Corridor/Lobby Lighting 24/7? How Zoning and Sensors Can Cut Your Hotel’s Electricity Bill in Half

In many hotels, lobbies and corridors are kept brightly lit 24 hours a day, every day of the year. While this guarantees a welcoming and safe environment, it’s also one of the biggest contributors to excessive energy consumption and soaring electricity bills. Fortunately, modern technology offers solutions: smart zoning and sensor-based controls can dramatically reduce lighting costs—often by 50% or more—without sacrificing guest comfort or safety. Here’s how your hotel can make the switch and start saving, with a spotlight on inbright smart lighting systems.

The Problem: Uninterrupted Lighting, Unseen Waste

Hotels traditionally keep public spaces like corridors and lobbies illuminated around the clock. However, traffic in these areas is rarely constant—guest movement spikes during check-in/out, events, and mealtimes, but drops significantly at night or during off-peak hours.

Key Issues:

• Wasted energy when spaces are empty

• Lights set to maximum brightness at all hours

• Maintenance costs rise due to overused fixtures

Without optimization, lighting can easily account for 30%–40% of a hotel’s total energy bill—with corridors and lobbies as major contributors.

The Solution: Zoning & Sensor-Based Lighting Control

1. Zoning: Divide and Conquer
Zoning means breaking your corridor and lobby lighting circuits into multiple controlled sections, each with independent settings. For example:

• Main lobby vs. entrance vestibule

• Corridor segments by floor or wing

• Elevator lobbies, stairwells, and connecting hallways

This allows for tailored schedules and brightness levels based on actual usage patterns.

2. Occupancy & Daylight Sensors
Installing occupancy (motion) sensors ensures lights are only on when guests or staff are present. Daylight sensors automatically dim or turn off lights when sufficient natural light is available.

• Corridors: Lights automatically brighten when someone enters, then dim or turn off after a set period.

• Lobbies: Lower ambient lighting at night, increase brightness during busy hours or when people are detected.

inbright systems seamlessly integrate these sensors, allowing for real-time adjustments and fine-tuned schedules.

Case Study: Cutting Corridor Lighting Costs in Half

A 250-room business hotel implemented inbright zoning and sensor controls in all public corridors:
Before: Corridor downlights (10W each) operated 24/7 at 100% brightness.
After: Divided into six zones with motion sensors; baseline dimming at 30%, full brightness when occupancy detected.
Result: Corridor lighting energy use dropped by 52%, with additional savings from reduced lamp replacements and maintenance calls. Guest feedback on safety and comfort remained positive.

Step-by-Step Implementation for Maximum Savings

1. Conduct an Energy Audit

• Identify all public space downlights, wattage, and operating hours.

• Analyze foot traffic to pinpoint low-activity zones and times.

2. Design the Zoning Layout

• Collaborate with facility engineers and lighting professionals.

• Use inbright’s management platform to map out control zones.

3. Install Sensors and Smart Controls

• Fit motion and daylight sensors in all targeted areas.

• Program default dimming and sensor-triggered settings for each zone.

4. Monitor and Adjust

• Use inbright’s real-time analytics to track savings and adjust schedules for optimal performance.

• Schedule regular reviews to ensure continued efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Beyond Energy Savings: Added Benefits

• Lower Maintenance: Lamps and drivers last longer when not run at full power 24/7.

• Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint improves hotel’s environmental credentials.

• Brand Value: Energy-efficient operations attract eco-conscious guests and corporate clients.

• Guest Experience: Smart lighting ensures corridors and lobbies are always inviting, yet never wasteful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-zoning (too many small sections can complicate management)

• Using low-quality or incompatible sensors

• Ignoring staff training on new control systems

• Failing to adjust schedules based on changing occupancy or seasons

Conclusion

Continuous lighting in hotel corridors and lobbies is no longer a “must-have” cost. With smart zoning and sensor integration—especially through a powerful platform like inbright—hotels can achieve dramatic reductions in electricity bills, often cutting corridor/lobby lighting costs in half. The result: significant savings, a greener operation, and a superior guest experience.

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