#insights

During vacation periods, traveling and staying in hotels is common, where comfort and quality are top priorities. However, have we ever stopped to think about the energy consumption and carbon footprint of a hotel? Hotel infrastructure is more complex than it seems: within a single building, common areas (reception, dining rooms, spa, gym, etc.) have different schedules and uses, while guest rooms feature independent climate control systems whose demand fluctuates based on seasonality and changing weather conditions. For instance, what happens at a beachfront hotel on a cloudy summer day or in Mallorca in March? These questions highlight the complexity of the energy challenge hotels face.

In the hospitality industry, guest comfort and experience are paramount. Hotels must not only provide high-quality service but also ensure a comfortable and healthy environment. At the same time, the need to reduce costs and minimize carbon footprints is driving the adoption of advanced technologies. In this scenario, intelligent algorithm-based solutions enable energy consumption optimization without compromising the guest experience.

The Challenge of Energy Consumption

Various studies indicate that energy consumption can account for between 14% and 25% of a hotel’s operating costs. Furthermore, industry estimates suggest that a significant percentage of hotels have the potential to reduce their energy use by around 20%, which could translate into savings of hundreds of millions of euros globally. These figures underscore the need for solutions that optimize energy use without sacrificing guest comfort.

The Solution: Intelligent Energy Management Systems

Advanced algorithm-based solutions are transforming the traditional approach to energy management in hotels.

1. Real-Time Analysis and Prediction

By leveraging machine learning techniques, these systems can identify patterns in energy consumption. Recent studies have achieved prediction error rates below 2.5%, enabling hotels to anticipate demand peaks and adjust the operation of systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and lighting. For example, reducing HVAC system energy consumption by up to 25% can result in substantial savings for hotels with high annual energy use.

2. Comfort Optimization Without Waste

Maintaining thermal comfort and air quality is essential for the guest experience. Thanks to these intelligent systems, equipment operation dynamically adjusts to real-time occupancy and environmental conditions, ensuring ideal conditions more than 95% of the time without overloading the systems. This means that each area—from the reception to guest rooms—receives the necessary climate control precisely when needed, without excessive consumption.

3. Predictive Maintenance and Proactive Management

Another significant advantage is the ability to detect anomalies and predict equipment failures. By analyzing real-time data, these systems alert maintenance teams before malfunctions occur, extending equipment lifespan and reducing costly interventions. This prevents unnecessary repair expenses and optimizes energy use.

Ensuring a superior guest experience is crucial. Smart solutions allow each room and common area to maintain the ideal temperature and air quality, adjusting climate control based on occupancy and guest feedback (through QR codes or digital surveys). This guarantees a comfortable environment even during low-demand periods, enhancing customer satisfaction.

4. Data Integration and Centralization

The key to success lies in integrating all relevant data sources (PMS, BMS, IoT sensors, weather data, etc.) into a single platform. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the hotel’s energy behavior and enables informed decision-making. For example, inefficient areas can be identified, and specific investments recommended, which—based on cost-benefit analysis—could further reduce total energy consumption by 5%.

Key Industry Insights

• Operating Costs: Energy consumption can account for up to 25% of a hotel’s operating costs.
• Savings Potential: Studies suggest that up to 61% of hotels could reduce their energy use by around 20%, translating into hundreds of millions of euros in potential savings globally.
• Emission Reduction: With an emission factor of 0.25 kg CO₂/kWh, optimizations that save 300,000 kWh annually can prevent the release of approximately 75,000 kg of CO₂ per year.

Case Study: Optimization at Iberostar Hotels

One notable example is Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, which implemented our Respira® technology, powered by artificial intelligence algorithms. Within Iberostar hotels, this solution is known as BRAIAN and has provided an opportunity to optimize and predict environmental and operational conditions within their facilities.

This solution integrates data from HVAC systems, environmental sensors, occupancy records, and energy billing to create a predictive model tailored to each hotel space. The results have been remarkable:

• HVAC Reduction: 25% decrease in energy demand from climate control systems.
• Overall Savings: 15% reduction in total electricity consumption.
• Guaranteed Comfort: Optimal temperature and air quality maintained over 95% of the time.
• Predictive Maintenance: Proactive identification of inefficient equipment and investment recommendations for improved energy performance.

Conclusion

Advanced algorithm-based solutions are revolutionizing energy management in the hospitality industry. By centralizing and analyzing real-time data, hotels can anticipate demand, dynamically adjust climate control systems, and optimize maintenance—achieving significant cost savings without compromising the guest experience.

If you want to learn more about implementing this technology in your hotel to reduce costs, enhance comfort, and contribute to sustainability, contact us for a personalized demonstration. The future of energy management in hotels is here—and it’s smarter and more adaptable than ever.