Energy consumption is the second-largest operating cost for hotels, second only to staffing—and it’s only getting more expensive. According to CBRE, utility expenses as a percentage of hotel revenue rose from 2.9% in 2019 to 3.3% in 2023, meaning energy costs are growing faster than hotel revenue. For a hotel earning $10 million annually, that’s an additional $40,000 in utility expenses each year.
Hotel owners now spend more on energy than on maintenance, taxes, or marketing. Fortunately, today’s smart technology offers powerful tools to help manage those costs—without sacrificing guest comfort.
What Is a Hotel Energy Management System?
A hotel energy management system (EMS) uses automation and remote access to control lighting, climate, and appliances in guest rooms. These systems are designed to reduce waste, optimize performance, and provide real-time insights to help hotels operate more efficiently.
Hotel EMS platforms typically include three core components:
- Sensors
- Smart plugs and switches
- Remote control access
Together, these features offer hotel operators a comprehensive way to monitor and manage energy use throughout their properties.
Smart Sensors Improve Room Awareness
Hotel energy systems rely on occupancy sensors—such as door contacts and motion detectors—to determine when a room is in use. Once a room is unoccupied for a set amount of time, the system can trigger an energy-saving routine, adjusting the thermostat or shutting off lights and appliances.
These intelligent responses help minimize unnecessary energy usage without requiring guests or staff to manually adjust settings.
Smart Plugs and Switches Help Automate Savings
Many hotel guests leave lights, TVs, and air conditioning units running when they’re not in the room—largely because they’re not responsible for the utility bill. Smart plugs and switches help address this behavior by automating shutoff routines when rooms are empty.
- Smart switches, often installed in areas like bathrooms, can be motion-activated to automatically turn lights off after a set period of inactivity.
- Smart plugs don’t have sensors of their own but instead respond to input from the larger system, turning off connected devices like TVs or lamps when motion is no longer detected.
Strategically deploying these devices ensures energy savings while preserving guest comfort and safety.
For a deeper dive into how smart energy solutions can impact your bottom line, check out this article on improving your hotel’s profitability.
Remote Control and Automation
One of the biggest advantages of implementing a hotel EMS is the ability to monitor and manage rooms remotely. Through an internet-connected platform, hotel managers can:
- Pre-condition rooms for arriving guests
- Remotely monitor HVAC performance
- Adjust energy settings across multiple rooms or zones
This level of control helps ensure that energy is only used when needed and allows staff to respond quickly to equipment issues—often before the guest notices.
If you’re still evaluating what an energy management system can do, this guide on what energy management is and why it’s worth it outlines the fundamentals.
Are There Privacy Concerns?
Hotel energy management systems use motion sensors to detect occupancy, not cameras or audio. These devices are designed solely to optimize energy usage and cannot collect or transmit personal data. Guest privacy remains fully protected.
Better Experiences for Guests and Staff
While the main goal of an EMS is to save energy, it also improves the guest experience. By reducing unnecessary wear and tear on climate control and lighting systems, these technologies can extend equipment lifespan and reduce maintenance disruptions.
Additionally, many modern systems offer a sleek, in-room interface that allows guests to adjust settings within pre-programmed limits. This gives them a sense of control without compromising energy-saving goals.
Additional Advantages for Hotel Operators
Beyond energy savings, remote systems provide real-time diagnostics that can help hotel staff stay ahead of maintenance issues. For example, if a guestroom HVAC unit stops working, the system can flag the issue before the guest needs to report it.
For a broader view of the strategic value these systems bring, check out the 7 lesser-known benefits of energy management.
And to explore how these technologies integrate with modern building systems, visit our energy management solutions page.
