Nothing is more important to a guest's comfort than the temperature of the guestroom. For this reason, the most advanced in-room energy management solutions combine easy-to-use selection options with remote control features. Technology plays a critical role in reducing energy consumption without compromising comfort. Smart thermostats, for example, detect occupancy and increase energy savings. The integration of energy management with other in-room technologies offers a leap forward in developing a truly smart room.

Intelligent thermostats unlock energy savings based on real-time information. This same concept applies to the so-called smart grid, which would let utility companies offer real-time billing while helping to manage demand. A property's HVAC — and in particular the A/C unit — could significantly control load. If guests could choose how much energy they use based on real-time data, hotels could encourage energy-wise practices. And thermostats could combine remotely programmed options for HVAC and lighting.

This intelligent approach represents the front-end of initiatives to unite multiple facets through network technologies and systems interoperability. The key is greater in-building automation that improves efficiency by giving property management remote access to real-time, reliable data. By integrating in-room devices, energy-consumption data can be used to monitor and analyze energy-control for the entire building. This data is essential in energy management activities, such as programming thresholds against utility-rate changes or demand-reduction needs.

Systems collaboration will drive smart room development. Cohesive systems will encompass every possible aspect — from HVAC, lighting, door locks, access and surveillance to mini bars, safes, and even preferred TV stations. Standards-based wireless mesh technology, epitomized by the ZigBee mesh infrastructure, consolidates systems that vie for space within the 2.4GHz spectrum. Powerline communications technology and wireless networks facilitate access to an overall infrastructure that will improve energy management.

With typical HVAC accounting for more than 30 percent of a hotel's electrical consumption, it is the logical starting point to a smarter guestroom. The smart guestroom is not far from realization.

The concept will almost certainly expand to new technologies such as radio frequency identification, which could take the guest loyalty card concept to a new level — with a hotel's energy management system turning on the air conditioning to a specific setting as you walk through the door. In the future, data sent from your smart phone to your smart hotel room will make you feel more at home on the road … and just possibly a little smarter.

Jeff Sobieski is chief operating officer of Telkonet, Inc.