Robbinsville, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 01/28/2011 -- Over the past several years I have walked through a hundred hotels as part of our E2A Program (Energy Efficiency Analysis) always looking for opportunities that the EGH Team can present solutions for. In nearly90% of hotels we have evaluated, we have seen managements efforts to rid the property of incandescent and halogen lighting to reduce energy usage. One challenge faced during this process is finding the right dimmable down lights.

Where dimming is not necessary, such as guest rooms, the use of compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) is a proven cost effective solution. Even in the back of the house we are seeing more and more properties changing over to 28W T8 or 25W Super T8 Fluorescents in place of older 40W T12 technologies. There are still, however, a few areas within hotels that neither CFL's nor more efficient fluorescent technologies deliver the aesthetics or dimming capability needed for areas such as lobbies, restaurants and public spaces.

In a great number of branded and non-branded hotels the use of PAR 30 and PAR 38 fixtures in lobby and public spaces are still utilizing 65w or 75W incandescent bulbs and in most cases burn 24 hours a day. This opportunity allows for an energy reduction solution that can provide amazing return on investment (ROI’s). LED bulbs and fixtures have been the great hope for these applications, but the upfront cost and smooth dimming capabilities has kept many green hotels standing on the sidelines.

Over the past couple of years the EGH team has sampled, tested and tracked pricing of several LED lighting providers. After careful evaluation we have recently replaced 134 65W incandescent PAR 30 bulbs and cans with the CREE CR6 at the Hilton Garden Inn-Nashville/Smyrna TN as part of a comprehensive energy efficiency project.

The ease of installation, upgraded aesthetics and dimming capabilities of the 10.5W LED fixture cannot be understated. It is designed to last 50,000 hours and has a 5-year warranty. Given the lights are on 24 hours a day, 50,000 hours is approximately six years which means the warranty covers most of its useful life. “Dimming does extend the life,” explained Cody Metcalf, President of WinderLumen LED.“For instance, 50% dimming doubles life and the rated life of LED products means that the light is still at 70% of its original lumen output. LED's don't burn out - they fade away."

Let's look at the energy savings based on a similar install…
* Based on $60 per fixture (Price continues to decrease)
* Based on nine cents per kWh
* In-house installation
* Rebate programs and energy investment loan program (EILP) not considered in simple payback

As detailed in the analysis above if your property has incandescent bulbs in place that burn more than ten hours a day you may want to evaluate your opportunity for hotel energy savings. Rebate and incentive programs to subsidies the cost and low interest financing are available in some areas.

Beyond the energy savings, the ease of installation and the dimming ability of the CREE CR-6 met and exceeded our expectations. The aesthetic enhancement that came along with the energy saving install was wonderful.

EcoGreenHotel prides itself on a vendor neutral approach to guarantee an unbiased solution for clients. With that being said I would like to share the final LED lighting candidates for this particular install. Each technology listed below fell into the budget and should be considered if you are planning the adoption of LED for your green hotel.

The Finalist
1ST10.5W Cree CR-6 provided by WinderLumen LED you can visit www.WinderLumenLED.com

Runner Ups
2nd12W LEDnovation Par 30 provided by Taft-Durst, Inc you can visit www.tdileds.com

3rd9W Evergreen LED Par 30 provided by www.ledlightsupply.com
(Two more lighting providers that assisted us with our analysis)
Kana Hotel Group contracted EcoGreenHotel to perform an E2A (Energy Efficiency Analysis) for their Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Smyrna, TN and make recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. EcoGreenHotel's recommendations included energy conservation measures such as: Inncom Energy Management Systems for HVAC control and monitoring common areas and in-room PTACs, LED lighting upgrades, lighting controls, US Energy Solutions' Boiler Management and NuTek Ozone laundry systems. EcoGreenHotel technical analysis required to submit for financing calculated the hotel will reduce its energy consumption by 30% and create immediate positive cash flow.

About Author
Scott Parisi, President at EcoGreenHotel, is a veteran hospitality professional and a passion for the environment. He has supported the creation and implementation of branded energy and sustainability programs proven successful in both franchise and independent hotels. Scott served as General Manager of the United States first LEED Certified and "Environmentally Friendly" Hotel; the Sheraton Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA. Scott advanced from General Manager to specializing in multi property management including experience with major hotel chains, such as Intercontinental, Starwood, Hilton and Choice Hotels.

About EcoGreenHotel
EcoGreenHotel LLC (Robbinsville, NJ), is a privately held company dedicated to helping lodging facilities address a broad spectrum of sustainability issues. The company provides information, tools, checklists, current news and trends to the hospitality industry through its website, http://www.EcoGreenHotel.com. The company also runs an online marketplace for green products and services at www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com. In addition to the online offerings, EcoGreenHotel provides customized consulting services tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry in the areas of energy efficiency and certifications, including LEED, Green Seal and Energy Star. For those properties that have reached certified levels of sustainability, EcoGreenHotel assists with marketing services to position the properties within the growing “green” space and enhance revenue. For further information, email info@EcoGreenHotel.com or call 888-229-0213