Gone are the days when simply encouraging guests to reuse towels checked the sustainability box. Now, it’s about making real investments in renewable energy—cutting down on energy use and managing waste effectively. Hotel guests today expect genuine, visible proof that hotels are fully committed to sustainable practices.
In Australia’s dynamic hospitality sector, hotels are increasingly seeking to balance luxury and comfort with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. As sustainability becomes essential to the industry’s future, hotels are stepping up to meet the growing demand from travellers who prioritise eco-friendly accommodations.
The benefits of solar energy for hotels
– Reduced energy costs: Solar energy significantly lowers electricity bills, helping hotels save money over time. It also provides the potential for energy independence, reducing reliance on external energy suppliers.
– Enhanced sustainability: By using solar power, hotels reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment. This shift aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
– Improved brand image: Solar adoption attracts eco-conscious travellers, enhancing a hotel’s reputation as a sustainable choice. It aligns with the growing trend of sustainable tourism, boosting market appeal.
Hotels adopting solar energy
These hotels across Australia are leading the way in sustainability, demonstrating that incorporating renewable energy and eco-friendly practices is feasible and enhances the overall guest experience. Adopting solar energy reduces waste and supports conservation efforts, they are helping shape a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
Ayers Rock Resort
Ayers Rock Resort, located in the heart of the Australian outback, is a shining example of sustainability in action. Their Tjintu Solar Field generates up to 45% of the resort’s average energy needs, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The resort’s minimisation programme ensures efficient recycling and waste reduction, supporting its goal to minimise environmental impact. They also employ a building management system that allows precise control over heating and cooling, optimising energy use across the property. These initiatives contribute to a more sustainable operation, while also supporting the region’s natural environment.
Swissotel Sydney
Swissotel Sydney exemplifies how a luxury hotel can prioritise sustainability. On its rooftop, the hotel houses a sustainable beehive, playing a vital role in the conservation of at-risk bee colonies, which are essential to pollination and the ecosystem. The hotel has also established an Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility checklist for all purchases, ensuring that its suppliers share a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Furthermore, Swissotel uses 100% recyclable bathroom amenities, reinforcing their dedication to reducing waste and supporting sustainability at every level.
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains stands out for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. The resort powers a significant portion of its energy needs with 100kW solar panels, and even has an electric rooftop generator to supplement its renewable energy efforts. For guests with electric vehicles, the resort provides two complementary EV charging stations, supporting clean travel. Fairmont also champions sustainability across its operations, ensuring staff recycles electronic equipment and adopts paperless administrative processes. The switch to an in-house water filtration system has also saved the resort from sending an additional 20,000 plastic bottles to landfill. Their Native Garden Regeneration project further enhances their commitment to protecting the local environment and biodiversity.
Daintree Ecolodge
Nestled in the Daintree Rainforest, the Daintree Ecolodge sets the bar for eco-conscious accommodations. Powered entirely by solar panels, this carbon-neutral property also features a biocycle wastewater treatment plant, which recycles 100% of the water for use in irrigation and landscape watering. This innovative system helps conserve water, ensuring the lodge operates in harmony with its natural surroundings. As a true eco-lodge, it showcases how remote properties can integrate renewable energy and sustainable practices to minimise their environmental footprint.
Perry Street Hotel in Mudgee
Perry Street Hotel is committed to reducing its carbon footprint with a 26kW grid-connected solar system. The system includes Enphase 270w microinverters and 90 PV modules, complemented by Enphase Envoy Monitoring for real-time performance tracking. This system enables the hotel to generate a significant portion of its energy on-site, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact. As a smaller establishment, Perry Street Hotel’s investment in solar energy sets a strong example for regional accommodations seeking to adopt more sustainable energy practices.
Emerging technologies
The future of solar energy in hospitality looks promising with advancements like solar paint and solar windows, which could change how hotels harness renewable energy.
Solar paint, also known as photovoltaic paint, is a type of coating that can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. It can be directly applied to a building’s exterior surfaces. Currently, there are several types of solar paint under development—one is Perovskite solar paint which uses a mineral structure that can convert sunlight into electricity. The use of perovskites in solar paint has long been a hot topic because they have the potential for high efficiency at a lower cost compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Another approach in solar paint is hydrogen-producing solar paint which contains a compound that absorbs moisture from the air and splits water molecules to produce hydrogen.
A 2023 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts substantial growth in the global rooftop solar market. If solar paint captures even a small portion of this market, it could change energy generation. While current solar paint efficiency is around 10%, experimental versions have already achieved over 14%. As technology advances, we can expect even higher efficiency rates, making solar paint a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and energy shortages.
For solar windows, the latest development is from the Australian firm ClearVue for a see-through solar window field focused on the silicon solar cell pathway. Currently, some are already being installed on city skyscrapers, but they will be available to the public by the end of this year. The clear, double-glazed works by using nanoparticles to divert rays of light to small solar strips embedded at the end of the window where they are converted into electricity.
These technologies could make solar installations more accessible, efficient, and integrated into building designs.
Australian hotels are increasingly adopting solar energy and sustainable practices to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodations. Properties like Ayers Rock Resort, Swissotel Sydney, and Daintree Ecolodge are leading the way by reducing energy costs, minimising their environmental impact, and enhancing their brand image through solar power. Emerging technologies such as solar paint and solar windows offer even greater potential, making it easier for hotels to integrate renewable energy seamlessly into their designs. As sustainability becomes a key priority, hotels that embrace these innovations will help the planet and also attract eco-conscious travellers.
Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
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