Modern tourism is no longer just about comfort and price. More and more travelers, even on vacation, pay attention to the sustainability of the structures they choose. Staying in a B&B or vacation home that respects the environment, reduces waste and uses smart technologies is not only an ethical gesture, but also a way to experience superior quality.
Not surprisingly, major booking platforms (like Booking or Airbnb) have introduced badges and filters to help customers find "green" structures. But energy efficiency is not just a trend: it's a concrete necessity for managers and owners, caught between high bills and new regulations. Yet, while efficiency is almost a standard in hotels, in B&Bs and short-term rentals it often remains an exception. Let's see why.
The problems of energy saving in tourist accommodations
One of the main limitations of B&Bs and vacation homes is the difficulty in controlling consumption. Guests, not having to pay the bills, often leave lights and air conditioners on even when they are not at home. Some managers tell of air conditioners left on all day at 18°C in empty apartments. The result? High bills and unnecessarily cooled environments.
Many properties used for short-term rentals are old, poorly insulated, with obsolete windows and without automated systems. Renovating them costs, and those who rent only for a few months are often not motivated to invest. Furthermore, owners fear that installing timers or limits on air conditioning could lower reviews.
Some customers, in fact, complain if they find the house dark upon arrival, or if the hot water is regulated by a timer. The key is balance: save yes, but without penalizing comfort. And this is possible, if smart solutions are adopted.
The advantages of energy efficiency for everyone
For those who host, reducing consumption means cutting costs and increasing margins. On average, in summer, air conditioning can represent 70% of a vacation home's electricity bill. Regulating or turning it off in the guest's absence can bring savings of up to 40%.
For customers, instead, staying in an eco-conscious structure is often an added value. Finding LED lights, smart sensors, flow reducers and an already air-conditioned environment conveys attention and care. Some guests, especially foreigners, actively seek green accommodations.
Several managers have found practical solutions: displays that show consumption in real time, programmable remote controls, badges to activate electricity only when the guest is present. Others ask for a small contribution if you want to leave the air conditioner on in their absence. All strategies that help make the customer responsible.
GEVA's smart system: efficiency and safety in one gesture
To make energy saving easy without complications, GEVA Elettronica has developed a smart access system designed specifically for B&Bs and short-term rentals. Our RFID reader recognizes only the card assigned to that accommodation: no opening with credit cards, generic badges or counterfeit cards.
Furthermore, if the customer leaves the card in the lock of the internal door, the system prevents new openings from the outside, avoiding the classic tricks to leave the room air-conditioned while out, in case you have multiple cards.
When opening the door, the system automatically turns on the internal lights, welcoming the customer with an already illuminated environment. If a window is opened, the heat pump turns off immediately, avoiding unnecessary dispersions. And if the guest is not present, the system keeps everything off.
This automation not only optimizes consumption, but also improves the user experience, who finds a smart home, ready to welcome him with maximum comfort and minimum waste. Without giving up safety: every incorrect behavior is prevented.
Choosing the GEVA system means simplifying management, reducing consumption, and offering a modern, safe and sustainable service. For hospitality that looks to the future, without compromise.