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Ventilation, lighting and air conditioning of a hotel can be controlled by technology
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For green technology to be widely adopted, he expects to see the price of systems such as BMS, STL tanks and computerised air conditioning systems falling in the next few years.
 
In the future, expect new hotels to have insulated windows and insulated roof tops, covered walls, covered porches, trees to shade windows and roofs during summer while maximising solar power in winter, and a careful placing of windows to provide more natural light and reduce the need for electric light during the day. 

At Rodas, the focus point of the building’s parabolic shape faces the northeast, reducing the need for lighting and air-conditioning. False walls and double glazed windows further help reduce its energy needs.
 
Future hotels will have lobbies and other large public areas bathed in natural light to cut down energy consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Solar energy, of course, will be a salient feature of new hotels, especially big ones with large rooftops that provide an ideal location for solar panels to be installed.  “Imagine a solar panel that lasts upwards of 25 to 40 years and produces energy without any combustion whatsoever,” said Sharma. “But solar energy has to become cheaper to be more popular than it is today.”  

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In terms of building materials, new ecotels are using materials such as Portland Slag Cement which is 22% slag, a  by-product of pig iron ore extraction which otherwise is a waste; bricks made from special terra-cotta clay which is excavated from considerable depths and does not disturb the topsoil of the earth; recomposed veneer made from waste wood and used for furniture; and eco-board made from exterior grade article board which in turn is made from bagasse, a waste product.  

The consensus in the industry is that turning green has a positive impact on the bottomline without damaging customers’ desire for luxury and comfort. “When you walk into a eco-friendly hotel, the look and feel are as luxurious and pleasing as in any top hotel. The water pressure in the shower is the same and so is the cool air in the room. The savings are all in the small operating details which guests never notice,” said Nair. 

The ultimate fantasy of green proponents is probably the day when hotels bill guests depending on their use of resources. That is not likely to happen, if only because of the angry disagreements that would break out at reception when they guests check out.

But green behaviour, by guests and hotels, is here to stay. “This is not a trend. It will be here forever. It is the future,” said Hussain.

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