Passive and energy-saving solutions for hotels

The hotel industry has huge challenges ahead. While the passion for travel is not disappearing, the expectations of hotel guests are changing, who are placing increasing importance on flexibility, personalization and ecology. How can a hotel show customers that it is focused on sustainable development?

The hotel industry's impact on the environment

The ecological crisis has focused public attention on the tourism industry, which is responsible for 5% of global CO₂-emissions. Its multifaceted and often destructive impact on the environment must be offset with positive actions that help restore confidence in the industry.

Much of these actions fall on the shoulders of the hotel industry, which is responsible for approx. 20% of the carbon footprint generated by the entire tourism industry . It is estimated that as much as 75% of the hotel industry's environmental impact comes from the overconsumption of resources and unnecessary operational costs.

It's time to start reducing this impact, especially as hotel guests are increasingly consciously choosing hotels that make environmental efforts. From research has also revealed that staying at a hotel dedicated to protecting the environment has a positive impact on loyalty and satisfaction with the stay.

Energy consumption in hotels and the need to systematically reduce it

The overconsumption of water, food and energy is responsible for much of the carbon footprint generated by hotels. It is the energy losses that are the most problematic, both for the environment and the wallets of investors and hotel owners.

It is estimated that in Belgium, approximately 20% of hotel rooms are unoccupied. With nearly 2,000 hotels nationwide it is as if 400 of them are constantly empty and need to be heated, cleaned and managed. The reduction in energy consumption clearly translates into both a reduction in CO2 emissions and lower operational maintenance costs of the property.

A passive hotel - is it possible?

Definitely! And it has actually been like this for years. The first passive hotel (officially certified by Passivhaus Institut) was erected in Oberstdorf in 2010. It consumes 70% less energy than a traditional hotel of similar size and requires as much as 85% less energy to heat it.

- Since then, many hotels have been built using passive building technologies. And even if they use only some of the solutions, every option to reduce energy consumption is important - Emphasizes Emmanuel Gregoire, Managing Director at Aluprof Belgium NV.

What building solutions as part of sustainable construction can be used in existing and planned investments?

Windows that produce energy

To the already classic methods of extracting green energy - heat pumps and solar panels - modern building solutions are being added. One of these are photovoltaic skylights. This is a new, innovative solution that combines the traditional function of a window with energy production.

- Using quantum dot technology, a photovoltaic skylight based on the MB-SR50N EI profile can generate free energy. At the same time, the cells remain invisible and the glass remains fully transparent and provides interior lighting. The skylight also meets all fire safety standards in terms of load capacity, density and fire insulation, which is especially important in hotel buildings. Such solutions can be used in conference rooms or hotel corridors - clarifies brand expert Aluprof.

Ecological activities that can be seen!

Another solution that can also be used in existing properties are screens and outdoor blinds. Both solutions provide a barrier to the sun and reduce the heating of the room, thereby reducing the energy consumption of air conditioning.

- The Skyflow model of exterior blinds allows the user to adjust the angle of inclination of the slats as desired, allowing the degree of room darkening to be controlled as desired. We also make them in large sizes, intended for glazing with large areas. Skyroll screens are also becoming increasingly popular with hotels, as they provide a barrier to light and offer privacy while maintaining an outside view. The maximum area of the SkyRoll ZIP or Classic system is as much as 5000 by 5000 mm, allowing them to be used in modern hotels with large glazings - Emmanuel Gregoire highlighted.

Screen-type awnings are an excellent solution both in conference rooms, hotel lobbies, restaurants and individual hotel rooms. They can completely replace the blinds used by some hotels, giving guests more visual comfort while reducing cleaning costs.

- Their undeniable advantage is also the fact that it is a visible part for users where the pro-ecological activities of the hotel stand out. Especially if we help them do so by providing appropriate information in the hotel room - adds the expert to Aluprof toe.

Let's Build a Better Future

Rising energy costs, increasing social ecological awareness and growing guest expectations in this regard are, to some extent, forcing the industry to act in the direction of more sustainable development. The construction and technology industry is coming to the aid of hotels with modern solutions, such as solar shading or photovoltaic windows, which help to improve both operational costs and the hotel's PR image. It is worth using them, both for the planet and for business purposes.

Article sponsored by Aluprof

ALUPROF BELGIUM NV
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