James Harman explains why, for UK hotels, the path to sustainability is becoming clearer: decarbonisation is no longer an option but a necessity.
Several factors are converging to put pressure on the hotel sector to decarbonise their estates.
The government’s legally binding net zero 2050 target, pressure from environmentally-informed investors, and guest preferences are converging to put sustainability and carbon reduction top of the agenda for hotel operators.
One of the most important steps that many hotel owners are considering is removing gas from their estates.
But hotels must have a reliable supply of hot water to meet guest demands as soon as the taps are turned on – so it’s a change that needs careful thought.
Gas boilers have traditionally been relied upon for their ability to deliver instant hot water during peak demands in the hotel environment.
So it’s understandable that hoteliers will ask whether low-carbon heating solutions can meet their requirements, particularly in properties with spas, restaurants, and large guest capacities.
Fortunately, advances in energy-efficient technologies such as heat pumps offer a way for hotels to decarbonise without compromising their service quality.
The key is understanding the business case and identifying the right solutions for each project.
There has never been a better time to make the switch from gas
James Harman Business Development Manager for Mitsubishi Electric
Piping hot water
First, it’s important to know that heat pump technology has developed to a point where it can now meet the hot water needs of hotels. Mitsubishi Electric offers a range of heat pumps to suit a range of projects.
The Ecodan CAHV commercial air source heat pump uses a lower-GWP refrigerant (R454C) to provide sanitary hot water and space heating. The EW-HT water-to-water heat pump is an excellent solution for hotels that require very high temperature hot water.
There are also system design options that enhance the efficiency of the overall hot water system. For example, advances in waste heat recovery technology are also helping to improve efficiency by capturing and reusing heat from kitchens, laundry operations, and other areas of the hotel.
These developments mean that gas-free heating systems are not only viable, but they provide practical solutions that lead to significant long-term carbon savings against gas or oil boilers.
Increasing asset values
This leads to the important point that decarbonising a hotel estate doesn’t only deliver environmental benefits. Sustainability increasingly influences asset values.
Hotels with strong energy efficiency credentials are more attractive to investors, while properties with poor environmental performance risk devaluation, even becoming stranded assets as legislation on efficiency certification tightens.
At the same time, green-certified hotels are seeing an uplift in revenue per available room (RevPAR), as guests actively seek out providers with good environmental credentials – according to a Booking.com survey, 80% of travellers say sustainability is important to them.
As with any refurbishment project, planning is key to successful decarbonisation. An energy audit at the early stages can help hotel operators understand their current energy use and carbon emissions. This help to set internal targets and demonstrate payback from new equipment. It will also be vital if your hotel is working to meet external targets for certification.
If possible (given time and budget constraints), it’s a good idea to prioritise building energy efficiency upgrades before replacing heating and hot water systems. Reducing overall energy demand makes the transition to electric heating more effective.
For example, it may a good time consider improvements to insulation, glazing, and ventilation which help to lower heating requirements.
Future-proofed operations
However, in lighter retrofit projects, hotel owners and operations can gain significant benefits from upgrading HVAC controls for better system monitoring and management.
The Mitsubishi Electric MELCotel system is ideal for hotels and even offers key card integration with features such as automatic occupied/unoccupied settings reset.
There has never been a better time to make the switch from gas.
Sustainability is accelerating across the hotel and leisure sector, and those who take action now will be in the strongest position to benefit. Regulators, investors and guests are demanding change, and the financial case for decarbonisation is clear.
By moving away from gas and embracing energy-efficient electric heating solutions, hotels can reduce costs, enhance market appeal and future-proof their operations.
Modern heat pumps can meet the high hot water demand of hotels, so there is no reason to delay.
Decarbonisation and sustainability are no longer just about compliance – it’s a business decision that affects profitability, asset value and guest satisfaction.
Hotel owners who act now are more likely to thrive in the low-carbon economy of the future.
James Harman is Business Development Manager for Mitsubishi Electric
