EcoGreenHotel

Perhaps the greatest friend to the sustainability movement in the world today is technology.  Our minds have become familiar with the notion that we need to conserve, reuse and sustain in our personal and professional lives for the long-term security of our planet.  Others have devoted themselves to making technology possible to accomplish these goals.  In an effort to explore another sustainable technology, I’ve decided to communicate the benefits of hot water technologies and their influence on our industry’s environmental impact.

Round and round we go
Think about it.  More likely than not, none of us actually consider the life cycle of our hot water on a daily basis.  We simply proceed to take long showers, wash our hands, clean dishes or complete the household laundry.  It is safe to say that the majority of us only really worry about our hot water supply when we don’t have any!  Now imagine you’re a guest in a hotel without hot water.  Nothing is quite like the experience of having 50 guests calling the front desk during peak hours of the morning complaining of no hot water.

The truth is that our business spends large amounts of money to run boilers and water heaters to ensure this doesn’t occur.  However, newer recirculation technologies are a smarter, greener way of ensuring the tap never runs cold.  The premise is simple:  A recirculation system such as D’MandRecirc by Enovative Group is a smart pump system that only operates during peak demand periods.  This can substantially reduce outward costs associated with running a system 24/7 to supply hot water to all of your properties fixtures.  By generating the hot water only when needed, these systems reduce energy expense associated with running a hot water heater, reduce unnecessary pressure on piping systems which can reduce long term maintenance costs.

I spent years in the hotel industry and understand the need for a hot shower is priority number one which made me a skeptic of boiler management and hot water distribution technologies. In the past couple years we have been working with US Energy Solutions installing their Hot H2O Saver system into several of our hospitality energy projects.  This device has specific sensors in place to react to the need for hot water which in turn activates the pump system to satisfy demand.  Consider that people generally utilize hot water only 15% of the time.  This means that you are currently paying to heat water for the unused 85% as well.  A system that runs solely at the point of demand can generate untold utility cost savings!

Turn down the heat

The general idea behind these energy saving technologies is simple.  Reduce the time needed to run costly and energy depleting elements of our business.  This reduces individual property costs while reducing the impact on the environment.  Do you utilize a boiler system for your hot water supply?  Natural gas prices across the nation may be lowering lately, but the energy market is far from stable.  Imagine having the ability to reduce your line item utility costs while not sacrificing the services your guests expect and deserve?  We all can agree that a more predictable utility expenditure can greatly improve revenue flow in real time and aid us in better planning for our annual budgets.
A boiler economizer system may be one way to improve overall performance and cost effectiveness of your hotel’s hot water needs.  For those of us reliant on this type of heating system, an economizer acts in a very similar capacity as a circulation system.  Economizers, such as the Intellidyne Controls LCH  Boiler Control, act as a “brain” on your traditional boiler system.  This device monitors the temperature of the water exiting the system and adjusts the burner run pattern to match the system’s “heat load.”  Essentially, this system will ensure that the proper temperature water is exiting the system at peak times.  This can reduce wear and tear on the boiler unit itself thus increasing its lifespan- All while reducing operating costs!  Installation is incredibly simple and the cost reduction is immediate.  Typically a system such as this can reduce the operating costs of a traditional boiler by 10-20% per property.  It reduces the environmental impact and allows the money to “flow” directly to your bottom line.

Let the Sunshine in

In the world of renewable energy sources, the Sun reigns.   Solar energy is abundant in supply, incredibly clean and, for all practical purposes, is free!  Solar technologies have had a huge impact on the overall sustainability movement both in hospitality and other business sectors.  Properties across the country have installed solar panels on their roof systems to sell back renewable energy to local utilities, solar powered landscaping and parking lights are more common than ever before, and the power of solar energy is being harnessed to heat our guests’ water supply.

Solar thermal water heating systems are a cost effective and practical application for some sustainability plan.  These types of systems use solar panels to heat the water supply to the holding tank in a clean and efficient manner.  Imagine a circuit-style loop on a grand scale.  Water is pumped from the tank through pipe that links with the solar panel and heating elements.  It then travels back into the holding tank for distribution.  By harnessing the abundant energy provided daily by the Sun, these systems reduce overall utility costs to almost $0!  Consider that a typical residential application of a similar system has an average wash of investment costs within 5 years.  The cost savings can easily be offset on a commercial application given the reduction in energy costs.

With companies such as UMA Solar andFLS Energypioneering the production of these renewable energy technologies, the efficiency and productivity of these systems for larger commercial use is improving. Cogenera represents a hybrid technology allowing the capture of the heat produced through PV electric generation. In some areas of United States there are rebates, incentives and no money out of pocket programs guarantying rate reductions. Many of these systems are designed to have little to no maintenance associated post installation as well as typical life expectancies of 30 years or more!  Aside from the reduction in energy costs, users of solar thermal water heating systems enjoy energy independence and a clean and durable source for their hotel’s hot water needs.

Water on demand

Can you imagine jumping in to a swimming pool in the middle of winter?  For guests that encounter no or limited hot water, that’s what you’ve asked them to do.  Peak demand hours in hotels can be a drain on the hot water supply and can limit its performance.  A guest that experiences a cold shower can be a guest that is lost for good.  Tankless water heater systems allow a property to have “on-demand” hot water that can provide an endless stream of hot water to every shower, faucet and laundry facility on a hotel’s grounds.

Some of the most popular tankless systems are manufactured by companies like Rinna, Rheem and Takagi.  Used in both residential and commercial applications, this technology allows for a custom designed system to maximize performance and productivity.  The core of the technology relies on specific heating elements that are utilized only when the system senses the need for hot water.  When the demand for hot water is not detected, the system rests-Using no energy!  Tankless systems offer incredible value for the investment based on their benefits over traditional water heaters:

• Longevity:  A typical tankless water heater can have a life span in excess of 20 years!  This is almost double the lifespan of a traditional tank heater!
• Energy savings:  Not only does the heater operate only when demand is generated, it also eliminates the cycle of heating and reheating the same tank of water.
• Clean, fresh water:  Traditional tank heaters can corrode and rust, causing water to become contaminated.  A tankless system eliminates this threat.
• Space savings:  A tankless water heater system can be installed on the wall, thus freeing up valuable floor space.

For commercial applications these heaters can be linked together to provide more than adequate coverage for any hospitality environment.  As with some of the other technologies mentioned earlier, these systems can easily provide a short timeframe for return on investment.

Time for a change?

With options to fit just about any existing setup, the ability for a hotel to begin providing a more efficient hot water supply to their customers is viable and within reach of any budget.  The impact over time can benefit not only the experience of our guests, but also the greater sustainability initiative as a whole.  Consider the options that exist today to deliver a better, more efficient product to your guests and the potential revenue these technologies can provide.  Sometimes the simplest amenity can be altered in such a way that it benefits everyone involved.

For more information on EcoGreenHotel’s sustainable solutions for hotels, contact us at
info@EcoGreenHotel.com

About the Author

CHRIS LEWIS, EcoGreenHotel DIRECTOR OF ENERGY SOLUTIONSVeteran with over 17 years in the hospitality industry both in the U.S. and abroad managing and directing all departments including hotel operations, food and beverage, renovation and construction. Lewis brings broad experience with full and select service hotels, facility management, property improvement, environmental initiatives, openings and multi-property management to the team. He previously served as Development and Construction Manager at OTO Development. Lewis’s expertise includes mechanical systems, equipment specs, purchasing habits, standard operating procedures and project management. Lewis was responsible for the “green initiatives” for several properties that successfully qualified to achieve Florida Green Lodging, EcoRooms and EcoSuites, California Green Lodging and Irvine Build Green certifications.

Incentives and rebates available through local utilities and state sponsored programs are giving green hoteliers opportunity to invest in energy efficiency technologies while creating positive cash flow. When an energy performance project is implemented it has been proven to raise the long-term value of commercial properties. In addition to the lower cost of operation and a higher valued real estate investment, corporate travelers and meeting planners are now starting to demand green lodging options. Operating in a sustainable manner also follows a path directly to staff retention because management cares for their work environment, which translates to caring for each individual’s health and well being.

Hotels have been integratingenergy-saving measures, such as energy management systems, LED lighting, ozone laundry systemsand boiler management technologies.Researching and selecting the correct vendor and technology is the most important decision a hotel operator will make when executing an energy project. . As more and more installations complete data and measurements are becoming available to show proof in savings.

Evolve, an affiliated company of MCP and the Mason Family of Companies, installed an energy management system in the Westin Georgetown Hotel, in Washington, DC in April of 2010. The occupancy based energy management solution is designed to save on guest room utility costs.

At the heart of the occupancy-based energy management system is a wireless keycard system, outfitted to control HVAC operation, lighting and television energy usage in a hotel guest room. When the guest slides their keycard into the wall mounted Evolve keycard reader, the guest initiates control of the lighting, HVAC system, and television.  While the room is occupied the guest operates the lighting, TV, and temperature control normally.  When the guest leaves and removes the keycard, all room lighting is turned off, the television is powered down, and the HVAC system is set-back into an “energy saving” mode. An alternative to the keycard reader is to install a passive infrared sensor that will detect occupancy without guest involvement.

A third party firm monitored the results of the installation into the Westin and a report was generated.  The purpose of the study was to determine what direct affect the system was having on energy consumption. The findings showed a successful energy savings factor.   During the months when air conditioning and cooling were needed there was a 13.2 % savings.  In the months requiring the heating system running the savings showed 5.9%.  While the heating system savings did not result as great as the cooling season it still showed a favorable savings.  In the shoulder months where neither heating nor cooling were the prevalent factor there was still a 6.8% savings.

Not only was there a savings in energy it appears that by usingelectrical rates corresponding to the month being measured, the payback period would be 2.19 years. Yet using 2010 electrical rates against the most recent 12-month period the payback period would be 1.89 years. Any way you cut it, in just a little over 2 years this system will have paid for itself.Paybacks can be significantly better when installing an energy management system in areas where local utility rebates provide rebates on kWh reduction. An important factor to note is greater temperature extremes, occupancy levels, and electric rates all affect the payback period. However the overall results tell us that in an economy where the hospitality industry needs to monitor its budget carefully these savings will have a major impact on their bottom line and energy consumption.

For more information on hotel energy savings please contact me at sparisi@ecogreenhotel.com.

About the Author

Scott Parisi is the founder of EcoGreenHotel, a firm that develops energy and sustainability projects for commercial buildings with a large focus on the hospitality sector. As President of EGH, Scott’s day to day responsibilities include developing and implementation of energy and sustainability strategies into hotels, leveraging federal state and local utility incentives to subsidies projects and building partnerships with like minded companies that add value to EGH’s client base. Additionally, Scott develops and hosts educational workshops, staff trainings and has spoke at national and regional events including AAHOA’s National Convention, Green Lodging & Hospitality Conference, Boston Green Tourism Events, Philagreen Hospitality Association Events, GF Management University Sessions, National Purchasing Network Annual Expo and the Global Renewable Energy Networking Summit.

About the EcoGreenHotel

EcoGreenHotel supports and provides sustainable solutions to the hospitality industry ranging from individual boutique hotels to a broad spectrum of brand properties. Our clients range from individual owners and investors to management companies nationwide. EcoGreenHotel supports hotels to identify energy efficient strategies that reduce a property’s energy usage and overall environmental impact. As owner’s agents and through our vendor neutral approach, we find the right technologies, products and solutions to deliver the best quality and value for all our clients. We specialize in identifying and taking advantage of incentives, grants, rebates and loan programs that are available through federal, state and local agencies

April 20, 2012 – The Hospitality Industry continues to be a leader in introducing sustainability initiatives into commercial buildings. Setting the intention to implement sustainable practices in hotels not only creates new opportunities for profitability, but also nurtures stewardship towards global sustainability.  EcoGreenHotel and Spiezle Architectural Group have been at the forefront of the sustainability movement and are partnering to provide the hospitality industry a unique one-stop green building assessment and certification solution. The collaboration will combine Spiezle Group’s LEED™ Assessment Services with EcoGreenHotel’s successful E2A Program (EnergyEfficiency Analysis).

To enable a hotel to achieve LEED™ Certification for an existing building one of the pre-requisites is to achieve a sixty nine or greater in Energy Star Portfolio Manager. The average rating across the United States is a fifty out of a possible one hundred. To achieve an Energy Star Label for a hotel or resort the property must reach a seventy-five or greater. EcoGreenHotel has a successful record in the hospitality industry supporting hotels and resorts to identify more efficient operation strategies. Through their E2A Program EcoGreenHotel details the most economical path to implement energy and water saving technologies while taking advantage of rebates and incentives to offset the upfront cost of implementation. “Achieving energy savings while minimizing upfront capital costs has been the cornerstone of EcoGreenHotel’s unique approach to enhancing facilities in the hospitality industry. Coupled with the additional efficiencies in operations, that can be cost effectively integrated through our LEED EB implementation plan, Hotels can maximize efficiency and overall sustainability to set themselves apart in a competitive market,” stated Jason Kliwinski, Director of Sustainable Design, Spiezle Architectural Group.

The collaboration with Spiezle Architectural Group will add a LEED™ EB Assessment tool to EcoGreenHotel’s E2A Program. For green hotels and resorts planning to achieve LEED™ certification the E2A + LEED™ EB Certification Assessment will detail a clear path to achieve certification with the least disruption to operations, reducing energy and water cost while utilizing rebates and incentives. There are several choices a property can decide on to earn the points needed to become LEED™ EB certified. Some of the choices throughout the process can affect the outlay of cash and/or future profitability With the combined experience Spiezle and EGH add to your team, ownership and management will have the data and knowledge to make decisions that will add the most value to the facility.

Spiezle Architecture Group has more than 23 LEED accredited professionals, all of whom are credential holders with the U.S. Green Building Council – the only organization that can certify a building has met the LEED requirements. Spiezle Architectural Group is an innovator in sustainable architectural design and planning, and has an impressive portfolio of schools, universities, hotels, and public buildings to their credit. “The projects that Spiezle has been involved with and have completed are very impressive,” said Scott Parisi, President of EcoGreenHotel. “We couldn’t find a better, more professional partner than Spiezle Architectural Group. Their team of LEED professionals is unrivaled in the industry. This really is a win-win for everyone, most notably the hotelier.”

The transition from traditional business practices to better sustainable business practices needs not to be a difficult one. Both Spiezle Architectural Group and EcoGreenHotel agree this collaboration and the introduction of the E2A + LEED™ EB Certification Assessmentis a step in a journey to support a sustainable hotel industry. Making it easy for the hotelier, combining expertise specialties, and practical experience all will add up to a winning partnership. LEED™; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized mark by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The certification process is the preferred model for building efficiency and sets the standard.  Certification attracts and demonstrates to consumers and stakeholders that green sustainable best practices are part of a hotel’s business strategy and purpose. Combined with EcoGreenHotel’s Energy Efficient Analysis and Planning, the hospitality industry now has a path of least resistance to evolve their operations to support global sustainability and their unique connection to it.

About Spiezle Architectural Group

Spiezle Architectural Group is headquartered in Trenton, NJ, with additional offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and South Carolina to service the East Coast regionally. Spiezle is an architectural planning and design firm with emphasis on sustainable design, function, and innovation. The Spiezle Architecture Group has more than 23 LEED accredited professionals, all of whom are credential holders with the U.S. Green Building Council. The Spiezle Architectural Group has an impressive portfolio of schools, universities, hotels, and public buildings to their credit. For further information about Spiezle Architectural Group services please contact us at 609-695-7400 and visit them at www.spiezle.com.

About EcoGreenHotel

EcoGreenHotel LLC based in Knoxville, TN with offices in Florida, Tennessee and New Jersey, is a privately held company dedicated to helping lodging facilities address a broad spectrum of sustainability issues. EcoGreenHotel provides customized consulting services tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry in the areas of energy efficiency and certifications, including LEED, Green Seal and Energy Star. For further information, email info@EcoGreenHotel.com or call 888-229-0213.