7 Factors for Successful Green Hotel Construction
There are several ways to incorporate sustainable design features into hotel construction. By considering siting, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems during the design phase, we can create a hotel that consumes less energy, is more eco-friendly, and benefits from lower costs and a competitive appeal.
Considerations and solutions for green hotel design
To devise sustainable strategies for green hotel design, we must be conscious of the factors that affect sustainability. By prioritizing these, we can then deliver the solutions needed to create a truly sustainable hotel.
Here are the factors to consider:
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Design and scale of the hotel
It begins with the location of the hotel. We should select a site that allows for orientation to maximize the potential of solar energy. In addition, this orientation can be used to include architectural features such as floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light to flood in during the day, therefore eliminating the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
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Preservation of natural and cultural elements
We should also consider how we can design the building, aesthetically and for practicality, to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural elements of the location.
Can we include suitable landscaping that provides water retention and drainage, and enables the growing of crops (for example, on rooftop gardens), while providing suitable shade to help regulate internal temperatures during hot summers?
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Water, energy, air quality, waste, and noise
What elements can we include to reduce water and energy waste, improve air quality, and protect guests and nearby residents from excess noise?
Again, here we can implement architectural and physical design principles. Wall insulation will reduce energy consumption to both heat and cool a hotel, while simultaneously cushioning noise.
We can include operational features to reduce energy consumption, such as smart lighting systems and energy-efficient kitchens. High-grade HVAC will improve air quality as well as reduce energy use.
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Using green construction materials
Where possible, we should use locally sourced, sustainable materials in the construction of hotels. This may include innovative products and recycled materials.
We also need to consider wastage, disposal of toxic materials, and the impact of design elements on the surrounding infrastructure.
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Conserving biodiversity
During the construction phase, we should also strive to maintain existing plant and animal life, protecting the location’s natural biodiversity. When designing the hotel, we should seek ways in which we can connect the hotel to off-site ecosystems.
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Energy management and equipment efficiency
As we design a hotel to be sustainable, we must not only concern ourselves with sustainable construction practices and architectural qualities. We must also consider operational aspects of the hotel when construction has finished.
Specifically, we should focus on:
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The energy profile of the hotel (current and desired)
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Ongoing maintenance and servicing of the building and equipment
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Energy management using technologies and energy-efficient systems
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Insulation and air filtration
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Architectural design elements that will enhance energy efficiency and protection for extremes of external heat and cold
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Heating and cooling efficiency
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Efficiency of lighting
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Effective ventilation
By taking a 360-degree vision, we can reduce the environmental impact of the construction phase while delivering long-term sustainability to the hotel operator.
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Designing effective sustainability solutions
As we move through the design of a sustainable hotel, we should consider the mix of technology and traditional methods that we can utilize to enhance the environmentally friendly construction and operation of the hotel.
We should design to create solutions that reduce energy consumption, improve ecological performance, and deliver comfort to guests.
We also need to consider how easy each solution is to implement, and the upfront and continuing costs associated with each solution. When designing hotel remodeling, a range of options might be considered, ranging from those that deliver immediate sustainable improvement to those that are achievable by extensive remodeling.
Think sustainably to deliver sustainability
The more thought we give to all these factors in the planning and design stage of creating a sustainable hotel, the more effective the design will be and the greater the sustainability success.
In short, hotel design must move on from prioritizing the construction phase to prioritizing effective design to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability in the ensuing operational phase.
Are you seeking to deliver a competitive, low-carbon footprint, and attractive experience to your guests? Whether you are constructing a new hotel or remodeling your existing stock, contact ACB Consulting. We deliver results because we care about our community, our clients, and the world.