Cooling costs: why AC must be hotels' next big focus
Air conditioning remains one of the most significant yet overlooked contributors to energy consumption in tropical hotels. While many properties highlight their sustainability efforts, such as composting and reducing plastic waste, the largest portion of their energy use often goes unnoticed, quietly powering comfort in every room…
Words by Liam Aran Barnes | Eco Stay Awards Co-founder
Image source: Terry Blackburn on LinkedIn
The silent energy guzzler
Air conditioning accounts for an average of 55-60% of total energy use in tropical resorts, according to Claudio Cerquetti, President CONTINEWM Overseas and Tuu Eco Stay Awards judge.
Globally, the International Energy Agency reports that AC systems consume nearly 10% of all electricity—a figure that could triple by 2050.
LED lights, TVs, mini-fridges? They barely register on the energy radar compared to the relentless hum of air conditioning.
But effective strategies to reduce AC energy consumption are rare.
"Less than 1% of hotels use micro switches that turn off the AC when a window is open," Cerquetti says. “While that’s a positive step, it doesn’t help save electricity when the AC is running.”
Hotels often focus on smaller, more visible efforts like swapping plastic straws for paper ones.
"These efforts don't amount to much innovation," he adds. "They’re just supplier swaps—from plastic to cardboard, gasoline to hybrid cars, plastic toothbrushes to wooden ones."
The real opportunity for energy savings lies in addressing the cool breeze in every room—air conditioning.
Improving AC efficiency
Brice Degeyter, General Manager of Bizsu, a company specialising in decarbonisation solutions for buildings, works with hotels to improve energy efficiency.
He explains that the key to reducing energy consumption in tropical climates is to make air conditioning systems more efficient.
"On average, we save 25% on air conditioning energy consumption," Degeyter says. "In some cases, savings reach up to 40%."
Bizsu’s approach involves installing a simple mesh inside the AC unit, which breaks down humidity and improves cooling efficiency.
The result is significant energy savings—much like using a spray instead of a hose to water your garden, covering the same area with less effort.
These aren't just theoretical savings. Hotels that have implemented these technologies are already seeing tangible benefits, according to Degeyter.
InterContinental Pattaya achieved 32% energy savings over three months, Ascott Singapore reported a 15% reduction in AC energy use, and Anantara Hotels noted impressive savings of up to 40%.
Opportunity and barriers
Improving AC systems offers clear benefits for hotels, from cutting operational costs to enhancing guest comfort. However, despite these advantages, many hotels are slow to adopt these technologies.
The reasons for this hesitation are varied.
Many hoteliers are simply unaware of the potential savings and the solutions available. Others prioritise visible green initiatives like solar panels and plastic-free campaigns, which often offer better marketing opportunities. There’s also a perception that upgrading AC systems is complex, when in fact, the right technology can make it a straightforward, cost-effective improvement.
Steps to cooler savings
To tackle the largest energy consumer in your hotel, start by auditing your energy use to understand how much your AC systems consume. Explore efficiency technologies that can improve performance.
Consulting experts who can provide tailored strategies will help you focus on initiatives with the highest savings and quickest return on investment.
Finally, educating your team on the importance of energy efficiency is key to maintaining long-term improvements.
"Reducing energy consumption from air conditioning is an environmental imperative, not just operational efficiency," Cerquetti emphasises.
Degeyter adds: "By improving AC efficiency, hotels can significantly lower their energy costs while reducing their environmental footprint. It’s a win-win situation."
Tuu's take
As the hospitality industry evolves, hotels in tropical climates are uniquely positioned to lead by addressing their biggest energy consumer head-on.
At the Tuu Eco Stay Awards, we celebrate innovations that make a measurable impact. Tackling energy use, especially air conditioning, is crucial for genuine sustainability.
We support hotels committed to exploring meaningful energy-saving solutions. Innovation thrives on collaboration, and we encourage hoteliers ready to rethink energy consumption or experts with solutions to share to join the conversation.
Together, we can set new standards for sustainability across the industry.
And celebrate them.