Retrofitting a 3 star hotel as a basis for piloting water minimisation interventions in the hospitality sector

Abstract

The poor state of Malta’s groundwater resources provides clear evidence of the need for different yet complementary strategies to secure the long term sustainability of groundwater bodies which have long been abused through increased abstraction for non potable use. In line with the hierarchy for the management of natural resources, minimisation plays a significant role as this would guarantee lower abstracted volumes from groundwater. This paper outlines the results from a pilot project aimed at retrofitting guestrooms in a 3 star hotel with low flow aerators and shower heads and with volume displacers in toilet cisterns. Water consumed before and after the interventions, based on meter readings, the impact retrofits may be established. The hypothesis whereby low flow, non interventionist retrofits can achieve significant water savings at a low cost, without disruption and with a payback period of less than three months, can be tested. Malta’s tourism industry is sizeable and the largest water consumer from all economic sectors. The results show that the interventions provide appreciable water savings and can be easily replicated both in other buildings thereby contributing to a reduced water footprint.