Best Practices for Hotel Renovations

The UK has some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing stock in Europe. As one of the largest funders of the UK housing sector, we at Lloyds Banking Group have a responsibility to help change this. One potential solution to this challenge is Property Linked Finance (PLF), an innovative financing solution that’s already been successfully launched in several countries around the world. Today, we’ve published the ‘greenprint’ for how PLF could be introduced to the UK in collaboration with the Green Finance Institute and NatWest Group. With PLF, homeowners and commercial property owners could finance 100% of their energy efficiency upgrades upfront, with finance linked to the property rather than the individual – so owners only invest until they sell their property or have paid off the measures and buyers benefit from the increased energy efficiency. As a new form of long-term finance, where the term can match the useful lifetime of the improvements, PLF addresses a gap in the UK market. In addition, PLF could also unlock: • Lower bills for homeowners through energy savings • Between £52-70 billion of investment in upgrading the UK’s inefficient building stock • The creation of skilled jobs across the UK PLF increases the range of financial solutions available to property owners. This time last year, we published a Housing Stocktake report, which found that while over half of homeowners would like to make their properties more efficient, few feel confident about how to get there. Retrofit options need to be more accessible, affordable and simple for our customers to implement – this is an exciting development that would empower them to do so. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/emCtWUJ2 #GreenHomes #RetrofitFinance #Sustainability #ClimateAction #NetZero

When dealing with significant risks, it’s crucial not to rely solely on a single control measure. Why: Effectiveness 👉 One control measure might not be sufficient to adequately reduce the risk. Combining multiple measures increases the likelihood of success. Residual Risk 👉 Even with a control in place, there may be residual risk remaining. By using a combination of measures, you can address different aspects of the risk. Human Behaviour 👉Some control measures depend on an individual’s behaviour, which can be unpredictable. Relying solely on personal actions (such as using personal protective equipment - PPE) is less reliable than other measures. We train colleagues in fall restraints to control the risk of a fall, if there is not an existing safe place of work. Because this method relies on a human and mistakes/errors are part of normal life. We also train colleagues on how to rescue an employee who may have fell over an open edge, if this did happen as they had not used their PPE correctly. This limits the consequences of this significant risk if the first control measure fails. Hierarchy of Controls 👉 The risk control hierarchy provides a framework for selecting the most effective measures. It includes steps like elimination, reduction, isolation, substitution, and safe work systems. PPE should be used as the last resort as it only protects the user. Installing a fixed guardrail on a roof, protects everyone. Prioritise controls higher in the hierarchy for better risk management. Remember, a comprehensive approach that considers various control measures is essential for managing significant risks effectively. However, you should do what’s reasonably practicable (SFAIRP - weighing a risk against the trouble, time and money needed to control it.) - you wouldn’t scaffold an elevation of a building for something that could be completed in 10 minutes, safely out of a Mobile Elevated Working Platform MEWP) #riskmitigation #riskmanagement #riskassessment #sheqman

Boom is a two-year-old AI-powered hospitality management platform whose latest funding round is a shot across the bow for every CXM platform with a foot in hospitality. The Bay Area-based company just raised $12.7 million to weave AI into the operational fabric of hotels. If you recall, Medallia started with Hilton as its first customer, so this is a particularly interesting story to follow. Boom isn't offering a chatbot in the lobby. On the contrary, they're promising conversational AI, hyper‑personalization, and predictive analytics that can learn, adapt, and autonomously manage complex tasks. Why does this matter for Qualtrics, Medallia, Sprinklr, and every other CXM vendor with hospitality clients? Because the data plumbing and decision‑making layers are moving deeper into the hotel. They're not going to live on a dashboard or inside a GenAI capability that a hotel manager uses to automatically generate a response to a low-NPS guest. This stuff will go by the way of the dodo bird. Imagine what this could look like: At Hilton, their Watson‑powered concierge “Connie” (now nearly 10 years old) answers questions about amenities and local restaurants. With Boom's AI capability, Connie could remember your running route from your last stay, pre-book your gym slot, and push a personalized offer through your loyalty app before you even unpack. Marriott Hotels has tested in‑room voice assistants that let guests control lighting and temperature. Layer predictive analytics on top, and the system could anticipate when you typically request room service, ask if you’d like your favorite snack delivered, and feed that behavior back into Qualtrics or Medallia for real‑time NPS tracking if you're into that sort of thing. Here’s how hospitality brands can turn this technology into magic: Connect your feedback loop. Integrate AI‑driven interactions with your CXM platform so every guest preference and sentiment automatically informs product and service tweaks. Train employees to be AI translators. Your staff should know how to interpret AI signals and add the human touch, whether it’s a concierge upselling a spa package or a manager smoothing out a glitch. Pilot, then scale. Start with a single property or service (e.g., check‑in) and use tiger teams to refine the experience before rolling it out chain‑wide. Frankly, I think Boom is ripe for a CXM provider looking for a nice tuck-in acquisition to boost their action-focused future and valuation. Because the future is not about delivering thermometers. The future is about enabling action at scale. Boom’s vision hints at a future where hotel stays feel bespoke at scale. If you were running Hilton or Marriott’s CX program, what’s one AI‑driven experience you’d implement tomorrow? #customerexperience #hospitality #ai #futureofwork #cxm #saas

Innovative ideas for living spaces today are transforming the way we interact with our homes by blending design ingenuity with cutting-edge technology. Architects and interior designers are increasingly incorporating multifunctional furniture and modular layouts to optimize space in compact urban homes—think beds that fold into walls, coffee tables that convert into desks, or entire rooms that can be reconfigured using movable partitions. Smart home systems are becoming the backbone of modern living spaces, enabling residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and even appliances through voice commands or mobile apps. Sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, and reclaimed wood are being used not just for aesthetic appeal, but to reduce environmental impact. Biophilic design is gaining momentum, integrating natural elements such as vertical gardens, indoor water features, and large windows to enhance mental well-being. In luxury and futuristic homes, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being used to preview interior changes before implementation, while 3D printing is beginning to revolutionize how entire houses are built, offering affordable and customizable structures. The integration of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and AI-driven energy efficiency tools demonstrates how smart #technology can align with eco-conscious living. Altogether, these innovative approaches are not only redefining comfort and style but also pushing the boundaries of what living spaces can achieve in terms of adaptability, sustainability, and user-centric functionality. Feel free to share your thoughts 💭

Design is always evolving, but there’s one shift I’ve noticed. A connection to spaces that feel inviting and human, The Rise of Organic Aesthetics. More and more, people are moving away from the sharp, geometric lines that once defined modern interiors. Instead, they’re gravitating toward softer curves, fluid forms, and tactile fabrics like bouclé that bring warmth and a sense of comfort into their spaces. I’ve experienced this transformation myself during my visits to some of the most renowned design exhibitions across the globe. At these events, one standout was a collection of fluid-shaped stone tables inspired by the curves of riverbeds, a perfect mix of art and practicality that reflects the shift toward organic aesthetics. I’ve also noticed the use of natural, sustainable materials, like raw wood and terracotta, crafted into enduring designs. These materials don’t just look beautiful, they bring a sense of grounding and authenticity to modern spaces, making the connection between design and nature even stronger. I feel India is no longer just a sourcing hub for affordable furniture. I’m seeing a rise in Indian brands creating globally competitive designs that demand attention.

Retrofit and Post Occupancy Evaluation issues we are trying to address on our sustainability journey. ♻️   Here is the next instalment of our sustainability story, where we explore retrofit, a super important issue and method of reducing the environmental impact of our existing buildings.    The desire for more space doesn't always necessitate building anew. In many cases, reconfiguring and remodelling existing buildings can provide the desired functionality with a much lower environmental and financial cost. Reusing existing structures often reduces the energy consumption and resource depletion associated with new construction.    When remodelling, a coherent holistic retrofit strategy is key. This is about taking things further than simple cosmetic renovation works. This involves incorporating energy-efficient upgrades deep into the project, targeting areas like insulation, air tightness, glazing, ventilation and heating systems. For existing buildings, the PAS 2030 / 2035 / 2038 standards provide a valuable framework for a comprehensive retrofit. While not yet mandatory for private homes or commercial buildings, we anticipate their growing importance in the coming years.    While we advocate for exceeding minimum legislative requirements, we recognise the financial constraints many people face. We take a pragmatic approach, helping clients make meaningful improvements within their budget, while also planning for future upgrades. This approach ensures that even small steps contribute to a more sustainable future and improved comfort in buildings.    To truly understand the impact of our designs, Post Occupancy Evaluation is essential. By assessing energy use before and after occupation, we can identify areas for improvement and refine our strategies for future projects. This is something we aren’t really doing much of at the moment but it is an area where we're committed to doing better, ensuring that each project contributes to our collective knowledge and progress.    Keep an eye out to see how this develops. 👀

Lighting standards exist for meeting rooms. Wonder why video can still look terrible? ANSI/IES/AVIXA RP-38-17 is the joint standard between the Illuminating Engineering Society and AVIXA specifically for videoconferencing lighting. It provides measurable lighting performance criteria to optimize lighting for cameras, improving images transmitted to remote sites. The standard requires around 500 lux on participants' faces for optimal video quality. Many meeting rooms only actually deliver 150-300 lux. The gap is massive. And it shows. When you're designing hybrid meeting spaces, poor lighting degrades even the most expensive camera systems. Your expensive PTZ camera can't compensate for fundamentally inadequate illumination. The standard wasn't written for videoconferencing rooms in isolation. Meeting rooms have become videoconferencing rooms by default. Most meetings now have remote participants. Every room needs to perform on camera. Yet we're still designing meeting room lighting as if it's 2019. The ANSI/IES/AVIXA standard covers spaces with 3-25 participants, but its principles apply to any space where people appear on camera. Which is most meeting rooms now. CIBSE guidelines also recommend 500 lux for meeting rooms with video conferencing considerations. The standard exists. The guidance is clear. The question is: why aren't we measuring and implementing it? Usable meters cost from under £50. The difference between 200 lux and 500 lux can be the difference between participants looking washed out or professional on camera. Your hybrid meeting experience depends on lighting design as much as your AV kit. Lighting falls within Environment in GJC’s EASE framework for meeting space design. EASE = Environment, Audio, Screens, Equity, our methodology that makes hybrid workspace design systematic instead of accidental. Please see link in Comments section below. What's your experience? Are you measuring lux levels in your meeting rooms, or just hoping the lighting works?   #microsoftteamsrooms #avtweeps #EASEmethodology #hybridmeetings #avusergroup #ltsmg #schoms  #avixa

In an HVAC system, selecting AHUs (Air Handling Units), FCUs (Fan Coil Units), coils, and fans involves several important steps to ensure the equipment matches the system's capacity, efficiency, and environmental needs. Here's a quick breakdown of the selection criteria for each: 1. AHU (Air Handling Unit) Selection Key Parameters: Airflow rate (CFM): Based on the cooling or heating load. External Static Pressure (ESP): Accounts for duct losses and filters. Cooling/Heating capacity: Measured in BTU/hr or kW. Type: Draw-through or blow-through, horizontal or vertical. Filter requirements: Type and efficiency (e.g., MERV rating). Humidity control: If needed. Construction material: For clean rooms, hospitals, etc. 2. FCU (Fan Coil Unit) Selection Key Parameters: Capacity (Cooling/Heating): Match room load. Airflow (CFM or L/s): Sufficient for proper air distribution. Type: Ceiling cassette, ducted, wall-mounted, floor-mounted. Static pressure: For ducted types. Noise level: Especially important for offices, hotels, and hospitals. Control method: Thermostat, BMS, etc. 3. Coil Selection (Cooling and Heating Coils) Key Parameters: Type: Chilled water coil, DX coil, hot water coil, electric coil. Capacity (BTU/hr or kW): Based on load. Face area and number of rows: More rows = higher capacity. Fin spacing (FPI): Affects heat transfer and pressure drop. Tube material and diameter: Usually copper tubes with aluminum fins. Entering/Leaving air and water temperatures: Crucial for performance. 4. Fan Selection Key Parameters: Air volume (CFM or m³/hr) Static pressure (in WG or Pa) Type: Centrifugal, axial, plug fans, backward/forward curved. Efficiency: Fan curves and power consumption. Noise level: Should meet project requirements. Speed control: VFD compatibility if modulation is needed. Selection Tools and Software Carrier HAP / Hourly Analysis Program Trane Trace 3D Plus Daikin / LG selection software Coolselector® by Danfoss (for coils) Revit / AutoCAD with plugin for BIM #HVAC #AHU #FCU #CoilSelection #FanSelection #HVACDesign #MEPDesign #BuildingServices #CoolingSystems #HeatingAndCooling #EnergyEfficiency #HVACEngineering #HVACTechnician #HVACLife #SmartHVAC #MechanicalEngineering #RevitMEP #CarrierHAP #TraneTrace #HVACSystems

A retrofit can boost solar yield by up to 15%. Most people have no idea this is possible. Here’s the truth: When people talk about solar growth, they talk about new builds, new projects, new records. But the real revolution is happening somewhere else-quietly, and with far more impact. Europe installed tens of gigawatts of PV between 2010 and 2015. Those assets are now 10–15 years old. Still working, but nowhere near their original specs. Here’s what you see on site: → Modules, degrading faster than planned. Output drops, year after year. → Inverters, out of warranty, unsupported, spare parts hard to find. → Trackers and wiring-fatigue, corrosion, sometimes outright failure. → Safety and yield: both can be improved massively with modern components. Sounds great, but here’s the reality: Most owners and operators still run these plants as if nothing has changed. They accept lower yields, higher O&M costs, and more downtime. But a well-executed retrofit can add 5–15% yield and extend the asset’s lifetime. That’s not theory. That’s proven-across hundreds of megawatts, in real projects. The second lifecycle of solar assets is here. Engineering, not installation speed, will define success. The old playbook-build fast, hand over, forget-doesn’t work anymore. What does a successful retrofit look like? - Replace modules with higher-efficiency units, designed for today’s weather and grid needs. - Upgrade inverters to smart models. Better yield, better grid support, fewer failures. - Rework trackers, wiring, and safety systems to prevent the next big outage. - Align O&M and EPC teams around long-term reliability, not just COD. Bottom line: Retrofits turn aging assets from yesterday’s problem into tomorrow’s opportunity. For investors, EPCs, and O&M companies, this is the next growth lane. I’ll talk about this in Prague at the Smart Energy Forum this week-how to turn legacy PV into high-performance assets that last. What’s your experience with PV retrofits? Where did you see the biggest gains-or the biggest headaches? #AndreasBach #SolarEnergy #Renewables #EPC #BESS #Czechia #Retrofit

If you're a multifamily VP in a variance meeting right now and you only have time to drill into ONE expense line, look at HVAC. Here's what's happening: January 1, 2025, the EPA banned production of new HVAC equipment using R-410A refrigerant. R-410A is what's currently in most of your properties. It's being phased out because it has a Global Warming Potential of 2,088 (meaning it traps 2,088x more heat than CO2). The replacements are R-454B and R-32. Both are mildly flammable (A2L classification). Both require completely new equipment - you can't just swap refrigerant. If you've got properties with HVAC systems that are 10+ years old, they're running on R-410A. When those units fail (and they will), you can't just refill them anymore. You need full system replacement. Cost: $3,000-$8,000+ per unit. The problem is that nobody underwrote this. Deals closed in 2021-2023 didn't account for a mandated HVAC replacement cycle starting in 2025. So, eventually, your PM is going to come to you in Q1 or Q2 and say "we need $400K for HVAC replacements" and you're going to look at the CapEx budget and realize there's $80K allocated. Ironically, if your HVAC looks fine right now, that might NOT be good news. It might mean your PM hasn't figured out the problem yet. A good facilities team could manage this - reuse refrigerant from old units, phase replacements strategically, negotiate bulk pricing. But if you've got 200 units with aging HVAC, you're looking at $600K-$1.6M in unbudgeted CapEx.