Any temporary rentals company will tell you Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, with more than 12 million tourists per year and a growing demand for short-term accommodation for holiday and corporate travel, as well as for medium-term stays.
The volume of visitors, coupled with the summer’s high temperatures and the corresponding pressure on urban resources, makes the responsible management of temporary rentals more important than ever.
In addition, today’s tourist is no longer just looking for a good location or a well-decorated apartment. The contemporary traveler values sustainability and a commitment to the environment, and in this pursuit, technological innovation is essential.
Some of the conclusions of a study led by Ya-Yen Sun and his team, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicate that tourism generates approximately 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. And although part of this impact comes from transportation, accommodation also plays an important role. In cities like Barcelona, with a high tourist density, a temporary rentals company must be aware of its environmental responsibility.
The energy consumption of a tourism home in Barcelona is usually higher than that of a regular home, as many guests do not apply the energy-saving measures during their holidays or short stays that they might employ at home. Where are we seeing this happen?
- Leaving the air conditioners on all day long, even when they leave the accommodations.
- Leaving lights on in empty rooms.
- Leaving equipment on standby and constantly consuming energy.
These behaviors multiply guests’ carbon footprint as well as increasing operating costs for owners and managers. At Lodging Management, we tackle this issue through our collaboration with CONTROLA. Our partners ensure energy savings within the properties and make sure property energy stats are just a click away.
Responsible technological innovation
These days, technology offers simple and effective solutions for reducing negative environmental impact without sacrificing the comfort clients expect. These technologies range from motion sensors and smart thermostats to remote control systems for air conditioning and lighting. In addition, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), it’s possible to manage consumption remotely and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
It is also advisable to install energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting and opt for renewable energy whenever possible, such as solar panels.
Sustainability is a real competitive factor for any temporary rentals company in Barcelona. And at Lodging Management we know it not only improves our business’s reputation, but attracts clients who are more respectful, conscious and loyal.
Innovation is an investment, not an expense. Integrating sustainability and technological tools in a temporary rentals company in Barcelona is not a trend, but an urgent need in cities like ours. Investing in energy efficiency, remote control technologies and green solutions not only reduces our carbon footprint, but also optimizes operating costs and improves the customer’s experience.
