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This article emphasizes the importance of HVAC for hotel properties. Hotels have to work diligently on replacing the climate controls in HVAC systems and to make sure HVAC systems work properly in order to be more efficient and provide hotel guests with comfortable environment, resulting in guests' overall satisfaction. Large and modern commercial HVACs can save a large amount of money on unnecessary power costs and constant maintenance with proper controls. However, there are many hotels that cannot afford the large machinery of an HVAC, so this article introduces PTAC, Packaged terminal air conditioner, which is a type of self-contained heating and air conditioning system, for small-sized hotel properties. Generally, PTAC generates negative sound and visual impact on a room. Randy Dawes, corporate director of facilities at Select Hotels, advices hotels with PTACs to use transcendental wheel technology over fan blades, which reduces noise. This article also urges hotels to upgrade or replace their old HVACs for state of the art HVACs now. Since there are state and local rebates available for upgrading to modern HVAC technology, it is a good time to do so.

According to this article, HVAC systems are responsible for more than 40 percent of total energy use. Having proper HVAC maintenance services allows for companies to save cost and prevent them from losing revenue due to damages. As stated in this article, "reactive maintenance is most costly way to maintain building HVAC systems". HVAC systems are the least noticed by organization because its not visible unlike other visible things such as lighting systems, carpet ect. Documentation is key, if facility executives want to level the playing field, they should consider investing money in HVAC maintenance that will provide the organization a rate of return that is equal or even greater than what others are promoting. There's up to 15 to 20 percent less energy used than when those systems are left to deteriorate. Therefore, regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of the damper will keep it operating properly minimizing energy use.

In an effort to cut expenses the Renaissance Club Sport Hotel installed the Pelican Wireless HVAC Thermostat. This saved them $41,160 a year on energy related costs giving them an ROI of 8.5 months. Through research presented by Pelican Wireless it was discovered that HVAC energy consumption drives over 60% of most hotel energy bills each month. The Renaissance Hotel discovered that by implementing the Pelican Wireless technology they could save substantially each month on energy costs. The previous room configuration had basic thermostats installed in the rooms which were left running even when the rooms had no checked in guests. They also had no way to monitor the health of their existing HVAC units and their facilities department was being called upon by the front desk to regularly check the AC. Installation took only 3 days with 2 installers in a sold out hotel consisting of 175 hotel rooms, conference center, spa and workout facility. Pelican's technology interfaces with the Hotel's PMS and to the internet to access the Pelican Site Manager. Initial setup is done via an easy to understand graphical user interface accessible on any Web Browser. Cloud based servers allow access to resources and have control of information from anywhere there is an internet connection.

This article talks about IT software that can reduce costs and energy consumption if the technology is implemented. HVAC, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, is a hotel's 'biggest power consumption culprit,' especially with guests who are not mindful of their consumption because they are not in their own homes and in essence do not have to pay. HVAC and lighting control system can be utilized without active involvement from a guest. So his or her stay wouldnt be hindered by having to keep track of their energy use. Guests do not want to be bothered with the day to day running's of a business.  This system would be greatly beneficial for a hotel to implement because it is keeping up with the latest trend, it doesn't disrupt a guest's comfort and it reduces expenditure

The obvious initial measure hotels take to reduce energy cost and become more "green" are by replacing lights bulbs with LED, switching to paperless options, and other small tasks. The most cost efficient though is the conversion of their central air conditioner and heater, as this makes up a large percentage of costs for the hotel, which is also a burden on the environment due to the excess use of gas and electric to power the system. The new Energy Policy Act that was put into effect helps hotel not only save on long-term costs in the HVAC department, but also get a tax credit. This credit can range from $0.60 to $1.80 per square footage of the hotel. This is helping to encourage hotels to make the switch. This type of technology allows the air to be controlled by different zones in the hotel, which can be each individual room, floor, or however the hotel sets it up. This also prevents the air constantly running in the hotel room when it is unoccupied by hotel guests.

This article provides information about a sustainable renovation that has revamped the Sheraton Suites. The HVAC technology that was constructed in the guest rooms has restored a fan coil unit refurbishment project. AirRevive, according to the article, is the leader in sustainable HVAC refurbishment and re-commissioning services. A 1989 IEC guest room fan coil was restored for the guest room renovation project. It is supposed to add about 1 decade to the lifespan of the units. Doing this renovation adds to guest satisfaction and comfort. These are the some of the most important factors in the hospitality industry. The indoor air quality is no loner compromised and will no longer leave guests susceptible to harmful allergens. The President of AirRevive states that this renovation is a cost efficient way to tune up. It saves energy and reduces operating expenses. There is an attractive ROI associated with the effective and efficient completion of the project.

This article addresses how hotel design must change to be successful in a COVID/Post-COVID world. The emphasis the last few years has been on meeting spaces and smaller square footage in guest rooms, but with social distancing those wonderful new high-tech meeting spaces are empty. More guests are having to use their hotel rooms as a place to sleep, socialize, be entertained, and even work out. First impressions are crucial in all aspects of life including hotels meaning adding things like UV-C- lights can help to make guests feel safe and rejuvenated. Also we must redefine the guest "room" experience, such using Smart technology and intelligent room design.

Staicoff (director of Oculus Inc.) stated that the covid-19 epidemic emerged as altering the settings of multiple organizations from healthcare facilities to the corporate ambiance. The designers created various changes in hotel infrastructure to meet the criteria of social distancing in the pandemic. Recently, the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) business elevated to provide technical and innovative solutions to control the spreading of infections with physical distancing. Also, the emerging AEC technologies encourage check-ins and elevators of the hotels to be compatible with smart solutions. The intervention of "Zone of Calm" and UV-C light impresses the guest to ensure that the hotel is reliable, safe, and caring. UV-C light is an antimicrobial technology with a unique fixation of light, music, and art to influence the people. The describe that multi-use facilities (housekeeping, room service, laundry, remote control, menus) have been eliminated for safety features. Visual indication facilitates cleanliness in diverse settings. The coordination of hotels with hygienic corporations enhances responding protocols to prevent infection. The structure of guestrooms are preferred from the perspectives of reducing OA (outside air) and EA (exhaust air), but the approaches are costlier practices to meet the demands of the pandemic. The intervention of "separately-zoned HVAC supply and return HVAC systems" acts as a filtration tool to remove EA from infected rooms and control the spreading. Usually, guestrooms are created for multi-functional management, but the guidelines of the pandemic representing constructive and financial challenges. According to a report presented by Markets and Markets, the implementation of smart devices in the markets would double by 2025 worldwide. At a minimum, the materialistic quality is designed considering long-term goals with comfortable and mood elevated facilities.

Here is an artical talking about how Mitsubishi Electric help bringing a comfortable, welcoming environment for hospitality with HVAC systems. A comfortable, welcoming environment is critical to the success and HVAC solution is one of the most important systems in maintaining guest comfort. And Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating has the flexible solutions that meet the needs. First of all, it mentions about advanced comfort solutions, which means improve confort control, deliver the right amount of cooling or heating to maintain the maximum level of comfort. Secondly is about superior zoning ability, which means design the right system from diversity of usage and occupancy. Thirdly is about providing quiet environments for guests. Last but not the least is efficient systems that reduce costs.

This article highlights the fact that Carrier Enterprise is going to showcase its new money-saving HVAC and Energy Management Systems at the Asian American Hotel Owners Association trade show. Carrier enterprise is the leading provider of temperature and energy control technologies for commercial and residential properties. At the AAHOA trade show CE will be presenting its new hospitality-specific HVAC and energy saving systems. The new system is called E-TAC, Engineered Terminal Air Conditioner. The smart technology that E-TAC provides puts control of energy back into the hoteliers hands. The E-TAC is energy efficient, has a dry mode, maximum set point limits that can be preprogrammed. they are remote controlled, they have a sleep timer to save energy, and lastly, it has been implemented with silencing fan technology which is perfect for hotel guestrooms. Accompanying the E-TAC with Carrier Enterprise at the AAHOA trade show is their new P-TAC Air Purification System. This will eliminate unhealthy indoor environments while also reducing odor, air pollutants, smoke, mold, bacteria and viruses, and chemical odors. The Air Knight was specifically designed for HVAC units of hotels. I believe we will see both of these new technologies thrive in the near future.

Green Initiative by Hilton Hotel Hotels as well as other service industries are looking for new ways to run more efficiently and looking to nature to give them some ideas. The latest in green technology is allowing hotels to push the eco-envelope and create energy efficient roof systems that also help the environment, and provide a visually beautiful space for their guests to enjoy. Hilton Hotel chain recently constructed Hilton Baltimore to break records with their proactive "green" policy, by creating garden to cover the entire roof, which Hilton looks upon as a commitment to the community and environment- a top level priority which stems from the top at the corporate level and is implemented down to the property level. This kind of innovation benefits all the major stakeholders…….it helps the environment by reducing rain water run-off, creates habitants for birds to thrive, helps to keep the hotel cool thereby reducing utility expense, it also provides a conducive atmosphere for the guest to enjoy and above all it generates good will for Hilton Hotels. This is not just happening in the U.S. Hotels around the globe are choosing to guide their business towards efficiency utilizing green roof technology. Besides recycling, and purchasing 'Green Sustainable Energy Credits' for 50% of the energy it utilizes annually, InterContinental Chicago hotel initiated "waste minimization" with a program that donates table scraps and leftover foods to local farms or composting sites. They have also introduced 'Green Weddings' and 'Green Meetings' options for event planners, bicycle rentals, organic wines and foods, and distribute seeds to employees to encourage giving back to the environment.

Energy management is a important part of physical plant of hospitality management. The most significant meaning of energy management is to reduce costs and drive up profits. Energex system is a kind of energy management software introduced in this article. It can adjust the using of the HVAC system automatically and save energy costs. It also can ensure the guests' comforts. The system can be used in both old and upcoming hotels. What the hotel need to do is to install a sensor along side the thermostat. I believe this is a good technology for this industry because it can not only benefit the hotels but also be environment-friendly.

This article talks about the different types of HVAC systems available for hotels. It shows which AC units would work for the room space.

This was a very interesting article about how Salvatore's Grand Hotel will be the first to benefit from the integration of Zeno Control, LLC and Verve Living Systems. The hotel will immediately begin installing Verve Keycard Switch, which is controlled wirelessly and uses sensors and control products to control HVAC, lighting, and other electric loads in guestrooms. Verve Keycard Switch doesn't require batteries. When a guest enters their room, they place the card into the Keycard Switch and then have complete control over all the electric devises in the room. Once the card is removed, the electronic devices in the room turn off or go into eco set back mode. The system can not only turn things on and off, but can defect problems in the room and track energy usage. The hotel expects to see a return on investment within two years. I thought this article was right on target with this week's module, and it seems this system would definitely help facilities be more energy efficient. I think it also supports preventative maintenance. Since it tracks problem areas, the facility manager should be able to address them before guests have to point them out. One possible problem I see is if guests forget to remove the card when they leave the room.

Verve Living System by ZENO Controls LLC has a new guest room energy control system. The system concludes guestroom swithches, sensors, thermostats, and lighting control. The system will turn off all electronic facilities when the room is un-occupied. So the system can get immediately financial benefits to hotel from the saving on energy expense, which is a big spender of entire expense.

Article speaks about hotel automation systems by vendors, that allow hotels to reduce energy and utility costs that impact the bottom line. The EPA estimated that in 2004 the hotel industry spent more than $5 billion on energy and that the number was likely to increase. Items such as occupancy based thermostats communicate over wireless networks and allow hotel staff to perform maintenance tasks such as detect issues with in-room HVAC systems before guests call in to report the items. Other systems use energy monitoring systems that allow for the hotel to detect room temperatures. This is significant as those rooms temperature and lighting systems can know whether the occupant is in the room and adjust lighting and temperature settings accordingly. Energy waste in hotels is an issue that affects the bottom line so the potential for ROI is great. Implementation of many of these systems is flexible as many are built on wireless networks that do not require heavy physical installation of wiring. Interested in the groups thoughts on this?

Typically, the guest room energy costs will take up 40% to 80% of total energy costs of a hotel property, which depend on hotel size, location, and occupancy. There are 80% guest room costs related to the air conditioning and heating (HAVC). Another 20% of guest room energy costs are tied to electrical. Hotel HVAC systems are designed to maintain a guestroom at a fixed temperature both day and night. In many hotels - whether the guests are business or leisure travelers - the rooms are frequently unoccupied for much of the day. During those times, it will save hotels money to setback the thermostat or completely turn off the heating and cooling. Occupancy control system accomplishes just that. There are two major occupancy control system: cardkey system and occupancy sensor system. The primary benefit of occupancy control systems is that they reduce energy use for the hotel. Orchard Garden hotel installed the cardkey system to control their HVAC system and lights in guest room. According to calculate, there are average 26% reduction in HAVC energy costs. A second benefit is that occupancy controls reduce peak demand. However, both of cardkey system and occupancy sensor system have some weakness. They still need to enhance their technology and design to fix the problems

This article discusses the various options for reducing both a hotels energy costs and its carbon footprint. Many times a hotel will combine a door sensor with a motion detector. However, some in industry argue that a door sensor is over unnecessary. Real saving is energy is achieved through "through management of the property's HVAC system". Whatever system is installed it is best to err on the side of the guest. Door sensors can be tell if a guest has enterer or exited a room. But if a motion detector is installed it can be sure of a guests presence.

This article discusses the implementation of computer technologies in hotels' green practices. Electricity use accounts for 60-70% of the utility costs and average daily water consumption per occupied room is 218 gallons. Management is permanently under pressure to cut these costs, however, this should be done without impacting guests' comfort. Installation of water-efficient fixtures and energy-efficient lighting helps to reduce utility bills. Computer operated systems aimed at consumption data collection, analytics and remote control are an essential addition to energy-saving equipment. Energy harvesting wireless sensors, thermostats, and other products help collect data that later is processed by IBM Watson, which applies predictive analytics to guest behavior to drive greater energy efficiency of HVAC and other equipment. Wireless networking in energy management enables the hotels to create customized profiles for different rooms depending on their exposure, season, occupancy, etc. based on historical data. Furthermore, satellite technology that tracks the weather and ground moisture helps limit excess irrigation. Computer technologies are meant to substitute guest's active efforts in resource savings. Yet sometimes the sustainability technologies become the selling point for hotels. For instance, guests, especially millennials, might be attracted by the hotel's energy panel that demonstrates how the power generated while using fitness equipment immediately adds to the hotel energy grid.

The article discusses how facility managers can reduce operational costs by outsourcing help, promoting sustainability, and using facility management technology. When outsourcing work and emergencies of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or waste, a hotel can reduce overhead costs and free time for on-staff technicians to keep up with their scheduled up-keep activities. Investing in green products like occupancy sensors and LED lights and policies like linen reuse, helps hotels save money by including guests in their commitment of protecting the earth while reducing costs. Computerized maintenance management systems can greatly help with streamlining the scheduling, purchasing, inventory, and order management, which helps protect the hotel's assets and image.

Author, Susan Daywitt, discusses the benefits of using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Along with computer aided facility management systems (CAFM), to improve customer satisfaction and to reduce overhead costs. Daywitt also asserts CMMS and CAFM systems improve facilities managers' ability to manage inventory and work orders with greater efficiency.

The following Press Release describes the Marriott La Jolla was showcased by a tour by the Department of Energy of its Better Building Challenge participants. The three-day tour took place in California and highlights the energy-efficient and energy savings practices and technologies in which the hotel offers.  The Marriott La Jolla-is owned by HEI Hotels & Resorts and recently was selected by President Obama to the Dept. of Energy Better Building Challenge as a part of the initiative to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent. HEI's commitment has led to enhancing its properties by energy efficiency upgrades and renovations-HEI has installed Energy Looking Glass (ELG), as well as the Energy Set-Point (ESP) program which defines optimum settings for key systems (domestic hot water, chilled water, etc.). Additionally, the hotel's BUZZ Committee gets all hotel associates engaged in conservation efforts. Core energy upgrades such as lighting and HVAC are proven technologies that were adopted and implemented years ago by the Marriott La Jolla and other properties in the HEI portfolio.

This article primarily discusses HEI Hotels & Resorts' Marriott La Jolla and their past showcase during "Tour of Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge Participant Facilities". Fundamentally, this hotel is using and produced an energy efficiently program which will allow the hotel to annually save $200,000 each year. That is an incredible savings that will keep the hotel tremendously environmentally friendly, while hopefully starting a trend for other hotels to do the same. This hotel is now facing great benefits with their energy saving initiatives and great operational systems such as HVAC, ELG, and ESP which will overall save water, the consumption of energy, and reduce waste.

San Diego, CA - August 30, 2012 -The Marriott La Jolla, owned and operated by HEI Hotels & Resorts, was showcased on Tuesday by the Department of Energy during a tour of the facilities of its Better Buildings Challenge participants. The visit was part of a three-day tour in California to highlight the energy-efficient and energy saving practices and technologies implemented by the participants.

This article focuses on sustainability and methods in which technology is utilized to conserve energy and waste, while also not hindering the guest experience. Hotels, similar to the Salvatore Grand Hotel, have began implementing systems such as the Verve Living System, by Zeno Controls, LLC, that provide wireless connections to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, as well as the lighting in the guest room. It utilizes sensors to activate such amenities, and enables the guest to enter the room, place their key card into a slot, and it will begin to adjust to the preferred temperature and the preferred lighting levels. Once the key card is removed, such as when the guest is leaving the room, after a very short delay, it sends a signal that verifies the room is unoccupied, and turns off these energy-consuming items in the room. Many guests, when staying in hotels, do not consider turning off their lights or air conditioning when they leave the room, and simply leave everything running. They do not realize the impact this has not only on costs for the hotel itself, but also the impact that it has on energy consumption and sustainability. With the growing awareness of being "green", guests are focusing more and more on conservation, however, they may still be slacking in these areas, leaving things on, being absent minded. This system will allow guests to not have to worry about such tasks, and controls the system of turning these items off for them, adding convenience for the guest who is environmentally conscious. I have personally seen a similar system being used in a hotel room, and thought it was a great idea, and an amazing way to control costs and eliminate waste of resources. It is also very surprising to read that the Verve Living System detects low battery levels, constant occupancy, problems with room connectivity, and rooms that are not communicating with the hotel PMS or other systems. This enables the maintenance team of a hotel to fun