In the middle of the idyllic landscape on Lake Constance is the Hotel Knoblauch, a family business with 79 rooms at four-star level, run by the fifth generation of the Knoblauch family.
But behind the traditional façade lies an innovative approach that focuses on sustainability and efficiency – particularly in the area of energy management. We met with Christian Knoblauch to talk about his hotel, sustainability and the use of our energy management solution better.energy.
The need for sustainable solutions
Since the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increased focus on the hotel’s independence. Christian Knoblauch emphasises: “Independence can only be guaranteed by setting up sustainable operations, and that includes an intelligent energy management system.” In times when every watt counts, energy and electricity consumption is becoming the centre of attention for hotels.
The hotel industry a useless economic sector?
The pandemic and the associated government-ordered hotel closures have shown the owner that the hotel industry is, soberly considered, a useless economic sector. “If we look at the impact of tourism on the environment neutrally from the outside, we are causing extremely high CO2 emissions for something that is actually unnecessary.
Even if travelling is of course good for the psyche, is good for relaxation and is beautiful. Tourism is not a vital industry, otherwise the state would not have simply closed down hotels. And that’s exactly why we want to make everything as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible,” explains Christian Knoblauch.
The Hotel Knoblauch
The four-star Hotel Knoblauch, which has been family-run for over 130 years in the fifth generation, welcomes its guests to Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance with a charming blend of tradition and modernity. With 79 comfortable rooms, a spacious wellness area, an idyllic garden terrace and a restaurant, it offers the perfect setting for both business trips and relaxing holidays as well as culinary experiences with regional specialities.
The Hotel Knoblauch is actively committed to sustainability and endeavours to reduce its CO2 emissions. Since 2022, it has supported four unique, socio-ecological projects of the Global Social Network e.V., which focus on direct and indirect CO2 savings and offsetting. Guests have the opportunity to support the projects by booking the Go Green option and thus actively contribute to shaping a greener future.
The accidental discovery of better.energy
The hotel’s attention was drawn to Betterspace and the intelligent energy management system better.energy by chance when the owner read the Tophotel newsletter while on holiday in Portugal. “We immediately recognised the enormous energy-saving potential of better.energy and the opportunity to reduce the workload on our housekeeping,” explains Christian Knoblauch.
Perfect collaboration with experts for promotion and sustainability
Telekom’s collaboration with Betterspace also had a positive influence on the project. “The support provided by Telekom’s “Schubkraft” programme was really good,” emphasises Mr Knoblauch.
The seamless collaboration between Telekom and Betterspace facilitated the realisation of the project. “Daniel Hassani from Telekom accompanied the process and was our contact person for the funding.”
“Schubkraft” from Telekom
The Group-wide “Schubkraft” programme was launched by Telekom. The aim is to give customers a simple overview of funding programmes in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation and to provide them with support. Schubkraft accompanies Deutsche Telekom’s customers into the digital future and helps with the evaluation, application and processing of projects. In this way, Telekom is setting an example in terms of service, progress and sustainability for its business customers.
A smooth installation process
The installation of better.energy was the first full remote project for Christian Knoblauch and his team and went absolutely smoothly. “It was super easy to install,” says Mr Knoblauch enthusiastically. “We received really perfectly prepared information and instructions and were able to do everything ourselves. The LoRaWAN thermostats and the gateway were easy to install.”
Impressive customer service and support
However, Betterspace’s support did not end with the installation. “Right from the start, we were supported by a dedicated Customer Success team during implementation,” explains Mr Knoblauch. “They answered every question in detail and took a lot of time to explain the system to us, even though it is basically self-explanatory. I’m still amazed at the level of expertise with which we were advised and the time they took to change minimal settings to help us save even more energy and therefore CO2.”
Energy efficiency in everyday hotel life
The implementation of better.energy has already had a significant impact on hotel operations. “You can see in the system how often it intervenes automatically,” says Mr Knoblauch. “It makes our work a lot easier and we no longer blow energy out the window.”
They were particularly surprised at how often better.energy intervenes in the bathroom and automatically lowers the temperature back to an energy-efficient level after 30 minutes. Recognising open windows is also a huge advantage when it comes to avoiding pointless heating.
“I was amazed to see in the web management interface of better.energy how carelessly and thoughtlessly some hotel guests deal with the issue of energy and heat. We can see exactly how often the energy-saving system automatically stops the heating because a window has been opened,” explains the owner.
Betterspace & the smart room control system better.energy at a glance:
- Automatic control of radiators and fan coils using intelligent algorithms
- Occupancy taken into account via API to the hotel’s “protel” PMS system
- Relief for staff, as manual intervention is no longer necessary
- Detection of open windows using window contacts and immediate adjustment of heating
- Simple self-installation and commissioning with instructions and little effort
- Perfect remote support and training from Betterspace
Recommendation for the industry
Based on his experience, Christian Knoblauch has a clear recommendation for his colleagues in the hotel industry.
“I recommend everyone to look into the topics of sustainability, environmental protection and energy management and, in connection with this, Betterspace. The solution is great and easy to implement. Especially because the system is also really suitable for older existing buildings,” he explains. “It’s simply worth it for the environment and, of course, for your wallet.”
At a time when sustainability and efficiency are becoming increasingly important, it is crucial for hotels like the Hotel Knoblauch to implement energy-efficient solutions. If you would like to put your hotel on the path to a sustainable future, why not arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our energy experts at Betterspace today? We look forward to hearing you and your story!