In today’s world and in the industry of hotel engineering, sustainability and energy efficiency are not just the next ‘cool’ thing. They are fundamental components that are driving the future of engineering forward. As the world becomes more eco-conscious, the hotel industry has had to adapt. Now hotels are becoming more sustainable, more energy efficient and one of the forerunners in environmental responsibility.
Read on for some more information about how new hotels are incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into their engineering plans.
Sustainability in Hotel Engineering
Sustainability engineering in hotels goes above and beyond the traditional brick and mortar buildings of the past. They are now embedding eco-friendly practices into the hotel design and operation. Hotels are beginning to harness renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and green building standards to create hotels that are environmentally friendly.
This approach is present in construction but also in day to day operations and guest interactions which ensure that the hotel’s function is living up to its own eco-standards.
MEP engineering is at the heart of sustainable hotel design. This engineering integrates mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems which maximizes the overall efficiency of hotel operations. Tags Engineering and our sustainability consulting ensures that hotels are built up to the current standards for efficiency.

Key Areas of Focus for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Energy Management and Conservation
Energy management and conservation is a vital area in MEP engineering and is focused on designing HVAC systems that align with each hotel’s specific needs. These systems are engineered for high efficiency and energy reduction while still maintaining hotel guest comfort.
MEP engineering also advocates the usage of renewable energy such as solar panels to further the energy efficiency.
Water Efficiency and Management
Water is a necessary resource and MEP engineering addresses this by the latest and greatest in innovative plumbing solutions. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling can be incorporated into the hotel’s design along with water efficient showers, faucets, and other appliances to reduce consumption.
Lighting and Electrical Solutions
Out are the old buzzing yellow lights of days past–and in comes using LED technology and natural light. Smart lighting systems, equipped with occupancy sensors and time based controls help reduce energy waste. Designing a hotel while using windows to maximize natural daylight also reduces energy consumption.
These options combined with the use of Photovoltaic Systems shows a hotel’s commitment to renewable energy sources.
Building Materials and Waste Reduction
Another area where MEP engineering and architects can collaborate on sustainability is by the use of building materials and waste reduction systems. It’s important to find materials that will not upset the integrity of the structure while still helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the hotel.
The hotel industry is notorious for excess waste so engineering a hotel with multiple areas of recycling is a must for a sustainable hotel.
Latest Standards in Hotel Sustainability
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has recently introduced the minimum standards to be verified as a sustainable hotel. There are 12 separate standards and a hotel must meet at least 8 of them to be verified. They are:
- Efficiency: By measuring and reducing energy use, water use, waste, and carbon emissions.
- Planet: Linens, green cleaning products, a vegetarian option, reusable or paper straws, no single-use water bottles, and bulk dispensers.
- Community Benefit: Must show a benefit to the community and be reducing inequalities in their practices.
How Tags Engineering Can Help
Tags engineering offers MEP Engineering and sustainability consulting. We tailor our services to the unique needs of each hotel project, whether it’s new construction or renovation.
Our comprehensive approach takes into account the design, implementation, and ongoing operations and maintenance of each site. We ensure that your hotel not only achieves but continues its sustainability and efficiency objectives.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Are The Future
The integration of sustainability and energy efficiency is not just a trend but a strategic approach to the future of the hospitality industry. “A World In Motion: Shifting Consumer Travel Trends in 2022 and Beyond’ reports that up to 69% of travelers actively seek out energy efficient hotels for their vacations.
At Tags Engineering we encourage hotel owners, developers, and architects to embrace sustainability and energy efficiency as a critical element of their hotel’s strategy. We are happy to help them on that journey.
Have any questions about how you can make your next project more environmentally friendly? Give us a call. We are always happy to help.