Hotels are increasing energy efficiency.
Hotels across the country are turning to energy-efficient measures to reduce energy costs. The Marriott La Jolla in La Jolla, Calif., in a hotel energy efficiency initiative installed motion sensors in its stairwells and vending machines in order to dim lighting when the areas aren’t being used by guests, according to USA Today.
HEI Hotel and Resorts owns the La Jolla hotel, and, by combining the Marriott’s energy efficiency measures with its other properties, is able to save $5 million a year on utility bills. The company is participating in the Better Buildings Challenge alongside more than 110 partners and has pledged to reduce its energy consumption 20 percent by 2020. USA Today said other companies include Best Buy, General Electric, Macy’s and Staples.
“We waste a lot of the energy we use,” says Maria Vargas, director of the program at the Department of Energy.
Companies and buildings can reduce energy use by as much as 30 percent just by changing out incandescent lights for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Not only is energy consumption going down, but companies are saving money and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the source stated.
InterContinental Hotels Group uses LEDs and motion sensors to increase its energy efficiency as well as other measures.
Hilton Austin completes lighting retrofit
The Hilton in Austin, Texas, retrofitted more than 1,000 of its lighting fixtures in the building. LEDs Magazine said the hotel was able to increase the quality of light and aesthetic appeal through the two-phase project.
The hotel’s new lights will use as much as 85 percent less energy than the previous fixtures, the source reported. The lights also reach full brightness instantly and don’t require “warm-up” time like the old lighting.
The LEDs that have a lifespan of 40,000 hours and last three times longer than traditional bulbs, according to LEDs Magazine. The bulbs reduce heat and don’t contain any harmful ultraviolet rays. The hotel expects a return on investment within 18 months.
Contact the lighting specialists at Lumenistics for more information on the benefits of energy-efficient lighting.