Across the hospitality sector, sustainability has become a commercial priority, influencing investment decisions, operational strategy and guest expectations in equal measure. At the same time, hotel operators are facing rising energy costs, evolving environmental legislation and increasing pressure to improve the performance of existing building stock.
Hotels operate continuously, with heating, cooling and ventilation expected to deliver seamless comfort 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Guests rarely notice a well-designed HVAC system, but are quick to recognise when they fall short. The challenge is to specify systems capable of balancing exceptional occupant comfort with reduced energy consumption, lower operational costs and future environmental resilience.
Increasingly, refurbishment projects are demonstrating that these objectives can be achieved. Rather than viewing older buildings as a compromise, developers are recognising the long-term value of modernising existing assets through efficient building services that extend operational life while reducing environmental impact.
This approach can be seen in the refurbishment of two flagship hotels within the Starboard Hotels portfolio, where Daikin’s R-32-based VRV 5 heat recovery systems were selected as part of major upgrades ahead of rebranding. Rather than replacing systems on a like-for-like basis, the project team chose technology offering a lower global warming potential refrigerant, improved efficiency and features that support future environmental standards. The result is a solution that not only improves guest comfort and reduces operating costs, but helps future-proof the buildings for years to come.
For specifiers, meeting refrigerant leak detection requirements without adding visible hardware to guest rooms is a common challenge. VRV 5’s integrated Shirudo Technology continuously monitors for refrigerant leaks and can automatically isolate specific parts if required, removing the need for separate leak detection within occupied spaces, while the rest of the system can keep running. This simplifies compliance, reduces coordination between trades and keeps guest rooms free of additional sensors and control gear while minimising system downtime.
The decision reflects a wider shift taking place across the hospitality sector. Building owners are increasingly looking beyond initial capital expenditure to assess whole-life performance, maintainability and long-term carbon reduction. As sustainability targets become more ambitious and legislation continues to evolve, HVAC systems are becoming strategic investments rather than simple mechanical services.
This long-term thinking becomes even more important when working with historic buildings. Adaptive reuse allows operators to retain the embodied carbon and architectural heritage of existing structures while creating distinctive destinations for modern guests. But integrating contemporary building services in heritage buildings often requires careful engineering and flexible system design.
The transformation of the Grade II-listed Hat & Feathers public house into part of the new Hotel Indigo, Clerkenwell illustrates this perfectly. Combining the restoration of a Victorian landmark with newly constructed hotel wings required an HVAC solution that could adapt to the complexities of an existing building while delivering the performance expected from a premium hotel. Working within the constraints of listed architecture inevitably introduces unknowns throughout the construction process, making flexibility and practical installation considerations just as important as system efficiency.
Modern climate control systems are also expected to do considerably more than provide heating and cooling. Intelligent controls now play a critical role in helping operators understand energy consumption, manage multiple properties and optimise building performance without compromising guest experience. Room-level controls allow occupants to personalise comfort, while centralised building management provides facilities teams with greater visibility and control across entire estates.
As hospitality continues its transition towards lower-carbon operation, successful projects will be increasingly defined by their ability to combine sustainability, efficiency and exceptional guest comfort. Climate control systems have become central to achieving these ambitions. www.daikin.co.uk