HotelsMag September 2023 | Page 68

PERSPECTIVE
• Ensure that thermometers are checked at least quarterly to provide more accurate results .
➃ Inspect water flow rates in guestrooms .
• Does the hotel utilize a low-flow shower head ? Are there flow reducers in the sink tap ?
• For shower heads , 2.5 GPM or less is considered low flow . Find the lowest-rated shower possible or install flow restrictors , which are much less expensive than replacing the shower heads .
• For sink taps , the same type of restrictors can be used to reduce waterflow and save gallons of water over time .
➄ Install motion detection light sensors wherever possible .
• Back-of-house storerooms , meeting spaces and stairwells are areas that can utilize motion detection sensors to keep lights off when not in use .
• Conduct an audit of all spaces and change switches to sensors .
➅ Have the engineering team conduct a quarterly HVAC maintenance program .
• Engineering should inspect , recalibrate and clean the coils and filters on all in-room HVAC systems .
• Track rooms completed and ensure that the team inspects each room quarterly .
The property general manager , along with the engineering director and housekeeping manager , should lead the efforts to create the energy reduction plan .
Step three : Monitor performance and track results After an energy-reduction plan has been implemented , review each of the energy audit action items implemented for success .
• Spot check guestrooms to ensure room attendants are setting rooms at the proper temperature .
• Check to see that light bulbs have been replaced . Review actions for compliance with the desired change .
• Assess the monthly usage of utilities on a POR and PAR basis to identify any variations .
Results should be checked over an extended period as the desired outcome is a drop in usage over a longer period .
Step four : Review results and repeat steps 1 to 3 After the first set of items have been successfully implemented , start on another set of items . After tackling the low-hanging fruit , the energy savings tasks will become harder to implement and undertake .
As noted earlier , address areas that will yield the best results . Below are 10 additional actions that operators can take to help reduce utility expenses .
➀ Check the temperature at which the hot water is delivered to the guestroom . The guestroom domestic hot water temperature should be no more than 120 ° F-124 ° F . This would mean that at the storage tank the temperature is at 145 ° F and would reach the mixing valve at approximately 124 ° F .
➁ Have the boilers and HVAC system serviced annually by a licensed contractor .
➂ If the state ' s electric and / or gas utilities are deregulated , consider securing energy through long-term contracts to lock in favorable prices .
➃ Consider how draperies are managed during different seasons . In winter months , ensure drapes are open to allow sunlight in . During summer months , close or partially close to limit sunlight entering the room .
➄ Does housekeeping turn off all lights in the unoccupied guestrooms ?
➅ Turn off heat-producing equipment when not in use .
➆ Defrost food by refrigeration rather than running water .
➇ Shut down escalators in meeting areas when functions end .
➈ Check the outdoor irrigation system for leaks or improperly working sprinkler heads .
Have outdoor lights on “ smart ” timers that go on at dusk and shut off at dawn .
The Chinese philosopher Laozi said that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a first step . Saving money on utility expenses also begins with a first step : a commitment to saving energy by undertaking an energy audit and developing a plan that yields reductions in energy usage . Hotels that implement energy-efficient practices will see immediate returns on their investments . However , this hinges upon active participation by key property leaders and a willing staff to ensure energy is not wasted . Take that first step today and inspire other hotels to do the same .
John Paulsen , senior vice president at hotelAVE
68 hotelsmag . com September 2023