Energy Saving Tips for Hotels in the UK

Running a hotel in the UK comes with many operational challenges, but energy use is one of the biggest ongoing costs. From heating and lighting to hot water and refrigeration, every part of a hotel relies on power. Guest rooms, lobbies, function suites, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities all need energy to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

According to The Carbon Trust, hotels can save up to 20% of their energy consumption by making a few simple changes. That’s a significant opportunity for UK hoteliers, particularly as energy prices remain high and guests increasingly value businesses with a strong focus on sustainability.

Below, we explore the key areas where energy savings can be made, and practical steps UK hotels can take to reduce costs and environmental impact without compromising guest experience.

Water Efficiency

Insulation and Heating

Insulating water pipes is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce wasted heat. In older UK properties, poorly insulated pipework can cause considerable energy loss. By properly lagging pipes, hotels can reduce unnecessary heat loss and keep hot water systems more efficient.

Hot water should be stored at around 60°C—warm enough to kill harmful bacteria such as Legionella, but not so high that it wastes energy or risks scalding. Modern thermostatic mixing valves can be used to regulate temperature at the point of use for added safety and efficiency.

Smart Fixtures

Low-flow taps and shower heads can dramatically reduce water and energy use without affecting the guest experience. Spray taps, for example, use less water while maintaining good pressure. These are especially effective in hotel kitchens and guest bathrooms.

Leak Prevention

Leaky taps or pipes not only waste water but also increase the energy required to pump, heat, and treat that water. Establishing a routine maintenance programme ensures problems are spotted and fixed quickly—preventing waste and saving money in the long run.

Lighting Solutions

Lighting accounts for a large proportion of a hotel’s energy use, especially in communal spaces that operate around the clock.

Switch to LEDs

Replacing outdated tungsten bulbs or fluorescent tubes with LED lighting can reduce energy use by up to 80%. LEDs also last significantly longer, cutting replacement and maintenance costs.

Automated Controls

Occupancy sensors and daylight sensors are simple, cost-effective measures that prevent lights from being left on unnecessarily. For example, installing motion sensors in corridors, toilets, and staff areas ensures lights are only active when needed.

Design Considerations

Where possible, natural daylight should be maximised. In guest lounges and dining areas, clever use of skylights, large windows, or glazed doors reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day—creating a more inviting atmosphere while saving energy.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Insulation and Draft Proofing

UK hotels lose a substantial proportion of heat through poorly insulated roofs, walls, and windows. Ensuring loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and double or triple glazing are in place can make a big difference. Simple measures such as draft excluders and thermal curtains also help.

Smart Controls

Modern heating and cooling systems come with advanced controls that allow hoteliers to manage temperatures by zone. In guest rooms, programmable thermostats and keycard systems mean heating or cooling can be switched off automatically when rooms are unoccupied.

Regular Maintenance

Boilers and air conditioning units should be serviced regularly to ensure they operate efficiently. A poorly maintained system works harder to achieve the same results, driving up costs unnecessarily.

Avoid Heating and Cooling at the Same Time

In some hotels, particularly larger ones, radiators and air conditioning units may run simultaneously. This wastes energy and creates guest discomfort. Installing centralised systems or upgrading to modern HVAC solutions ensures consistent, efficient climate control.

Refrigeration

Hotels depend heavily on refrigeration for kitchens, bars, and event catering. These systems can be major energy users if not properly maintained.

Routine Maintenance

Dirty condenser coils and blocked vents force fridges and freezers to work harder, consuming more power. Cleaning and servicing them regularly ensures maximum efficiency.

Correct Use

Overloading refrigeration units reduces air circulation and cooling performance. Keeping doors shut as much as possible also helps to maintain stable temperatures and reduce strain on the system.

Modern Equipment

Older units are often far less efficient than newer models. Investing in A-rated or Energy Star certified fridges and freezers may involve upfront costs, but savings on energy bills quickly add up.

Behaviour and Training

Technology and equipment upgrades are important, but staff behaviour is equally critical.

• Train staff to switch off lights and appliances when not in use.

• Create energy champions within each department to encourage best practice.

• Display signage reminding staff and guests of simple steps, like closing windows when heating is on or reporting maintenance issues quickly.

Many hotels also choose to engage guests directly, such as through towel reuse schemes or optional linen changes, which not only save energy but also reduce water and detergent use.

Embracing Renewable Energy

For UK hoteliers looking at long-term sustainability, renewable energy sources such as solar panels, ground-source heat pumps, or biomass boilers can significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity or gas. While the initial investment is higher, government grants, tax incentives, and falling equipment costs make these options increasingly viable.

Monitoring and Measuring

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Hotels that monitor energy use with smart meters and energy management systems gain valuable insights into where savings can be made. Many systems provide real-time reporting, helping management to spot anomalies such as equipment left running overnight.

The Business Case

For hotels in the UK, energy efficiency is no longer just about reducing costs. Guests are increasingly choosing hotels that demonstrate sustainability commitments. Reducing energy use lowers operating costs, improves guest satisfaction, and strengthens your brand reputation.

A hotel that positions itself as eco-friendly can appeal to environmentally conscious travellers, businesses, and event organisers, opening new opportunities in a competitive marketplace.

Conclusion

Energy saving doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort or guest experience. With the right mix of smart technology, practical upgrades, and staff engagement, UK hotels can cut energy use by up to 20%—reducing bills and building a greener reputation.

From simple steps such as insulating pipework and installing LED lighting, to larger investments like renewable energy systems, every action contributes towards a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

At 4Facilities, we work with hotels across the UK to service, maintain, and upgrade essential systems such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating. Our cost-effective solutions help hoteliers reduce running costs and minimise downtime—while creating a comfortable environment for guests.

For advice, maintenance, or quick service response, call 01273 044045 or get in touch with our team today.