Sector
Hospitality
SOLUTION
Energy Efficiency
Carbon Reduction
Legacy Hotels
TECHNOLOGY
Voltage Optimisation
575kVA Powerstar MAX System
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a global leader in the hospitality sector, operating over 6,000 hotels across 100 countries.Â
As part of its bold sustainability strategy, IHG has set ambitious net-zero targets: to cut carbon emissions by 46% by 2030, reach net-zero emissions for all new-build hotels by 2030, and achieve net-zero across all operations by 2050.
Holiday Inn, one of IHG’s flagship brands, is at the forefront of these environmental efforts. New hotels are designed with renewable energy, high-efficiency heat pumps and electric kitchens to reduce environmental impact while prioritising guest comfort. For existing properties, IHG’s focus is to retrofit and optimise systems with smarter, energy-efficient technologies – and that’s where Powerstar’s Voltage Optimisation (VO) technology ‘checks in’.
Challenge
Holiday Inn Regent’s Park, a large multi-level hotel in the heart of central London, was a prime candidate for these energy upgrades. Despite having modern guest amenities, much of the building’s main equipment – such as HVAC systems, pumps, ventilation fans, and chiller compressors – lacked advanced electronic controls. This meant that systems were often running at full power, even when it wasn’t required, leading to wasted energy and higher costs.
With a mix of energy-intensive equipment and varying load demand across the building, the challenge was clear: how could the hotel improve energy efficiency across its complex systems without compromising guest comfort or operational reliability?
Solution
To address this energy trilemma, Powerstar proposed the installation of a 575kVA Powerstar MAX Voltage Optimisation (VO) system, designed to optimise the voltage supplied to the hotel’s electrical infrastructure. By setting a nominal voltage of around 224V, the unit would reduce unnecessary energy use while ensuring efficient operation across the hotel’s diverse load profile, including lighting, various lifts, HVAC, and kitchen equipment.
Based on initial analysis of the hotel’s load information and half-hourly electricity readings, Powerstar provided an indicative saving of 6.5% in annual energy consumption, with a payback period of 2.9 years. This solution offered a low-risk approach to improving energy efficiency while also coming equipped with remote monitoring via Powerstar’s Online Portal. This feature would allow IHG to track energy savings in real time, further enhancing its visibility over energy use.
Conclusion
Powerstar’s Voltage Optimisation (VO) solution has delivered meaningful energy savings at Holiday Inn Regent’s Park while providing a proven approach for retrofitting IHG’s existing hotels. With more properties now under review, this scalable solution is helping to modernise legacy buildings and improve their efficiency, supporting IHG’s broader net-zero ambitions. By optimising energy use, reducing operational costs, and extending the lifespan of critical equipment, the system shows how intelligent energy management can help achieve both financial and environmental goals, paving the way for the eco-conscious hotels of the future.
Result
The verification tests showed an average voltage reduction of 8.06%, confirmed independently by Arup, and an average energy saving of 9.2% in energy consumption.
Over the course of a week-long test period in August 2024, Powerstar conducted On/Off Tests of the VO system at two-hour intervals covering weekdays, evenings, and weekends. The results exceeded initial expectations, with the energy savings measuring approximately 9% – well above the 6.5% forecasted by Powerstar.
Energy savings were consistent day and night, proving the VO system’s ability to optimise energy use regardless of the hotel’s fluctuating demand. Over the course of the test, the hotel saved 119,771 kWh, equating to £29,350 in cost savings. As a result, the payback period was reduced from the anticipated 2.9 years to just two years, delivering rapid financial and operational benefits.
Additionally, by lowering the input voltage, the system would help extend the lifespan of the hotel’s electronic equipment, providing long-term value for IHG’s property.
Average annual energy savings
Average annual cost savings
