Three distinct luxury hotel brands have integrated an emerging low-voltage energy and data platform known as Nexos to achieve a series of strategic outcomes. The Sinclair in Texas, Hotel Marcel in Connecticut and Alila Marea Beach Resort in California will rely on the technology to reduce carbon footprints, make better use of data and provide a digitally-forward guest experience.
Developed by Des Moines-based smart building technology firm Igor, ‘Nexos’ is the plural of the Latin word ‘nexus’, meaning the central part of multiple connections. The brand is apropos, given that the Nexos platform is built on Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cabling. PoE is a low-voltage means of carrying electrical power through data cables instead of the traditional A/C power grid.
Buildings with Nexos rely on a single platform to manage many different systems, sensors and equipment across the entire structure. Nexos also helps buildings achieve green energy strategies – an imperative gaining urgency in the hospitality industry.
“There’s a growing interest among hoteliers to make a measurable difference around environmental impact,” said Hannah Walker, COO, Sinclair Digital, a smart building technologies design and consulting firm. “Hospitality is one of largest producers of carbon with massive heating and air conditioning loads and extensive lighting packages among other energy-guzzling systems. We’ve been impressed by our partners in the industry who are willing to try new things and leverage innovative technology. However, the sector needs more strong-willed owners with unwavering commitment to sustainability to accelerate change. Fortunately, we’re seeing more of that, as developers are finding these practices attract higher-end clientele and drive long-term operational savings.”T
