Building on a long history of using the latest infrastructure systems, the management of one of Delhi?s oldest hotels, The Claridges, New Delhi, recently completed energy efficient upgrades that are expected to decrease average monthly utility costs by 10-15 percent.
The improvements are part of an extensive energy efficiency audit, conservation and sustainability program undertaken by the hotel, which was declared India?s leading luxury hotel at the 2009 World Travel Awards.
The 137-room hotel, which dates back to the 1950s, needed renovations to replace aging equipment and to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. In addition, the hotel owners wanted to ensure sufficient cooling capacity to support planned renovation of guest rooms to host tourists expected for the October 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
New Comfort Systems Increase Guest Loyalty and Building Sustainability
After a thorough building assessment, The Claridges, New Delhi?s management selected comfort systems that make the building more energy efficient. Selected facilities upgrades include the installation of high efficiency and, CFC free, chilled-water systems to accommodate the increased load and ensure run-time equalization. A secondary pumping system was added to modulate water flow in air-handling units, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption and costs.
In addition, improvements included upgrading air handling unit valves from three-way to two-way state-of-the-art pressure independent valves to achieve accurate modulation. The hotel has also signed an annual maintenance contract with the equipment manufacturer to ensure that systems run at top efficiency with a zero downtime guarantee.
?The Claridges, New Delhi demonstrates that not only new and modern buildings can be energy efficient, but historic landmark buildings can be, too, ?said Rubal Chaudhry, general manager, The Claridges, New Delhi. ?We?re pleased that with these upgrades, we will achieve all our goals while saving significant costs and creating a more environmentally responsible and sustainable property.?
?Trane is dedicated to collaboration with The Claridges, New Delhi to ensure that all aspects of the system?s economic life, from installation through repair, improve efficiency, increase building comfort and reduce energy costs,? said Rajesh Sikka, district leader for Trane India.