NIANTIC, CONN.—The luxurious Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., has made the INNCOM Energy Management System (EMS) a key component of an extensive renovation project—a component which, thanks to a local energy rebate program, is even further ahead of schedule in paying for itself.
Niantic-based INNCOM is a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing advanced guestroom control systems for the international hospitality industry. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, which among many other features includes 492 spacious guestrooms, 70,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and 27 holes of championship golf, is one of the top resort properties in a market known worldwide for its luxury business/leisure hotels.
According to INNCOM senior vice president Bill Russell, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa chose INNCOM to upgrade its HVAC functions with the installation of INNCOM e4™ Smart Digital Thermostats in all rooms, interfaced with the networked INNcontrol™ II Energy Management Software.
“Some suites also have the INNtouch™ electronic Doorbell/Privacy/Make-Up-Room annunciation system installed,” Russell said. “The benefits of the total INNCOM installation are increased operating efficiencies, energy savings, enhanced guest satisfaction and the financial bonus that resulted from our assistance in securing a rebate that goes directly to the property. That rebate alone pays for about 30 percent of the INNCOM contract.”
System Currently Being Tested
Jennifer Schaff, director of engineering for the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, said the property renovation began in May and was completed on schedule in late 2008. The INNCOM installation is currently being tested and commissioned, she added.
“After the INNCOM installation is complete, Arizona Power Supply will send an inspector to verify performance,” Schaff said. “If the inspector is satisfied with the results, APS will rebate us $55,000 on the project, based on the preliminary analysis that INNCOM submitted to APS.”
In addition to the substantial rebate, Schaff said the property’s management chose the INNCOM EMS because of its reputation for delivering multiple additional benefits.
“The specific EMS benefits we expect to derive from this installation are a reduction in energy of approximately 626,345 annual kilowatt hours, the cost savings that goes along with that reduction in energy use, and the fact that the new EMS will contribute to our sustainability efforts by reducing our carbon footprint,” Schaff said.
Flexible, Expandable System
In addition to energy savings and rebates that can accrue from local environmental/energy-use initiatives, INNCOM EMS solutions offer flexibility, expandability and system integration. For example, the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat can be used as a direct digital control thermostat, as the main component of a stand-alone in-room energy management system, or as the key guestroom element of a powerful, centrally controlled EMS. The e4 Smart Digital Thermostat can replace virtually any existing thermostat and has the unique feature of being able to directly control virtually any HVAC fan coil unit, packaged terminal air conditioner or other HVAC systems without the need for additional relays or transformers.
INNCOM’s Russell noted yet another benefit specific to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa.
“INNCOM EMS solutions, like the ones we’ve installed at this great property, help enhance guest comfort and satisfaction while contributing to overall operating efficiencies,” he said. “INNCOM is dedicated to assisting Hyatt in providing an unsurpassed guest experience as efficiently as possible—and that’s true for all the properties we’re privileged to be associated with.”
“We are pleased and gratified to be partnering with one of the finest luxury resort properties in one of the world’s most well-known resort destinations,” said INNCOM CEO Duane Buckingham. “Our installation at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa is a high-visibility example of our commitment to offer systems that are both environmentally friendly and financially beneficial to hotel operators. We at INNCOM share that commitment with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and are proud to be partnering with them on the recent installation at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.”
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