|
Planning for energy-efficient lodgings starts well in advance of
construction or renovation work. The formula for success: involve
a wide range of stakeholders—owners, managers, staff, and guests—in
collaboration with an experienced design team. The goal: equip decision
makers with the right knowledge at the appropriate time in the process.
Set Goals for Energy Performance and Sustainability
Whether for new or existing buildings, success hinges on setting
goals for energy performance and sustainability early in the project
planning phase, when the potential for savings is the greatest.
For new hotels, following standardized green criteria—such
as the U.S. Green
Building Council's LEED rating system for commercial buildings—will
help to identify candidate goals. Design guides like the Sustainable
Building Technical Manual: Green
Building Design, Construction, and Operations can
also help with setting goals. The manual provides a how-to guide
to the green building process and suggested practices for developing
sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. ENERGY
STAR's Target Finder is another helpful tool for setting energy
performance targets for new buildings.
For existing hotels, the ENERGY
STAR Web site offers energy management strategies, benchmarking
tools, and other resources to help you gain a better understanding
of your current energy usage and identify ways to save energy and
money. Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Building Technology Center
also provides guidance and tools to help you benchmark
your hotel building and estimate your cost reduction potential.
A comprehensive energy management plan and clearly defined goals
helped the Hilton
Hotels Corporation save nearly $2.5 million in energy costs
in 2000. Partnering with ENERGY STAR
to reduce operating costs at 530 properties, Hilton established
specific energy goals and implemented quarterly building inspections,
rigorous preventive maintenance practices, and a purchasing policy
that includes ENERGY STAR-labeled
products. Quarterly benchmarking reports compare a variety of energy
metrics across Hilton properties and help to identify those in need
of energy audits and improvements.
Key energy improvements incorporated at Hilton hotels include
installing compact fluorescent lighting, adding roof and wall insulation
as well as reflective coverings, and replacing old, inefficient
boilers and furnaces. Training for housekeeping and maintenance
staff add to the savings.
Use the Whole Building Approach
Successful planning also involves using a whole
building design approach to optimize energy features in your hotel.
This approach examines the building structure and systems and determines
how these systems best work together to save energy and reduce environmental
impact.
As you evaluate various energy-efficient design alternatives,
cost/benefit
analyses can help you determine if and when a design feature
will pay for itself through energy savings, and help you set priorities
among alternative building improvement options. For example, life
cycle cost analysis determines the total cost of a system, component,
or building over its anticipated useful life. Rebuild America's
Life Cycle Cost Calculator can help you calculate the net present
value of two alternatives and compare them using this method.
Another key to successful planning is a careful review
of building codes and standards in your area. Plan for building
commissioning at this stage as well—the process helps to
ensure that the building's energy features are functioning as planned
and delivering the intended savings. Commissioning is a systematic
process that begins in the design phase and lasts at least one year
after construction. It involves preparation for the operations and
maintenance staff and thorough documented verification that all
building systems perform interactively, according to the documented
design intent and the owner's operational needs.
Financing Energy-Efficient Buildings
Cost and financing issues are key to determining which energy features
will be included in your final project plan. Five financing mechanisms
are available for investing in energy efficiency:
Internal
Funds
Energy efficiency improvements are financed by direct allocations
from an organization's own internal capital or operating budget.
Debt Financing
Energy efficiency improvements are financed with capital borrowed
directly by an organization from private lenders and includes municipal
bonds.
Lease or Lease-Purchase
Agreements
Energy-efficient equipment is acquired through an operating or financing
lease of 5 to 10 years with no up-front costs.
Energy
Performance Contracts
Energy efficiency measures are financed, installed, and maintained
by a third party that guarantees savings and payments based on those
savings.
Utility
Incentives
Rebates, grants, or other financial assistance are offered by an energy
utility for the design and purchase of certain energy-efficient systems
and equipment.
These financing mechanisms can be used in various combinations,
along with additional
funding sources and considerations. The Rebuild America Guide: Financing
Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PDF 678 KB) provides more information
about financing.
Visit the Building Toolbox section of this site for more in-depth
information to help you plan
and finance energy-efficient commercial buildings.
|
