UGE

HOSPITALITY
REDUCE HOTEL OPERATING EXPENSES WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY
AT UGE, we know you want to decrease energy costs across a portfolio of facilities,
create strong financial returns, and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
With our full service support, it doesn’t have to be complicated to do all three.
UGE seamlessly combines our best in class energy solutions to minimize your energy bill,
increase energy reliability, and attain your sustainability objectives. From concept through
lifetime support of the system, these custom energy solutions are fully supported by
UGE’s unrivaled customer service. We’ve worked with hotels and commercial businesses
across the world to fulfill their energy goals.
AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE
WITH UGE, YOU HAVE THE POWER
Hotel energy costs typically make up a large percent of revenue – but it doesn’t have to
be that way. Implementing on-site renewable energy can preserve your resources, slash
your energy bills, and even increase your occupancy rates.
Financing
What’s the real beauty of the sun and wind? They can provide your hotel with free
sources of electricity that never fluctuate in price. UGE can also manage the complexity
of financing, making it possible to reduce or completely eliminate any upfront capital
expenditure for the system technology. Structures like a solar power purchase agreement
(PPA) make it possible for you to replace your high energy bill with a low fixed monthly
rate for the clean electricity produced at your facility.
Reliability
UGE’s on-site energy solutions increase
power reliability through a combination
of energy storage and renewable energy.
Where energy is expensive or unreliable,
we design microgrids that always keep
the power on, while saving you money.
Energy storage systems also make it
possible to conserve power during peak
utility price periods, or operate critical
infrastructure during grid power outages.
A statement worth making
Your guests are increasingly ecoconscious and they seek out businesses
that are too. The U.S. Green Building
Council recently found that LEED
certified hotels not only reduce energy
costs for the hotel owners, but attract
more revenue from guests, while the
International Renewable Energy Agency
found that renewable energy technology
has a positive impact on resort occupancy
rates. Our systems are not only designed
to make your operations sustainable, but
to attract the well-deserved attention of
your guests.
THE UGE DIFFERENCE
PPA Graph,
urbangreenenergy.com
Check out our work with other hotels
around the world, and contact us to find
out how you can harness the power of
renewable energy.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 1]
HILTON WORLDWIDE
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
INSTALLED: August 2013
UGE SOLUTION: 6 x UGE-4K
ANNUAL CARBON OFFSET: 70,000 lb
Hilton Worldwide wanted to attract sustainability-minded customers
to its resorts, both for personal lodging and green events. By
installing six UGE wind turbines on its roof, the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale
Beach Resort distinguished itself as the destination for green lodging
and events. The six wind turbines, combined with future plans for
solar PV, offset a significant portion of the resort’s energy usage.
“The turbines will help us visualize the hotel as
a place to be conscious of energy use… it will
help to highlight the importance of conserving
electricity, and to start dialogue.”
—Randy Gaines, VP of Engineering, Hilton Worldwide
ANVAYA COVE BEACH RESORT
Manilla, The Philippines
SOLUTION: 3kW solar + 2kW wind
ANNUAL ENERGY OUTPUT: 5650 kWh/year
WIND TURBINE: 2 x UGE-eddyGT
PV MODULE TYPE: Polycrystalline
PV RACKING: Flush mount
ELECTRICAL CONFIGURATION: Off-Grid
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing cleantech markets in
the world, with both a plethora of government incentives designed
to expand the use of renewables, as well as ideal weather conditions
for distributed solar and wind. Ayala Land Inc., one of the premier
real estate companies in the Philippines, is seizing the huge
potential for renewable energy for their large portfolio of properties
including resorts, hotels, shopping malls and residential homes. As
a leader in these efforts, Ayala Land Inc. chose to work with UGE
and local partner Orion Group International, bringing together onthe-ground support with global presence and expertise in order to
create the ideal hybrid wind and solar system for the Anvaya Cove
Beach Resort near Manila.
HOTEL VALE DAS NUVENS
Guaramiranga, Brazil
Completed July 2011
SOLUTION: Provide green energy to hotel which
focuses on eco-tourism
COMPONENTS: eddyGT turbine atop a twenty meter
tower, feeding energy to grid
In July 2011, an eddyGT was installed in Guaramiranga, Brazil by
UGE’s Partner ECO Soluções em Energia. Guaramiranga is a town
100km away from Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, a state located in
northeastern Brazil. The eddyGT was installed on the property of
a new construction, Hotel Vale das Nuvens, which opened at the
end of November 2011. The hotel is an ecoconstruction that is also
equipped with solar water heaters.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 2]
WINDS OF CHANGE SEND CLEAN ENERGY IN A NEW
DIRECTION
by Brian Andrews, May 19, 2014
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Fort Lauderdale Beach visitors
and residents can see something new in the skyline of the city.
Wind turbines are now at the top of Fort Lauderdale’s tallest building.
They are harnessing the ocean breeze to turn it into clean energy.
They can be seen from cruise ships, the beach or while driving
down the street. Some visitors said they appear to be dancing in the
wind.“Uhm, and they really are beautiful, it is kind of mesmerizing,”
said a Fort Lauderdale visitor.
Fort Lauderdale is the only place in Florida where wind turbines like
those on top of the Hilton hotel can be seen.
“It’s amazing. It’s a new icon in Fort Lauderdale,” added Tamas
Vago, who runs operations for the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hilton.
Vago took CBS4’s Brian Andrews to the top of the building for a
close-up look to see what the hotel spent seven years and more than
a three-quarter of a million dollars to install. The investment, hotel
representatives said, will pay for itself through energy savings in less
than a decade.
to work.
“Each of them generates 4000 kilowatts, so 24-thousand all
together,” added Vago. “If we take all of the electricity that these
turbines generate, I could light up this building, the common areas
of this building with this energy.”
“It is saving us roughly $50,000 a year,” said Vago.
The turbines have become a tourist attraction – 27-stories high.
The six wind turbines became fully operational a few months ago
giving the hotel clean, green energy that the hotel has already put
“I think that they are awesome!” said a Fort Lauderdale visitor from
Michigan.
HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT INSTALLS SIX WIND
TURBINES ON ITS HOTEL ROOFTOP
by Lidija Grozdanic, February 17, 2014
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort recently installed six 4kW
wind turbines on its rooftop, which are expected to produce 10
percent of the hotel’s electricity. Manufactured by Urban Green
Energy (UGE), the turbines will power lighting in 372 guestrooms
and public areas and are expected to return the $500,000 investment
in less than 10 years.
Read more: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Installs Six Wind
Turbines on its Hotel Rooftop | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design
Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building Fitting the turbines
required help from the tallest crane in the state of Florida. Installed
on the roof of a 25 story building, the highly visible form part of
a larger green program that includes a wind-powered rooftop
lounge currently in the design stage. Besides the turbines, the hotel
management is considering installing photovoltaics in order to
boost their renewable energy supply. The resort, which has already
acquired a food waste decomposition system, is also planning to
install an electric vehicle charging station in the next two months.
The hotel’s dedication to sustainability dates back to its 2007 opening.
Since then it has consistently gone beyond Florida’s environmental
regulations to preserve the sunshine state’s environment. In
addition to winning the Florida Green Lodging designation, the
first in Broward Country to do so, the resort boasts many other
green programs such as paper recycling, eco-friendly lighting and
automatic flush-o-meters in public restrooms.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 3]
HELPING THE WORLD KEEP THE LIGHTS ON
by Lea Manto-Beltran, August 2, 2014
Local model
Ayala Land Inc.’s Anvaya Cove project stands as UGE-Orion’s first
successful project in the Philippines. To demonstrate its commitment
to sustainability and reduce its dependence on unreliable electrical
grids, the top real estate developer tapped the expertise of UGEOrion.
To begin, UGE-Orion first assessed the specific needs of the beachside
resort site to enable its team to create the optimal solution for the
project. As a result, they designed a custom wind and solar system
that is feasible and therefore sustainable for the Ayala Land property.
How exactly does the hybrid system work? The solar component
produces the majority of the energy, while the power generated by
the wind turbines adds an extra layer of security that the resort will
never run out of electricity.
Moreover, the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind turbines used
in the system provide an aesthetic value to the beach resort and
symbolize Ayala Land’s green pride.
According to Rogol, the Philippines is one of the fastest growing
“cleantech markets” in the world, with government incentives
designed to expand the use of renewables, as well as ideal weather
conditions for distributed solar and wind.
Cleantech, as defined by www.ecoconnect.org.uk, “refers to
technology, products and services which generate superior
commercial benefits to customers while addressing significant
environmental concerns such as global warming, sustainability of
natural resources and energy security.”
Benefits of a financed solution
Sharma explained the benefits of the $5 million financial fund in
achieving renewable energy goals during the summit.
According to him, “The program makes use of a low upfront cost,
and can save on electricity cost with consistent, predictable cash
UGE’s Business Development vice president Joshua Rogol (right) and Business Development manager Sandeep Sharma visited the country to present
businesses, as well as the opportunity of securing a $5-million Philippine
Renewable Energy Fund program.
flows and protection against rising electricity prices.”
He detailed, “With this project, those who will avail of the program
will have affordable payment schemes; hedge future electricity price
increases; utilize international and local expertise to deliver the best
available solutions and the lowest cost for the 25-plus years of life
of the system; reduce carbon footprint; increase energy security;
generate local jobs; empower businesses and reduce stress on the
Philippine energy grid.”
UGE AND ORION PARTNER ON PHILIPPINES SOLAR, WIND AND
HYBRID ENERGY PROJECTS
by SI Staff
New York-based renewables developer Urban Green Energy (UGE)
and a subsidiary of Washington-based construction management
firm Orion Group International LLC have established a partnership
to pursue solar and wind energy projects in the Philippines.
UGE and Manila-based Orion Group International Inc. have
collaborated on several recent solar and wind projects in the
Philippines. Earlier this year, the partners installed a hybrid solar
and wind energy system at the Anvaya Cove Resort and Nature Club
near Manila
The new agreement is focused on commercial-scale projects for
businesses hampered by power outages. UGE and Orion have
announced a contract for a 150 kW solar array and rooftop wind
turbine at Calamba Doctors Hospital, which is set to be installed this
year. The partners will also be offering financing packages.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 4]
UGE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Ryan Gilchrist
GREEN HOTELIER TALKING POINT
June 4, 2014
Welcome to our Talking Point theme for June which is tied to UN World Environment Day on June 5th, and
considers energy consumption and energy efficiency. This year the UN is focused on Small Island Developing
Nations. UGE’s Ryan Gilchrist explains why hotels and resorts in these areas can serve both the environment
and their bottom line by incorporating renewable sources of energy.
Tourism is a leading industry for many small island nations. But
15% or higher. For islands where tourism drives the economy, this
the scenic beaches and remote locations that make islands such
increase in guests means more economic activity in the region,
appealing destinations also make them more susceptible to high
from a more environmentally conscious group of consumers.
energy costs and rising sea levels caused by climate change. The
Installing a renewable energy system puts the power back in the
challenges faced by island nations are formidable, but hotels
hands of the hotelier. Reliable electricity is generated locally on-site,
and resorts stand to benefit immensely from addressing these
with solar panels and wind turbines that are managed on the hotel
challenges head on. For a number of reasons, tropical islands
property, and operating costs are reduced by providing renewable
are an ideal place to expand the use of renewable energy. By
power at rates that are lower than utility rates. Renewable power
implementing clean power sources, hoteliers can lower their
systems are often financed to eliminate all up front capital costs.
operating expenses, attract more business, and reduce their strain
Tropical islands have an abundance of sun and wind, making them
on natural resources. No matter where they’re located, hotels
an especially attractive location to harness renewable power.
are high-impact energy consumers, with guest rooms, kitchens,
Energy storage solutions can also be implemented to provide a
pools, and other facilities that require power around the clock.
back-up system that eliminates the need for diesel generators.
In addition, island resorts in many cases do not have access to
Replacing generators with clean power greatly reduces emissions.
a reliable electrical grid, and frequently must rely upon diesel
Many hotels and resorts already adhere to ambitious sustainability
generators to provide backup energy supply. This diesel fuel is
goals, and wind turbines and solar panels can provide a visual
typically imported, driving the costs – and carbon emissions – even
representation of this commitment that is visible to every guest.
higher. Managing these energy costs becomes a big budget line
For example, the Hilton in Ft. Lauderdale received a boost in media
item and an even bigger headache. In addition to providing energy
attention when it installed six eye-catching wind turbines on the
cost savings, and energy reliability, renewable energy systems
hotel’s roof. It’s an opportunity to educate visitors, create buzz for
are also a smart business decision for attracting new visitors.
your brand, and draw attention to the abundance of renewable
Consumers are increasingly discerning, and green practices factor
energy resources in the area, which can have positive ripple
into where they ultimately decide to stay. Websites like Travelocity,
effects. The UN recently released its IPCC report, which detailed
Expedia, and TripAdvisor are now promoting green hotels to their
the importance of shifting to clean sources of energy in order to
visitors as well. For hotels that have implemented sustainability
combat climate change. For hoteliers, especially on small island
measure, these priorities then translate into higher occupancy
rates. A recent survey by McGraw Hill construction found that the
majority of green hotels report that their occupancy rate grew by
states, the decision to make the switch should be an easy one.
Resources: More information on UGE’s renewable energy solutions
for hotels.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 5]
UGE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
COMMENT: WORLD TOURISM DAY – TAKING THE LONG TERM
by Ryan Gilchrist
With resorts and hotels all over the world going green, there
is a mass desire to protect local environments, while also
boosting economic growth. The tourism industry impacts
nearly every location on the planet — and its relationship with
the environment has always been complex. World Tourism Day,
observed annually on September 27, offers an opportunity to
examine tourism’s value with a long term view. New research
shows that renewable energy and other sustainable tourism
practices can positively impact both the environment and the
bottom line.
Balancing act
Anyone working in the hotel industry knows that natural beauty
is a draw for guests, with many checking out of their stay more
interested in protecting surrounding natural resources. Yet
ironically, tourism activities and facilities can also contribute to
environmental degradation with the potential to eradicate these
long-term economic benefits. Sustainable tourism (or “ecotourism”) is a way to balance these priorities and keep the tourism
industry healthy for years to come.
Sustainable tourism is no longer a niche movement — it is where
the future is heading, and many hotels are leading the way.
Implementing sustainable practices can preserve resources and
slash energy bills. On top of this, tourists themselves are increasingly
eco-minded, and are now actually seeking out accommodations
and activities because of their sustainable practices. For example,
the U.S. Green Building Council found that LEED certified hotels
not only reduce energy costs for the hotel owners, but attract more
revenue from guests. The International Renewable Energy Agency
similarly found that renewable energy technology has a positive
impact on resort occupancy rates.
Hospitality sector leading with renewable energy
The implementation of renewable energy in prime tourist locations
(like hotels) serves as a way for guests to feel more connected
with their local environment. Watching a wind turbine or a solar
panel generate electricity in real time is a personal and rewarding
experience – companies taking corporate responsibility to preserve
the environment is becoming increasingly important to the average
traveller. Renewable energy increases awareness, and has the
potential to foster environmentally conscious behaviour among
both residents and tourists.
A few hotels leading the way on sustainable tourism:
Hotel Stadthalle in Vienna is the first urban hotel in the world to have
a zero energy balance. Located in a city environment where nature
is sparse, the hotel seized the opportunity to positively impact
those in the area. The hotel installed a variety of renewable energy
systems, and these sustainability measures attracted tourists. The
Stadhalle has a lush rosebush rooftop garden, with trees shading
the outdoor breakfast area. The walls of the building are adorned
in beautiful vines, fauna, and wait for it– solar panels. Not only does
the hotel promote green practices on company property, it also
advocates for sustainable travel, offering discounts to guests who
arrive by either bicycle or trains. These practices benefit the local
community and tourists, boosting jobs, and demonstrating that
cities are also a viable option for clean energy.
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort on the shoreline of Florida
facing the Atlantic Ocean holds property sustainability tours, which
are conducted weekly for guests, local residents and schools.
The tour includes a look at all the resort’s sustainable initiatives,
including six 4K vertical axis wind turbines cutting 70,000 lbs of
carbon annually. The hotel also has an environ pure composter
which can compost up to 900 pounds of food waste each day. There
is tinted glass in every room to protect the interior of the building
from sun exposure, helping to reduce the amount of energy needed
for heating and cooling. Education and engagement coupled with
green initiatives trigger a dialogue about conservation, allowing
guests, employees, and surrounding communities to be involved in
a resort’s sustainability efforts.
For Anvaya Cove Beach Resort near Manila in the Philippines,
integrating wind and solar technologies kept the area pollutionfree, while also mitigating the resort’s electricity expenses. The
solar panels generate the majority of renewable energy, while the
power generated by the turbines add an extra layer of security to
ensure that Anvaya Cove Beach Resort never runs out of electricity
– the company wears their energy resources like a green badge of
honour.
Sustainable tourism must be understood as a prerequisite to
successfully compete now and in the future. These case studies are
small examples of what is becoming the new standard in the hotel
industry. Making your operations sustainable and engaging the
local community in green efforts are crucial to achieving economic
and environmental success – and although World Tourism Day only
comes once a year, achieving the long term view is something we
should consider every day.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 6]
UGE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
YOUR HOTEL IS ENERGY EFFICIENT: NOW WHAT?
by Ryan Gilchrist, June 21, 2014
O
perating around the clock, whether there are only two
guests or 200, hotels consume tremendous amounts
of energy. For a full service hotel in the United States
energy costs are usually between 4 and 6 percent of
revenue. International properties, historic hotels and luxury resorts
can see energy costs hit 10 percent or more—so it’s not surprising
that sustainability efforts in the hospitality industry are usually
focused on energy efficiency measures first.
Leading hospitality brands and smaller boutique hotels are both
pioneering the charge to go green, incorporating conservation
and efficiency measures into all operations. Nearly all hotel brands,
from Hyatt to Wyndham to Hilton to local boutique hotels, are
incorporating sustainability objectives. Guests are now accustomed
to seeing those reminders about reusing towels—and they’re
listening to them.
But while energy conservation is a vital first step, hotels will always
require energy to provide great service and amenities. The future
of hotel sustainability will depend on where this energy comes from
and how it is produced. Renewable energy, produced on-site at the
hotel property, is a viable solution that has become increasingly
cost-effective. Compared to just a few years ago, the cost of solar
PV modules and energy storage has dropped dramatically, and
financing structures are also easing or completely removing upfront
costs. Wind and solar systems can pave the path to greater energy
cost reductions, lower a hotel’s carbon footprint, and beckon a
new group of customers who leave each visit more informed about
environmental sustainability.
The Importance of Site Analysis
Creating a customized renewable energy system is much less
complex than it sounds. From small beach resorts to hotels in major
urban areas, the first step is site analysis. This process reveals the
specific sun and wind resources at a given location so that the
system can be designed to produce the maximum output of energy.
There are tools available to make this process easy and accurate
for the given location. Many of the same qualities that attract
tourists to certain locations also make them ideal for clean energy
production—steady breezes, sunny climates, and unobstructed
views. Site analysis can also help hotel owners understand their
property’s capacity and free, virtually unlimited, sources of energy,
and take advantage of them to generate power for their business.
More and more, renewable energy is an added attraction for guests.
At the Hilton Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the installed
vertical axis wind turbines have brought media attention and
local buzz, catapulting conversations about sustainability into the
mainstream. The systems can also serve as a powerful visual that
portrays a hotel’s full spectrum of conservation and sustainability
measures, which usually take place behind the scenes.
Various financing structures eliminate upfront installation costs for
hotel owners, and the incredible savings from renewable energy
will pay for the system and then some. These financing agreements
typically include operation and maintenance for the lifetime of
the system, to ensure the system produces renewable energy
consistently and reliably for years to come.
Climate change and diminishing fossil fuels are putting a strain on
tourism and the hospitality industry. Renewable energy offers a
breezy solution.
Ryan Gilchrist leads UGE’s Enterprise Division, delivering clean
energy solutions for commercial clients. He can be reached at
[email protected].
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 7]
UGE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
4 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES RESORTS SHOULD GO
RENEWABLE
by Marissa Graham, Business Development
S
ituated right off the coast of Madagascar, the Seychelles has
become a hugely popular tourist destination. The location
and superb climate conditions are ideal for vacationing, but
also for wind and solar energy. Despite this potential, the
Seychelles, and similar island countries, are behind in the renewable
energy development compared to other islands like Turks and
Caicos in the Caribbean and Tokelau in the South Pacific. Soaring
electricity prices and rising sea levels threaten these islands’ actual
existence. By capitalizing on renewable resources, these countries,
and enterprises within them, can reduce electricity costs while
becoming more environmentally sustainable in the process.
There are plenty of reasons for businesses to invest in solar panel
and wind turbine energy from an economical, environmental and
social standpoint specifically because of:
High ROI
The tourism industry, and hotels especially, are high impact energy
consumers --continuously using massive amounts of energy
for lighting, refrigeration, air conditioning, and cleaning -- and
therefore have the most to gain from lowering operating costs and
a high ROI by transitioning to renewable sources. If commercial
operations were to adopt renewable energy, they would achieve a
payback period in an incredible 2-3 years for grid tied solar systems
in addition to reducing carbon emissions.
Environmental Conservation
The Seychelles people and government care about preserving the
beauty and pristine quality of the islands. Pursuing renewable
solutions instead of carbon based will reduce strain on their
wallets and natural resources. The Seychelles 2010 Energy Policy
set forth by the nation ensures the conservation of the country’s
natural diversity and long-term sustainable development. This
includes diversifying the energy supply with targets of at least 5%
of renewable energy in 2020 and 15% share in 2030.
Increase Business
Furthermore, implementing wind and solar powered energy
solutions creates a terrific marketing platform to attract more
business from eco-friendly travelers. Tourism accounts for 25% of
the Seychelles’ GDP, which is by far the single largest driving force
of their economy. A recent study done by McGraw Hill construction
revealed that most sustainable hotels reported an increased
occupancy rate growth by 15% of more. In fact, according to the
Center for Responsible Travel, ecotourism captures $77 billion of
the global market and is experiencing unprecedented gains that are
expected to only soar as concern for global warming progresses.
Early converts to sustainable tourism and lodging will undoubtedly
make huge market gains.
Education and Awareness
Lastly, resorts attract a diverse population of customers from all
over the world. This is a highly visible opportunity for resorts to
effectively communicate to everyone that going green is good and
start a dialogue about the importance of energy conservation.
It is easier now more than ever for hotels to incorporate renewable
energy to lower operating costs, attract environmentally-conscious
customers, further conserve natural resources, and distinguish
your business as the destination for sustainable lodging and events.
HOSPITALITY PORTFOLIO [PAGE 8]