How to heat your hotel sustainably

Apr 3

Sustainability is now a key focus in the tourism and hospitality industries, driven by growing pressure and demand from both consumers and governments, urging hotels to adopt more eco-friendly practices. One report found that 76% of travelers are more likely to book a green certified hotel, so it’s an area well worth investing in.

Reducing your carbon footprint while maintaining guest comfort is key, but with heating being one of the largest energy expenses of hotels, it can be difficult to know where to begin making positive changes. Luckily, there are multiple ways to incorporate more sustainable solutions into your hotel.

Here, we explore how you can heat your hotel more efficiently while ensuring an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Upgrade your heating and cooling systems

Switching to a modern, highly efficient heating system is one of the best ways to dramatically improve the eco credentials of your hotel. Look for those which use renewable energy sources, such as wind, sun, water, or organic matter to avoid relying on expensive and damaging fossil fuels such as gas. The most suitable solution for your business will depend on location, climate, and budget, but currently the best options include:

Heat pumps: Air-source or geothermal heat pumps are extremely efficient, using renewable energy from the air outside or from heat underground to keep your accommodation at a comfortable temperature.

Eco-friendly Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems: These are designed to minimize energy waste by heating and cooling specific areas individually, which not only provides maximum comfort for your guests but allows you to save energy in unoccupied rooms or spaces. Some can even recover heat from one area and direct it to another, further reducing your costs and energy consumption.

Improve insulation

Preventing heat loss is just as important as generating heat, so by boosting the insulation throughout your hotel you’ll naturally reduce your reliance on your heating system. Though a complete renovation may not be financially feasible, there are various ways to improve insulation and cut your energy costs significantly without redesigning your entire hotel.

Install double or triple-glazed windows – which retain more heat than single-pane windows – and be sure to seal any air leaks around the seals to prevent drafts and wasted energy. Consider adding natural materials such as hemp fibre, sheep wool or wood fibre insulation in the walls to keep the heat in – note that this may only be possible if you’re planning to undergo major renovations. Or, for the ultimate eco-aesthetic, you could think about installing a green roof to save energy while also improving air quality and adding to the local biodiversity.

Implement smart energy technology

Many modern, sustainable heating systems come with smart controls that can help you manage, track, and optimize your energy consumption as a hotel. These controls allow automated heating systems to adjust when guests enter or leave their rooms, and also provide you with options to heat specific zones independently, depending on usage patterns.

Energy monitoring systems allow you to track your energy consumption and identify areas for adaptation or improvement, and also provide essential information to help you prove your usage and attain green certifications.

Comprehensive benefits

Overall, sustainable heating is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your business. Investing in this area will reduce your operating costs, attract eco-conscious travelers, protect the planet, and reduce your carbon footprint – providing you with comprehensive benefits in all aspects of your business. Making these changes also enhances your reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking hotel, proving your dedication to eco-tourism and travel.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that helps hotels and resorts transition to eco-friendly practices. Want to learn more? Contact us.