Energy-saving tips for FNQ resorts and hotels

Hotel and resort operators in the far north will be shown how they can curb their energy use and save on power bills at a free energy-efficiency forum in Cairns today.

Mines and Energy Minister Mr Geoff Wilson told the forum there was huge potential for hotels and resorts in far north Queensland to save energy.

“There’s no better place to talk about energy efficiency in hotels and resorts than here in the far north in a region that attracts more than 2.3 million overnight visitors a year.

“Tourism statistics show that those visitors spend an average of five to seven nights in hotels and resorts here. That’s more than 13.8 million overnight stays in a year.

“Consider that in energy terms – 13.8 million hot showers in the morning, possibly 13.8 million meals cooked and drinks refrigerated and millions of sheets and towels laundered,” Mr Wilson said.

“And that’s before adding up the energy consumed by lighting and air conditioning,” he said.

“With a little know-how, hotel and resort operators can learn how to save money and help the environment by reducing their energy, gas and water usage,” Mr Wilson said.

“A major case study presented at the forum showed how simple changes could reduce energy use. These changes can cost next to nothing to implement,” he said.

“A leading Queensland resort improved its energy efficiency by 13 percent, reduced gas use by 13 per cent and water use by 19 percent through a range of projects.

“The same projects can be replicated here in the far north through clever use of lighting, air conditioning, water heating and refrigeration.

“Systems can be installed to optimise controls for air conditioning and chillers. Older lamps can be replaced with the latest energy-saving lamps and compact fluorescent lamps.

“Something as small as removing one unnecessary light from each guest room can have a great impact when it’s multiplied across all the rooms in a hotel.

“Multiply those savings across the more than 11,500 guest rooms in the region and the energy, greenhouse and dollar savings grow dramatically,” Mr Wilson said.

A trade exhibition of the commercial equipment used in the case studies will enable hotel and resort owners and operators to see the energy-saving solutions first-hand.

A National Framework for Energy Efficiency to which Queensland has committed $4.4 million over five years, has found that the accommodation, restaurant and hospitality industries could achieve improvements of around 14 per cent in their energy usage.

The Cairns forum is part of the State Government’s $14.25 million Energy Choices election commitment to help industry and consumers reduce energy use. It’s all about saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Cairns forum is the fourth in a series of events hosted by the Department of Mines and Energy to help improve the energy efficiency of large commercial energy consumers in Queensland.

The Minister said the Department of Mines and Energy purchased green power to offset the energy used at the forum.

“For today’s event, the Department purchased 1 megawatt hour of renewable energy from Ergon Energy which will save the environment almost a tonne of carbon dioxide.

“This is equivalent to planting four new native trees or taking the average car off the road for three months,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819