviour! From occupancy comfort to improved facility management, integrating IoT in hospitality can lead to significant reduction in energy use – to the extent that the savings are profoundly palpable, which means happy hotel owners. 

How, exactly? 

Energy management systems can help facility managers achieve deep visibility of the property’s operations and equip them to set intelligent AI/ML-based controls across their entire asset portfolio.

There have been multiple instances where remote asset monitoring has helped facility managers identify multiple sub-optimal operations in their properties, such as: 

• Assets like HVAC systems running out of operation hours or in vacant spaces for hours, leading to a significant energy wastage 

• Poorly optimised AHUs, leading to over-cooling, which results in energy wastage and poor guest comfort

Those with a deep knowledge of IT applications suggest that investing in IoT-based HVAC automation will provide good ROI, because the related energy cost is significantly high. Further, strong IoT-based energy management systems showcase expedited ROI, achieved in 14-18 months. 

Is IoT all about energy management? 

No, energy management isn’t the only goal hoteliers are seeking. There are numerous operational challenges for which hoteliers constantly seek optimal solutions. These challenges include: 

• Lack of centralised visibility into operations of assets at multiple distributed properties in the portfolio 
• Lack of visibility into comfort compliances, such as temperature, humidity and Indoor Air Quality 
• Lack of visibility into asset health and predictive maintenance, leading to unpredictable breakdowns and lower asset life 
• Lack of visibility into low power factors and current imbalances, leading to bill penalties and safety hazards 

How can IoT help resolve these issues? 

Implementing IoT solutions in a hotel can be a revolutionary step to resolve all the aforementioned challenges and to ensure significant energy savings. IoT-based solutions bring a bundle of benefits in addition to energy efficiency. For example, they can… 

• Provide real-time and centralised visibility of operations across multiple properties 
• Provide intelligent automation of assets, like HVAC systems, to ensure comfortable ambience 
• Prevent energy hazards and offer automated alerts for low power factors and current imbalances 
• Provide centralised visibility into asset health, avert unforeseen breakdowns and ensure optimal safety 

Figure 1: Benchmark energy consumption per room night

Figure 2: Benchmark temperatures in lobbies across all your properties

Figure 3: Automated anomaly detection and closure of tickets

Transforming the hospitality industry for sustainable growth 

As per UNESCO, sustainable development is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is our joint social responsibility to operate sustainably to ensure the survival of our future generations. 

The hospitality industry is an essential component of tourism in the world. Hoteliers across the world are investing in making improvements to their infrastructure to ensure sustainability and conservation of natural resources. 

According to Booking.com’s Sustainability Report 2021, 73% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that practices sustainability. ‘Going Green’ has become an effective marketing strategy to build goodwill by showcasing fulfillment of social responsibility. 

Intervening to improve hotel health across multiple fronts is a no-brainer, really.   

The writer may be contacted at rahul.bhalla@zenatix.com