With 24-hour 365-day operations, hotels are one of the highest energy and water consumers per square foot. Better Buildings Hospitality partners represent 1 billion square feet of the sector's total 6 billion square feet of national floorspace. Across America’s 47,000 hotels, it is estimated that the average guest room incurs nearly $2,200 in energy costs annually. By investing in and prioritizing energy efficiency, hoteliers can improve guest comfort and realize cost savings.Through the implementation of energy and water savings measures, these partners have amassed a savings of $290 million since 2011.
The Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative’s 2025 Progress Update highlights progress from more than 650 partners and introduces the 2025 Goal Achievers.
There are many different ways to work with DOE through the Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative. Explore our partnerships to find the best fit for your organization, whether your focus is energy, water, or waste.
Watch all previously recorded webinars in the On-Demand Webinars library sorted by popular topics such as energy data management, waste reduction, and more.
Featured Solutions
Marriott International (Marriott) launched the Marriott Infrastructure Resilience and Adaptation (MIRA) program to evaluate climate-related risks across its global portfolio of nearly 8,600 properties spanning 139 countries and territories.
The National Renewable Energy Lab developed this fact sheet for hotel operators to help optimize the use and function of building systems, guest rooms, and common areas to keep airborne disease transmission to a minimum.
The Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative has identified resources and tools for the hospitality sector to help partners capitalize on energy efficiency opportunities.
This document contains a variety of resources intended to help commercial partners gain better access to energy data through the use of submetering.
Other Resources
Fact Sheet
The National Renewable Energy Lab developed this fact sheet for hotel operators to help optimize the use and function of building systems, guest rooms, and common areas to keep airborne disease transmission to a minimum.
Guidance
The Better Buildings & Better Plants Initiative has identified resources and tools for the hospitality sector to help partners capitalize on energy efficiency opportunities.
This document contains a variety of resources intended to help commercial partners gain better access to energy data through the use of submetering.
Presentation
Communications is a tool of the future and the present day. Take advantage of best practice techniques and tips for getting the word out on your energy achievements. Learn the difference between messaging what matters and messaging for impact.
Expert building technologists discussed what they are excited about now and what fledgling ideas are exciting for generations to come. This session highlighted information that can help you decide for yourself which building strategies can help you meet your goals now and well into the future.
This technology roundtable facilitated discussion around evaluating and implementing emerging technologies in commercial buildings. Hospitality Better Buildings partners and National Lab representatives shared their experiences with technology verification and pilot projects.
This session highlighted projects that have been able to achieve significant energy and water savings through technologies and innovative strategies.
Showcase Project
The Hilton Austin Convention Center is a city-owned mixed-use complex consisting of a hotel, condominiums, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Hilton Austin implemented energy conservation measures in guestrooms, common areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities to achieve 31% energy savings.
Webinar
This webinar hosted Better Buildings Challenge partners United Technology Corporation, the City of Atlanta, and InterContinental Hotels Group on the innovative measures taken to improve water efficiency while reducing energy use.
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Featured on the Beat Blog
Water Efficiency: Tips From the Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors
General Resources
U.S. EPA Guidelines for Energy Management
A proven strategy for energy management developed by the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR® program.ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard
A proven approach for U.S. industrial and commercial facilities to continually improve energy performance. This powerful new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides an internationally recognized framework for organizations to voluntarily implement an energy management system.CEE Programs Resources
A list of initiatives and resources for achieving verifiable energy savings in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Visit the commercial sector list to find initiatives applicable to your hospitality organization.Sustainability in Hotels, Opportunities and Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality - Urban Land Institute
ULI’s report explores how the hospitality sector is embracing sustainability by, implementing energy, water, and waste management best practices.Technical Resources
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) BetterBricks
NEEA’s repository of resources and tools for improving the operations and performance of buildings.ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual
A strategic manual designed to assist building owners and managers to design and implement energy performance measures in commercial buildings.Advanced Energy Design Guides
Created by ASHRAE and its partners, the Advanced Energy Design Guides for 50% Savings offer designers and contractors the tools needed for achieving a 50% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of Standard 90.1-2004.Federal Energy Management Program Technology Deployment
The federal technology deployment evaluation process, matrix, and recommendations of technologies that can be considered for adoption across federal buildings. Research and suggestions are frequently applicable to the commercial building sector, in general.Anticipate RFP language requesting Green Meeting Space
An ENERGY STAR resource that provides guidance and sample language to include in your request for proposals (RFPs) that rewards your business partners for their environmental stewardship.HVAC Resource Map
The HVAC Resource Map is an intuitive graphical interface that provides quick access to a broad array of quality information on operations and maintenance best practices and energy and water efficiency measures.Financial Resources
DOE 179D Tax Deduction Eligibility Calculator (for small hotels)
A DOE approved tool that provides calculations to determine eligibility for the 179D federal tax deduction as a substitute for other modeling software. The 179D DOE Calculator provides pre-simulated results to determine qualification for both the partial and interim compliance pathways.DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency)
A comprehensive database of incentives, rebates, and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.ENERGY STAR Purchasing and Procurement
An ENERGY STAR resource on purchasing efficient products to reduce energy costs without compromising quality. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products and specify them in your purchasing policies and contracts.
Sector Priorities
The Better Buildings Alliance Hospitality Steering Committee helps to set priorities for Alliance work in the sector each year.
Steering Committee Members
- Michael Gulich, MGM Resorts International
- John Kallemeyn, Marriott International
- Sandeep Thakrar, Neema Hospitality
- Brianna Kennedy, Caesars Entertainment
- Julien Prodhomme, Carnival Corporation
- Rishi Shah, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Lauren Pravlik, American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA)