CAEs: extra cash for hotel energy retrofits

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 17, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~1 min

If your hotel spends less on electricity or HVAC, that saving can be turned into certificates that are then sold to large companies required to meet efficiency targets. They are called Energy Savings Certificates (CAEs) and, according to the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero, many hotels are still unaware of this additional funding stream.

The ITH has launched ITHSaveHotel, a program that guides hoteliers through the entire process: from diagnosis to selling the certificates. The goal is to reduce the CAPEX of renovations and accelerate returns. They are running in-person workshops in Madrid (Sept 30), Barcelona (Oct 20), Málaga (Oct 27) and Benidorm (Nov 12). In my opinion, this is a real opportunity for hotels that need to modernize but lack liquidity: CAEs are not a loan, they are money you have already saved and can monetize.

Quick questions

What is an Energy Savings Certificate (CAE)?

A document that certifies real, measured energy savings. You can sell it to large companies that need to meet efficiency obligations, generating extra income for your hotel.

How does ITHSaveHotel help hotels?

ITHSaveHotel is an ITH program that guides hoteliers step by step: diagnoses savings potential, processes certificates and connects with buyers. It reduces risk and complexity.

What savings can be turned into CAEs?

Any improvement that cuts energy use: insulation, efficient HVAC, LED lighting, solar panels, etc. The savings are measured and certified.

When are the ITH workshops on CAEs?

Madrid Sept 30, Barcelona Oct 20, Málaga Oct 27 and Benidorm Nov 12. They are free and open to hospitality professionals.

Is it worth it for a small hotel?

Yes, because accumulated savings, even modest ones, turn into a certificate that adds up. For ambitious projects, CAEs can cover up to 30% of the retrofit cost.

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