Temperature drop in hotels leads to substantial cost savings

Joining forces to reduce CO2 emissions

Clean and safe water in hotels is essential. But how can we also reduce energy costs for customers at the same time? With that question, Holland Water, specialist in innovative water treatment systems, entered into a partnership with Hospitality House. The result after six months? In the two hotels where Holland Water's systems were installed, there is no trace of legionella and the temperature of the heating systems could be lowered by as much as 17°C. As a result of this optimisation, Hospitality House emits 60 tonnes less CO₂ annually and their energy bill drops significantly.

An essential condition to start lowering temperatures and reducing CO2 emissions is that the risk of legionella is completely under control. Holland Water knows better than anyone that water management for the hotel sector is complex and that legionella often compromises water safety. With its patented HW Bifipro® water treatment system, Holland Water offers a solution that responds to both prevention and control.

"It works on the basis of copper and silver ionisation," says Dries Dillen, account manager at Holland Water. "Using a minuscule and safe dosage of copper and silver ions, this system structurally acts on biofilm, the breeding ground of legionella bacteria in collective drinking water installations, among other things."

Smart response to energy demand

Besides the primary objective of structurally securing drinking water, the HW Bifipro® installation also helps to reduce the ecological footprint. According to Flemish legislation (Legionella decree and BATs), hotels must always keep their circulation temperature at 55°C, which is a huge energy guzzler.

Nevertheless, a temperature deviation is allowed when an approved water treatment system is in place. "The hotel sector faces high energy costs. We wanted to do something about that," Dillen explains. "By responding smartly to this energy issue with our system, we help customers reduce their carbon footprint and save costs."

Temperature drop of 17°C

A new and important collaboration in the sector is between Holland Water and Hospitality House, a financial investor that runs and manages hotels such as Adagio Access, Ibis Budget (Gent Dampoort) and Ibis Styles (Hasselt). By the end of 2028, Hospitality House will have some 500 rooms in their portfolio. Jo Lootens, who is at the helm of Hospitality House together with Viktor De Martelaere, contacted Dries Dillen in late 2024 because they were interested in reducing their hotels' heating costs and in legionella management.

"An energy audit quickly showed that Holland Water's technology could safely reduce the temperature of our gas systems to comfort temperature without any impact on our guests," points out Jo Lootens, Chief Development Officer of Hospitality House. Since the start of the partnership, the temperature dropped from 65°C to 48°C in six months.

Lower energy bill

The combination of safe water due to legionella control and lower CO2 emissions due to temperature drop, was the deciding factor for Hospitality House to partner with Holland Water. 

"The results were immediately noticeable. In both hotels (Adagio & Ibis) we dropped from 65°C to 48°C within six months. This is a big step closer to our sustainability goals. Sustainable business is not a slogan for Hospitality House, but an essential part of our mission," said Jo Lootens, Chief Development at Hospitality House.

Also looking for sustainable and efficient water management that allows you to reduce your heating costs? Holland Water will be happy to help you find the right solution for your hotel.