Hoteliers are taking inspiration from nature to attract next generation guests – from beach getaways with solar and wind power to mountainside hot spring resorts that harness geothermal potential. To attract these travelers, hotels are investing in infrastructure that promotes sustainability.

These hotels are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and show their dedication to sustainability. Here are some tips for getting started:

The Power of Renewable Energy

Hotels often consume a great deal of energy for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking and refrigeration – this can add up to an extensive carbon footprint which can be reduced through the transition to renewable sources of power.

Hoteliers not only reduce their carbon footprint but they can save money too by switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. With these resources, hotels can reduce electricity expenses significantly.

When selecting an energy source for your hotel, the type of technology to use depends on both specific needs and location. For instance, if the area has abundant sunlight and strong winds, installing solar panels could be beneficial to the property.

Another way to reduce your hotel’s environmental impact is by purchasing goods locally. This reduces transportation and packaging, leading to less energy usage. Furthermore, it makes your supply chain more resilient in case of global emergencies or disruptive events.

Solar-Powered Sanctuaries

Solar-powered sanctuaries are an innovative solution to renewable energy that helps hotels, resorts and businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, these eco-friendly installations can save hotel owners thousands of dollars on energy bills.

Solar systems are more cost-effective than traditional power and generate energy for years, meaning you save money that can be reinvested back into your hotel or used for marketing. Going solar could free up tens of thousands of dollars each month for your hotel or resort – potentially hundreds of thousands!

Another alternative is geothermal power. While not as popular as other renewable energies, this renewable resource may be suitable for hotel owners in areas that feature hot springs or steam.

In Florida, environmental groups and the solar industry joined forces to form solar sanctuaries – projects carefully planned so as not to disturb wildlife or wildlands. These features include vegetation that benefits pollinators, new wetlands and other ecological features.

Wind Energy in Action

Wind energy is one of the most influential renewable sources, converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. This is done through wind turbines, which consist of blades and a box adjacent to them known as the nacelle. When wind blows, these rotating blades rotate, creating kinetic energy which is converted into mechanical work with their rotor then to electrical charge with an inbuilt generator in the nacelle.

Wind power is one of the cleanest sources of variable renewable energy (VRE). It boasts a high decarbonisation potential per MW and some of the lowest lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of any energy source, helping to slow climate change.

Wind energy has the potential to create local jobs, stimulate a local economy and reduce energy costs. Its growing popularity is due to its cost effectiveness and performance benefits.

Wind energy does have its advantages, but there can also be drawbacks. For instance, wind turbines have the potential to kill birds and bats as well as disrupt breeding patterns and nesting behavior in birds, leading to fewer eggs or chicks surviving until adulthood.

Geothermal Wonders

Geothermal Wonders are natural features like hot springs, fumaroles and geysers created by the heat released through underground magma. Generally speaking, these areas can be found near active volcanoes.

Geothermal features provide an abundant source of energy for many purposes. For instance, geothermal water can be used to heat homes and generate electricity.

Some geothermal features are also rich sources of minerals like sulfur, gold, silver and mercury – making them ideal for mining and processing.

World-wide, there is an abundance of stunning geothermal attractions to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Highlights such as hot springs, geysers and mud pools can be enjoyed by visitors from around the globe.

Recent research has demonstrated that enhanced geothermal systems can capture and store heat energy beneath Earth’s surface at minimal cost compared to batteries. This renewable resource could significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Hybrid Energy Systems

Hybrid energy systems integrate renewable energy and storage technologies into one power plant, offering maximum efficiency and cost savings for future grids. They have become increasingly popular within the energy community.

One type of hybrid system that hotels may find beneficial is solar + wind + battery storage. This combination could generate 24/7 energy at a levelized cost comparable to existing coal plants.

A study revealed that such a system can generate up to 61% more electricity than traditional power sources, and also reduce electricity purchases from the grid, helping hotels reduce their carbon emissions.

One hybrid technology that may be suitable for next-generation hotels is combined heating and power (CHP). CHP systems use thermal energy to heat the facility, helping reduce its overall heating costs.

These systems can be particularly advantageous in tall buildings, like hotels, where there is limited room for additional energy storage. However, they also come with their own challenges to contend with; storing solar and wind energy simultaneously may prove challenging.

Energy Storage Solutions

Energy storage is an efficient way to use intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar for power plant management, helping them adjust according to fluctuating electricity demands.

Hotels looking to go green and reduce their carbon footprint can take advantage of a combined heating and power (CHP) system, which captures the extra heat from their boiler systems. This heat can then be used for energy generation while saving on heating costs.

Another viable option for hotel owners is installing a battery system to store energy. This helps them use less electricity from the grid during times of peak demand.

The Department of Energy has numerous programs to encourage research, development and deployment of advanced energy storage technologies. These initiatives aim to ensure that the U.S. becomes a global leader in this area.

DOE collaborates with industry, governments and other agencies to guarantee that research and development are focused on the most crucial matters. This is achieved through various initiatives such as technical exchanges, workshops and annual peer reviews. Furthermore, cost-shared R&D projects help leverage resources while completing tasks of mutual interest.

Sustainable Energy Certifications

Hotels are increasingly striving for sustainable business practices as the demand for sustainable practices grows. This could include reducing their operations’ carbon intensity and purchasing goods locally.

Another way hotels can make a positive contribution is by switching their energy use to renewable sources. Not only will this reduce climate change, but it could also result in cost-savings over time.

One way to incorporate renewable energies into your hotel is by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). These are certificates that demonstrate a company’s dedication to using only sustainable energy sources.

To make RECs a reality, assess your energy needs and identify which renewable resources are most suitable for your location. After that, purchase RECs that correspond to your usage from an electricity provider.

In addition to purchasing RECs, hotels can also harness the power of their local environment by installing solar panels and wind turbines. These can be integrated into a property’s design or installed away from it.

Inspiring Renewable Energy Hotels

As the severity of global climate change becomes more acute, many countries and large corporations have begun to embrace green energy policies. One notable example is the hospitality industry which recently made a push to switch over to renewable sources of energy in an effort to reduce pollution and lessen their carbon footprint.

Hotels use a lot of energy, from heating water for guest showers to lighting each room. Utilizing renewable sources can help them save on utility costs while making guests feel good about their selection and increasing the likelihood that they will return again in the future.

Hotel design is evolving to harness solar, wind and geothermal energy to create sustainable hotels that benefit not only their guests but also the planet. Hotel Marcel in Connecticut recently opened as the US’ first net-zero hotel – powered entirely by renewable electricity sources.

In Conclusion

As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of climate change, industries are beginning to shift towards sustainable practices. The hospitality industry, in particular, has made significant strides towards utilizing renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. From solar-powered sanctuaries to wind energy in action and geothermal wonders, hotels are finding innovative ways to harness the power of nature while providing guests with unique and eco-friendly experiences.

As next-generation hotels continue to prioritize sustainability, it is clear that renewable energy sources will play a significant role in the future of green hospitality. Not only do these practices benefit the planet, but they also provide cost savings for hotel owners and improve the guest experience. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and incorporating sustainable business practices, the hospitality industry is setting an example for other industries to follow in the fight against climate change.