Efficient Hotel Design to Save on Monthly Utility Costs
With construction costs on the rise, most developers are looking for ways to cut both upfront and operational costs. One way to drive down operational costs is to design a hotel as energy efficient as possible. While we see very few developers pursuing “formal” sustainable certifications like LEED, we do encourage all of our clients to at least evaluate “selfish sustainability” measures – design aspects that benefit both the environment AND the bottom line.
I typically explore with owner’s energy-efficient design choices that provide good returns on their upfront investment. Several topics continue to dominate these conversations. Below is a quick summary:
Electrical Systems
- Master Switch for Guest Rooms
- Guestroom Energy Management Systems
Water Systems
- Solar Hot Water Panels
- Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
- High Efficiency Condensing Hot Water Heaters
- Hot Water Recirculation Loop
- Geothermal Hot Water Loop
HVAC Systems
- ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilators)
- DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System)
- CO2 Sensors
- High Efficiency HVAC Equipment
- Demand Control Ventilation
- Airside Economizers
Lighting Systems
- Lighting Controls (Occupancy & Daylighting Sensors)
- LED Light Fixtures
- Time Clock Circuits Instead of Photo Sensors
When evaluated from the outset, energy efficient design solutions can provide a significant ROI to hotel owners. I will dive into a few of the above systems in more detail in upcoming newsletters. If you have any immediate questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
Blair Hildahl
Base4 Principal
608.304.5228
