Betting on sustainability can save up to 20%

March 5th is World Energy Efficiency Day, a celebration that invites reflection on the need to use energy efficiently, bet on sustainability and curb climate change.

Unfortunately, according to data from insurance comparator Acierto, energy efficiency remains one of the pending issues in our country. And we are not just talking about individual consumers, but also businesses. The hospitality and tourism sector is one of the most aware of this situation.

Implementing measures that preserve the environment is profitable in the long term. In fact, according to calculations, doing so allows savings of between 10% and 20% for hotel establishments. In addition, they improve the customer experience and are in themselves an attraction. It also allows benefiting from economic aid. But what are the initiatives being adopted?

Sustainable buildings for the Horeca sector

The research by Acierto reveals that sustainable building is gaining followers in the hotel sector. A crucial point if we consider that buildings generate between 25% and 35% of emissions; and that 8 out of 10 buildings in Spain are energy inefficient speaking. Specifically, tourism is responsible for 5% of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The carbon footprint of establishments accounts for 20%.

Thus, the conservation of buildings –especially those that exceed 40 years– and the installation of insulation elements to reduce losses are key. The latter account for 30% of total losses. It is also essential to promote initiatives to reduce the use of heating and air conditioning, as well as optimizing resources to climatize pools and refrigeration systems.

Betting on sustainable energy sources

One of the keys to saving energy in hotels is to base a large part of their energy consumption on sustainable sources and renewable energy. The transformation of the boiler room, for its part, represents a saving of around 12%.

Involvement of workers and customers

Acierto.com highlights the importance of involving workers and customers, and informing about the measures taken. Sustainability can become an incentive for both groups. In fact, up to 6 out of 10 tourists are attracted by companies committed to the environment. And more than 30% are willing to pay more to stay there.

Low consumption lighting

Low consumption lighting, water use systems, and measures such as adapting the intensity of outdoor lighting to the environment... increase energy savings. Energy audits will allow us to identify the consumption of different facilities.

Reducing water consumption to a minimum, eliminating plastic products and reducing the amount of food wasted with self-cultivation are other points that help mitigate the environmental impact.

Compare energy rates

The Acierto.com insurance comparator, also recommends comparing between different energy rates to see which one best suits our needs. “In this area, just like in insurance, it is essential to compare energy rates”, comments Carlos Brüggemann, co-founder of the entity.

“Reviewing the conditions offered by companies, choosing a plan that suits our business, are essential actions”, he says. Hiring a specific insurance that includes coverage for electrical damage will also be crucial in case of problems in electrical installations –conduction lines, machinery and electrical appliances– resulting, for example, from abnormal currents, combustion or others.

The policy will allow us to save in the long term and be protected against these eventualities. In addition, they usually include legal defense, assistance, civil liability and damage caused by fire, lightning or explosions.

Bet on technology

Technology, for its part, contributes to energy savings. We're talking about smart hotels, equipped with intelligent thermostats that turn off once a certain temperature is reached. Of smart blinds that automatically lower if the room is emptied when they detect that excessive heat is being generated.

Betting on technology is also installing motion sensors in corridors and common areas, opting for smart and programmable bulbs, and Dimmer, which give us the opportunity to control the input and output of light with a saving of 75%. They also increase the useful life of the bulbs.

In Raixer we are constantly looking for ways and means to reduce our environmental impact. We offer different smart solutions, for example, the motion sensor and the open/closed sensor. In addition, you can use our smart lock not only for doors, but also for windows, blinds or air conditioning.