of their managed, full-service hotels against a 2006 baseline.They’ve set goals to reduce energy and water use, the waste they send to landfills, and the greenhouse gases they emit. Given the size and scope of their operations, their success in meeting these goals relies on dedicated, associate-driven Green Teams around the world. Hyatt’s Environmental Sustainability commitment is based on a simple premise: leverage innovative strategies that reflect the unique environment of their properties around the world, harness the passion of their associates to deliver change, and rigorously track and measure their progress. In 2014 NuGreen Solutions, an Australian and New Zealand based Energy Services provider, upgraded Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s Back of House areas with approx. 1,500 of the latest energy efficient LED fittings. New LED’s and sensor controls were used in 33 levels of fire stairs, lift lobbies and service areas, all kitchens and preparation areas and all support offices. This project delivered greater than 50% energy reduction with zero maintenance ‘protection plan warranty’ for up to 10 years and saved 1,800 tonnes of C02-e. In financial terms an upgrade of this nature can save in excess of $500,000 over 10 years and brings with it a great deal of other benefits. • Significantly reduced energy consumption and costs >50% • Zero maintenance costs up to 10 years • Long term reduction in carbon emissions • Reduced energy demand = reduced electrical infrastructure & cost • Reduced heat load in BOH areas = reduced demand on HVAC system • Improved operational efficiency from less disruption to business continuity • Improved L70 – longer luminance maintenance = better light for longer • Improved OH&S – less risk associated with low light levels
Auditing is the first step for hotels to be more energy efficient An example is a large 5 star hotel on the Gold Coast, Peppers Broadbeach, Queensland which is part of the Mantra Group. Their facility manager engaged NuGreen Solutions Gold Coast office to identify a retrofit solution to save emissions
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and energy costs. After surveying the Hotel, measuring the current lighting levels, analysing existing Halogen fittings and installing some sample fittings the auditor was able to compile a detailed report and business case outlining the potential cost saving available by upgrading to LED technology. Almost 4,000 fittings were identified as part of the audit, and through an upgrade, saved almost 89% of energy from the current lighting consumption. The total watts shifted from 223,963 watts to 25,000 watts using LEDs. 4,252 tonnes of C02-e was also abated over a forecast 10 year period and the provider supplied a 10 year ‘maintenance free’ warranty.
Achieving the best results comes from an integrated approach The best results can be gained by looking at energy consumption in a strategic way. By that I mean think about how technology, finance, energy, maintenance and carbon management can work in an integrated way to produce the best results for your hotel. Energy cost management does not need to be a major headache for businesses if you use the right professionals. Over the last few years there has been a rise in energy services providers, including auditors, consultants, contractors and end-to-end trusted advisors who provide specific a range of services assisting hotel owners and operators to address their energy and maintenance challenges. Manufacturers and innovators have also made significant contributions to the energy efficiency market through the research, development and implementation of suitable energy efficiency products. Hotel facility managers and engineers that spend time getting to know these professionals will gain an advantage and have access to the latest innovations, products and methods of improving the operational efficiency for their hotels. Seeking out these organisations can be as easy as liaising with associations like Facility Management Association of Australia http://www.fma.com.au/ Energy Efficiency Council http://www.eec.org.au/ who have a register of members.
Hotels are embracing LED’s to quickly reduce energy and maintenance costs 2014 saw Three Japanese-born researchers win the Nobel Prize for Physics for inventing a new light source which led to the creation of the LED lamp. The trio is Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura, a researcher who is currently based in the United States. In awarding the men the prize, the Nobel jury said their “inventions were revolutionary”. “Incandescent light bulbs lit the 20th century; the 21st century will be lit by LED lamps,” the jury said. LED lamps emit a bright white light, are long-lasting and use far less energy compared with the incandescent light bulb pioneered by Thomas Edison in the 19th century. In most cases there is true one for one replacement options available. The iconic Q1 Resort and Spa in Surfers Paradise, one of the world’s tallest residential buildings and hotels, built in 2005, has recently undergone an LED upgrade. NuGreen Solutions provided the building with an LED upgrade as part of an energy efficiency makeover. During a detailed level 2 energy audit the team identified that the lighting upgrade project will deliver 85 percent in energy and maintenance savings through the upgrade of 1,500 fittings. Financially this could result in cost savings of up to $1 Million dollars over the next 10 years, that’s a significant saving with a very fast payback and excellent ROI. It is a positive outcome that leaders within the hotel facility management sector have been quick to realise professional energy service providers and emerging technologies assist them to make improvements resulting in reduced operational costs and maintenance. This will ensure that you not only improve the operational efficiency of the hotel but deliver an improved experience for hotel guests. Geoffrey Gourley is Director, Sustainability Integration with NuGreen Solutions. NuGreen is a unique Australian and New Zealand based energy services provider formed to audit, design, and finance, manage, deliver and maintain energy efficiency solutions for the built environment. For more information on NuGreen visit www.nugreen.com.au or call 1300 300 025.