Saving energy and boosting efficiencies in the hospitality industry
Schneider Electric’s EcoXpert programme empowers automation systems provider IG Solutions to fortify its capabilities, in turn driving sustainable transformation for its clients.
Master-level EcoXpert partner IG Solutions was the first company to implement the virtual key card solution in Singapore and has executed more than 10 similar projects across the island. Photos: Schneider Electric
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It is all too common for a hotel room to appear occupied even when it is vacant, with lights left aglow and air-conditioning still humming. This not only results in energy wastage, but also disrupts the planning of housekeeping services, which often rely on occupancy signals to schedule room cleanings.
To address the issue of human error in determining room occupancy, automation systems provider IG Solutions has introduced a virtual key card solution at Capri by Fraser.
“The system uses motion sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor occupancy,” explained Mr Tan Tong Chow, director at IG Solutions. “If the room is not in use, the system automatically regulates the air-conditioning and turns off the lights, conserving energy without compromising the overall guest experience. In addition, it enables housekeeping to allocate cleaning tasks more efficiently, in turn enhancing productivity.”
Developed in collaboration with Schneider Electric through the EcoXpert partnership, this innovative solution has led to energy savings of up to 20 per cent at Capri by Fraser, compared to pre-implementation levels.
ENABLING GROWTH THROUGH AN EMPOWERING PARTNERSHIP
Since IG Solutions’ founding in 2009, the company has worked closely with global energy management systems specialist Schneider Electric. In 2019, IG Solutions achieved the Master-level EcoXpert certification, placing it among a select cohort recognised by Schneider Electric as industry leaders.
As an EcoXpert Master-level partner, IG Solutions benefits from access to Schneider Electric’s latest technologies and industry best practices. Said Mr Tan: “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric has been instrumental in driving long-term growth by allowing us to increase our offerings, expand our capabilities and improve our abilities to meet client needs.”
Launched in 2017, Schneider Electric’s EcoXpert programme – recognised by the CRN Partner Programme Guide as a five-star vendor for seven years running – adopts a partnership-driven approach to build a global ecosystem of expertise. EcoXpert partners undergo sustainability courses and modules sponsored by Schneider Electric to gain market-relevant knowledge on decarbonisation.
The programme is centred around the “3E” framework: It enables partners to leverage their sector expertise in providing Schneider Electric solutions to clients; empowers partners and clients with technologies to achieve sustainable growth and increase productivity; and engenders the early adoption of smart technologies.
To ensure that small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are able to build their capabilities and drive innovation over the long term, the EcoXpert programme is transitioning towards an operating expenses model, moving away from the traditional capital expenditure approach. This strategic shift enables SMEs – which typically have smaller budgets compared to larger companies – to access Schneider Electric’s solutions by allowing them to make progressive payments on the products and services that they need.
GIVING VISIBILITY TO SUSTAINABILITY
IG Solutions was the first company to implement the virtual key card solution in Singapore and has executed more than 10 similar projects here, including the installation at lyf Funan Singapore, an experience-led social living property by The Ascott Limited.
Further green retrofits done at the facility include the installation of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Connected Room solutions, which feature smart LED lights and sensors that regulate air-conditioning temperatures when rooms are unoccupied. These solutions have altogether resulted in sizeable reductions in energy costs.
Looking ahead, IG Solutions aims to harness the potential of the Internet of Things (IOT). For instance, IOT-enabled sensors could measure air quality, ensuring that guests are allocated rooms with ideal humidity and temperature levels, as well as acceptable levels of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter.
Another promising area of development is the integration of energy consumption monitors – powered by Schneider Electric’s electric power meters – into hospitality developments, giving guests visibility over how much power they are using.
“By making this information available through the hotel’s app, guests might be encouraged to do their part to conserve energy,” said Mr Tan. “Hotels can use gamification to incentivise sustainable behaviour, rewarding guests with points or vouchers.”
Such a solution also enables improved data-driven insights, allowing vendors to tailor their offerings and better serve their clients. “For example, if data shows that a client’s air-conditioning system is not energy-efficient, we can offer optimisation strategies,” explained Mr Tan.
By using data to address various sustainability gaps, EcoXpert partners can foster long-term collaborations with their clients, resulting in recurring revenue. “There’s also a snowball effect as Schneider Electric continually works with EcoXpert partners to understand what’s happening on the ground, in turn enabling us to fine-tune our technologies around market needs,” said Mr Tan.
Learn more about how to become a Schneider Electric EcoXpert partner.
