This transformation aligns with Kimpton’s broader vision: to revitalize older buildings into stylish, functional hotels that embrace sustainability without compromising on design or comfort. That commitment came to life even further at The Gray with the integration of Telkonet’s Energy Management System.
A historic past with future-forward energy management goals
The Kimpton Gray’s infrastructure offers rich character, but managing energy use in a historic building posed several challenges: particularly in ensuring guest comfort while reducing operational waste.
To align with Kimpton’s sustainability goals and improve energy performance, the hotel required a solution that could be retrofitted seamlessly into the existing structure while delivering meaningful savings.
In 2016, The Kimpton Gray Hotel implemented Telkonet’s Energy Management System (EMS) to gain real-time control over in-room HVAC operations and improve energy efficiency. The system intelligently adjusts temperature settings based on occupancy and user preferences, maximizing comfort while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Legacy architecture meets smart technology
Since implementing Telkonet’s EMS, The Kimpton Gray has achieved significant reductions in energy usage and operational costs:
- 48.34% decrease in heating energy use
- 40.52% decrease in cooling energy use
- 43.18% overall energy cost savings
The Kimpton Gray Hotel proves that sustainability and luxury can go hand-in-hand, even in legacy buildings. By partnering with VDA Telkonet, the hotel has elevated its operations through smart energy management while staying true to its architectural roots. The result is a modern guest experience that honors the past and embraces the future.
An Interview with Kimpton Gray Hotel
We learned from Kimpton Gray Hotel about how focusing on energy management and sustainability has made a positive impact:
How does the hotel’s commitment to sustainability align with the Kimpton bran and its guests’ expectations?
Sustainability is central to the Kimpton brand and to the expectations of today’s eco-conscious traveler. At the Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago, we translate that commitment into tangible practices such as energy-efficient operations and eco-conscious guest amenities. These efforts not only reduce our impact but also create an experience rooted in shared values and a forward-looking hospitality culture.
How do you see the role of energy management evolving in the hospitality industry, especially in competitive urban markets like Chicago?
In competitive urban markets such as Chicago, energy management has become a defining part of our strategy. It allows us to balance efficiency, sustainability, and compliance while strengthening their position in a crowded landscape. The hotels that lead in adopting smart technologies like Telkonet’s EMS are the ones setting the standard for modern hospitality.
