A Guide for Hotels: Boosting Profits with Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Water Use
Every Californian understands the importance of water conservation. Now energy stakeholders are beginning to realize that water use has considerable consequences for energy, especially in Southern California, which receives its water supply through incredibly energy-intensive and expensive water projects. Pumping, treating, converging and heating water accounts for 20% of California's total energy use. The State Water Project delivers 2.3 million acre-feet of water each year, consuming approximately 5 billion kilowatt-hours of energy each year. It is the largest single end-user of electricity in the state. Much of this energy is used to "lift" water 2000 feet over the Tehachapi Mountains - the highest such lift of any water system in the world. Pumping one acre-foot of water to Southern California requires roughly 3,000 kilowatt-hours of energy. Although the cost to end-users of water and sewage is small compared to other utility costs, saving water is the responsibility of all Californians.
Most water agencies in California offer free water use surveys (water audits) for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Like an energy audit, a water audit provides valuable information about a site's water use, as well as options for reducing demand. Water audits focus on fixtures (flow rates and leaks), irrigation systems for landscapes and interior-scapes, and any water use associated with processes or operations. A water audit generates a detailed report listing site-specific recommendations.
Save water at your hotel:
- Low flow toilets can save 4-6 gallons of water per flush.
- Low flow shower heads can reduce consumption by 50% or more.
- Installing aerators on faucets can save between 3 and 17 gallons per day, per faucet.
- Upgrading your landscaping with native plants, xeriscaping, drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors will dramatically cut water use.
- Upgrading laundry and kitchen equipment, such as steamers, will save thousands of gallons per year.