Active Efficiency in Action
The best way to understand the value of Active Efficiency is to see it in action. There are many examples that demonstrate the potential of Active Efficiency. Between the economic, social, and environmental benefits, the hard work that goes into making these examples successful is something to be celebrated.
Digitalization at Hilton Worldwide: A “Suite” Example of Active Efficiency
Hilton Worldwide is a well-known hospitality company with more than 4,500 properties around the world. Providing a consistently excellent guest experience on such a scale involves significant utility bills, which make up Hilton’s second largest operational expense after labor. To achieve its multifaceted efficiency and sustainability goals, Hilton sought the expertise of Active Efficiency Collaborative Member Schneider Electric and, since 2009, this partnership has resulted in energy savings of 14.5%.
In the clouds
A traditional approach of physical building retrofits is one option to reduce energy costs and emissions; however, Hilton’s sheer number and variety of properties required looking for more dynamic options. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxture Resource Advisor, a cloud-based software application that makes real-time utility pricing and consumption data visible across Hilton’s global portfolio was the perfect alternative.
By integrating traditional energy efficiency with opportunities presented by digital technologies, Hilton and Schneider Electric utilize an Active Efficiency approach across the properties. The data gathered from the software enables Schneider Electric consultants to be able to drive pricing negotiations with utility suppliers, identify energy-saving opportunities for Hilton, and advise on equipment maintenance that is needed to optimize efficiency. The software is both scalable and customizable, meaning that it can be applied wherever Hilton’s next grand opening is to offer unique insight into each facility’s operations.
Knowledge is power
The data measured by EcoStruxture would not be possible to collect without the Internet of Things revolution of recent years. IoT products are installed on-site at Hilton properties to measure electricity, water, gas, steam, and waste usage, allowing overall carbon emissions data to be tracked as well. This demonstrates how digitalization is broadening the scope of possibilities for energy efficiency: with unprecedented insight into how properties are actually using energy, Hilton can evaluate which actions have the most impact for decarbonization and cost savings. To date, Hilton has seen 3% annual energy savings and 14.5% energy savings since 2009.