Sonder Holdings Inc. Partners With Zen Ecosystems and Arcadia to Optimize Energy Consumption Across Future Properties and Accommodations

By: Sonder Holdings Inc. via Business Wire

November 17, 2021 at 07:00 AM EST

Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, announced today the implementation of new energy management systems and sourcing to optimize energy consumption and favor renewable energy usage, where possible, across Sonder’s global portfolio of units.

“Our environmental commitments include reducing or minimizing the impact of our operations wherever possible and by favoring technology-enabled solutions,” said Lara Birkes, Head of Sustainability at Sonder. “We’re excited to work with both Zen Ecosystems and Arcadia to provide scalable and flexible energy management solutions that help us reduce unnecessary energy use and costs as well as reduce our environmental impact through renewables.”

Sonder will work with Zen Ecosystems, provider of intelligent energy management solutions, to favor the use of the Zen HQ platform across all units moving forward. This system enables immediate and customized management of energy consumption across multi-site operations through the use of smart thermostats and cloud software solutions. Sonder can access energy consumption data at the unit, building, and market levels to make real time decisions around energy management in order to optimize savings and reduce unnecessary energy usage. Currently, the Zen HQ system is installed across a selection of Sonder’s Toronto, Orlando, Chicago and New Orleans properties.

“We are pleased to launch this partnership with Sonder as they focus on growing their portfolio in a responsible way,” said Wannie Park, CEO of Zen Ecosystems. “Our platform delivers a sustainability solution customized by market and asset type, maximizing greenhouse gas reductions and ROI.”

Sonder is also working with Arcadia, a technology company focused on providing access to renewable energy sources and community solar power, to deliver energy to Sonder properties, where available. Arcadia's community solar program currently provides clean electrical power to all units across Sonder’s Chicago properties, without the need to install rooftop solar panels.

“Arcadia was founded with the simple idea that everyone should have access to affordable, clean energy. Community solar is the easiest way to achieve that goal,” said Kiran Bhatraju, CEO of Arcadia. “We are pleased to partner with Sonder and Zen to help power their properties in Illinois with local, renewable solar energy.”

According to Zen Ecosystems equivalency calculations, Sonder units equipped with Zen thermostats will generate an estimated carbon savings per unit of 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, or the equivalent of 1,300 pounds of coal carbon.

Sonder continues to explore opportunities to leverage renewable energy to power properties in additional U.S. cities and its global portfolio.

About Sonder

Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-enabled service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamless experience. Launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder provides a variety of accommodation options — from spacious rooms to fully-equipped suites and apartments — found in over 35 markets spanning ten countries and three continents. The Sonder app gives guests full control over their stay. Complete with self-service features, simple check-in and 24/7 on-the-ground support, amenities and services at Sonder are just a tap away, making a world of better stays open to all.

To learn more, visit www.sonder.com or follow Sonder on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Download the Sonder app on Apple or Google Play.

About Zen Ecosystems

Zen Ecosystems provides an intelligent energy management platform that helps small to medium-sized businesses take control of their energy usage while meeting sustainability goals. Zen HQ provides insights and control over commercial energy usage while delivering the fastest payback in the market. The Zen Thermostat is a beautiful, simple connected device for home and business that also enables multi-system operators to enhance the customer experience. Learn more at http://zenecosystems.com.

About Arcadia

Arcadia is a climate crisis-fighting technology company founded in 2014 and born out of a simple idea—everyone deserves access to clean energy. But two-thirds of Americans can’t take advantage of rooftop solar. At Arcadia, we’re building technology to connect consumers and businesses with local solar farms to provide all the benefits of solar with none of the hassle. Arcadia’s community solar program manages more than five Terawatt-hours of residential and commercial energy demand and is the largest manager of community solar assets in the country. Join us in our mission and find out how you or your business can help achieve the vision of a 100% clean energy future at www.arcadia.com.