Hotels Add Security and Efficiency

CHALLENGE:In 2013, a new leadership team was brought in at Extended Stay America (ESA) to oversee a $1 billion investment to improve its entire portfolio of 629 properties—the majority of which averaged 20 years in age—in a manner that would set the company up for future success. The initial launch focused on external aesthetics. Research indicated a need to improve the exterior lighting at many of the facilities. From a lighting perspective, the technology used to light up the buildings, parking lots and common areas were outdated. The desired light levels were unachievable, and maintenance costs were unsustainable. INFLUENCE:The guiding principle of the initiative was to “improve the guest experience,” and the initial launch focused on external aesthetics. ESA aspires for its guests to feel relaxed in a comfortable and affordable hotel. The shortfalls of the exterior lighting were having a negative impact on the guest experience. The organization was looking for a solution that would improve aesthetics in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly manner. SOLUTION:The InSite Group and Hubbell Lighting partnered to develop a solution that would replace the existing pole and wallpacks at Extended Stay America’s properties with LED luminaires. Beacon Products and Spaulding Lighting both feature a product portfolio of innovative and reliable luminaries that incorporate prominent design aesthetics in a cost-effective manner. The team implemented a rigorous specification process with proprietary design tools to identify an ideal solution that would feature products from both of these brands. They dialed in on a solution that would employ Beacon Product’s Viper, Spaulding Lighting’s Cimarron and Laredo LED luminaires. When all 629 facilities are completed by 2018, Extended Stay America expects significant returns. “We are in the process of implementing one of the most important initiatives in the history of our company,” said David Crider, director of energy & sustainability, Extended Stay America. The $1 billion investment will improve the customer experience at every single one of the properties will have a substantial impact on the material success moving forward. null