Crowne Plaza Melbourne installs sustainability indicator for improved energy efficiency

Crowne Plaza Melbourne has installed a mySmart enGauge screen to provide its employees and customers with visibility into real-time and historical energy-usage data from across the hotel.

The hotel has been selected as one of the first businesses to trial enGauge, a ‘sustainability indicator’ which allows the hotel to visually share its sustainability strategy. enGauge, provided by mySmart, a supplier of energy- and resource-efficient solutions for building environments, is the latest tool used in the implementation of the hotel’s wider sustainability strategy, the focus of which is driving down energy use.

Via animated slides, the portable enGauge screen displays real-time statistical data on a building’s use of energy, gas, water; its generation of waste; and its carbon emissions. In addition, it displays historical use and targets, as well as practical tips on ways to reduce usage. The information is provided in a simple format and segmented by various areas within the hotel, so it can be used by both guests and hotel staff to assess where they need to improve.

Hotel management mandated that enGauge be installed prior to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, to enable the public display of energy reduction achievements. Crowne Plaza Melbourne has made a public commitment to sustainability, and was recently recognised internationally with ‘Green Globe Bronze’, a worldwide benchmarking and certification program which facilitates sustainable management and operations. It was also awarded the Victorian state award for ‘Environmental Best Practice Hotel of the Year’ by the Australian Hotel Association.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne also uses in-room energy management solutions and digital thermostats provided by mySmart which enable automatic control of utilities including air conditioning when guests are away from their rooms. As part of the hotel’s wider energy-saving initiatives, these solutions have contributed to a saving of $50,000 in annual utility costs.

Scott Warren, Managing Director, mySmart, said the enGauge display was a catalyst for behavioural change. “The display options are such that the hotel has the ability to provide further information for various areas and functionality within the hotel. This can create a healthy competition between different groups within an organisation, as they strive to reduce energy consumption and make a positive impact on their work environment. Employees are then more likely to maintain positive changes outside their workplace, which all helps - lots of small changes make the world of difference,” Warren said.

For further information, visit www.mysmart.com.au.