Aiming to make hotel stays more sustainable, Savearth has developed an AI-powered device that measures water use during showers in real time, helping hotels cut water and energy costs by up to 60% while rewarding guests for mindful water use.
Following a year of development and testing, the startup – incubated at UPTEC, the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto – is bringing its “eco shower” system to market, according to a statement by UPTEC.
Hotel water consumption remains a major sustainability concern worldwide. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance reports that a typical hotel room can use around 1,500 litres of water per day – significantly more than the average household. As the sector faces increasing scrutiny over resource use, data-driven solutions are gaining traction among operators seeking to improve efficiency.
Against this backdrop, Savearth’s technology aims to help hotels monitor and reduce their environmental impact while making conservation an engaging part of the guest experience.
Already tested in several hotels, it operates on a “save to earn” model that promotes responsible water use and has drawn interest from more than 50 hotels across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Dubai.
AI-driven monitoring and guest engagement
The compact device, which can be installed in under a minute without tools or plumbing changes, uses AI-based sound frequency recognition to detect shower activity and calculate water consumption in real time.
Once it recognises the sound of running water, it automatically activates and starts tracking usage. Guests can see their water consumption as they shower and receive subtle alerts when they exceed sustainable levels, encouraging shorter and more efficient showers without reducing comfort.
When the shower ends, the total water and energy consumption is recorded and sent to the hotel’s connected platform. Guests who stay within the efficient range are automatically rewarded through Savearth’s system, with points added to their account that can be exchanged for perks such as free drinks, dining discounts, or exclusive experiences.
According to the company, this approach not only transforms a daily routine into an opportunity to reduce environmental impact but also increases guest engagement and loyalty.
The platform integrates seamlessly with hotel management systems, allowing staff to customize rewards, monitor guest participation, and access detailed sustainability reports. These analytics help hotels measure savings, demonstrate their environmental progress, and align with global sustainability goals.
Tangible results from pilot tests
The technology has already been tested in several hotels in Porto and Lisbon, where shower water consumption was almost halved. At the PortoBay Teatro Hotel, consumption dropped by 46%, and at the Palácio do Governador, savings reached 48%.
For a hotel with 150 rooms, Savearth estimates potential annual savings of up to €100,000 from reduced water and energy use. Founder and CEO João Machado said the technology combines scientific research with practical testing.
“This methodology brings together independent evidence from academic and industry studies with an innovative approach that ensures credibility and tangible results for hotels,” he explained.
Recognition and upcoming launch
Savearth’s innovation recently won the Portuguese edition of Climate Launchpad, described as the world’s largest cleantech ideas competition, earning a place at the Climate Innovators Fair alongside startups from more than 45 countries.
The company will officially present its system at the Hospitality Innovation Summit on 10 November at 6 p.m. at the PortoBay Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon, an event that will bring together investors and hospitality leaders interested in adopting more efficient and sustainable technologies.
Featured image: João Machado, founder and CEO of Savearth, leading the development of a solution that helps hotels use water more efficiently and sustainably. (Photo source: UPTEC)
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