Improving energy efficiency in the hotel industry

Measuring energy consumption, the carbon footprint, and providing sustainable investment possibilities are the key components of an E-toolkit, which could have a path-breaking impact on the tourism se

Measuring energy consumption, the carbon footprint, and providing sustainable investment possibilities are the key components of an E-toolkit, which could have a path-breaking impact on the tourism sector, helping hotels reduce their carbon footprint while increasing business profits. The Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) E-toolkit will be presented at the second annual HES Conference, “An Innovative Energy Toolkit for Hotels,” during the International Tourism trade fair FITUR 2011 (Madrid, Spain, January 20, 2011).

The HES E-toolkit, an easy to use software application, has been designed to reduce the impact of the accommodation sector on the environment and fight climate change. The E-toolkit provides a practical means for hoteliers to assess their current energy consumption and presents the most profitable investment alternatives in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energies.

Following two years of research by leading energy experts and on the ground testing, this innovative tool will be presented for the first time at the second annual HES Conference, at which representatives from pilot destinations who have been testing a beta version of the E-toolkit will share their experiences. In addition, major technology providers and Europeโ€™s leading energy management agencies will showcase the latest innovations in energy technologies for the accommodation sector.

Accommodation units registered with the UNWTO-initiated Hotel Energy Solutions project will have access to the E-toolkit, free of charge. The E-toolkit generates user-friendly reports showing how much energy is being used by each hotel and how this compares to other establishments; presenting the overall carbon footprint of the hotel; and offering suggestions on the latest energy technologies.

Running parallel to the conference and following the success of the first edition in January 2010, FITUR and UNWTO will, for the second time, organize a special exhibition area dedicated to energy and tourism – FITUR GREEN (January 19-23). Hoteliers will have the opportunity to meet directly with energy experts to discover how better energy management can reduce operational costs, while making a decisive contribution to diminish the sectorโ€™s environmental impact.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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