No two properties are alike. Even if they operate in the same sector (e.g. hotel, multifamily, etc.), in the same geographic area, and are targeting the same occupants, their construction, layout, and infrastructure all differ. Consequently, their energy needs will be unique as well.
Multiply that diversity of energy needs across multiple commercial properties, and choosing the right Smart Thermostat and Energy Management System for your portfolio can be a challenge.
With so many devices on the market, how can portfolio managers ensure they’re choosing a thermostat built for commercial performance? From compatibility and control to machine learning and maintenance, there are several key features portfolio managers should look for when choosing a smart thermostat solution that delivers immediate ROI, long-term savings, and cross-property scalability.
Why HVAC Efficiency Matters to Profitability
HVAC systems are one of the largest drivers of energy consumption for hotels and other commercial properties, with HVAC alone accounting for “between 40% and 50% of total energy costs.” And the sheer proportion of that operational cost has a direct impact on a range of financial KPIs, from Net Operating Income (NOI) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) to Cost per Occupied Room (CPOR) and GOPPAR, as well as many more.
Smart thermostats equipped with energy-saving automation features can reduce HVAC runtime without compromising comfort, helping operators maintain consistency across properties while reducing waste and utility costs. Properties using Verdant’s energy management system have reduced HVAC runtimes by as much as 45%, contributing to measurable savings on utility bills without sacrificing guest comfort, and even increasing a property’s resale value.
Smart Thermostat Features Designed for Commercial Properties
Not all smart thermostats are created equal. Consumer-grade options models offered by Nest and Ecobee are designed for single-family homes. Commercial properties require commercial-grade systems that are purpose-built to manage energy at scale, provide centralized control and visibility, and manage multi-room occupancy.
Verdant’s smart thermostats, including our VX, VX4, and ZX models, are specifically designed to meet the demands of large properties and diverse portfolios. They’re equipped with robust features and capabilities, such as Smart Alerts, Dynamic Recovery, Remote Control, and Flexible Setbacks. Verdant’s energy management also integrates seamlessly with most Property Management Softwares (PMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS).
Verdant’s Thermostat Manager also provides a centralized solution, allowing property managers to monitor and control HVAC settings across all their units from a single platform. Featuring bulk updates, customizable energy profiles, and real-time monitoring, managers can ensure optimal efficiency without requiring extensive HVAC knowledge.
Rapid ROI by Design: Features That Drive Savings
Few energy upgrades pay for themselves as quickly as smart thermostats. Verdant’s smart thermostats, for instance, are engineered to deliver measurable energy savings within weeks of installation, and many Verdant clients report full ROI in just 12 to 18 months.
Indeed, the energy savings begin immediately upon installation, and only accumulate over time. The combination of lower energy bills and potential rebates makes an investment in Verdant’s smart thermostats especially attractive for both new developments and retrofits.
Every feature is designed with ROI in mind, helping commercial property managers reduce operating costs without compromising occupant comfort or requiring manual adjustments. From smart automation to real-time system alerts and insights, these features generate consistent results portfolio-wide.
HVAC Compatibility
Verdant’s energy management system offers unmatched compatibility with a wide array of HVAC systems. Verdant thermostats are designed to integrate seamlessly with the mechanical systems already in place, ensuring consistent performance across properties regardless of equipment type or brand. Our broad compatibility with both new and existing HVAC infrastructure allows property managers to standardize their energy management strategy without worrying about HVAC limitations.
This universal compatibility also reduces operational complexity at scale. Portfolio managers can implement a consistent EMS across multiple buildings, streamlining training, maintenance, and system oversight, while benefiting from intelligent, automated climate control.
Programmable Occupancy Settings
Verdant’s programmable occupancy settings allow property managers to customize HVAC operation across their portfolio with precision and ease. Through remote access, managers can adjust settings such as vacant mode, savings off, set temperature, or system off without setting foot on the property. This centralized control helps ensure each room or unit is operating efficiently, whether it’s occupied or not.
The platform also simplifies resident and guest management. New residents can be added or removed from the system in seconds, with immediate access to thermostat controls. This flexibility reduces administrative overhead while maintaining personalized comfort and energy efficiency at scale.
Occupancy Sensors & Night Detection
Verdant thermostats are equipped with Occupancy Sensors that automatically detect when a room is vacant and adjust HVAC operation accordingly. This real-time responsiveness helps eliminate unnecessary heating or cooling in empty spaces, reducing energy waste without requiring manual intervention from staff or occupants.
Night Detection features add another layer of intelligent control by recognizing when guests are asleep. Instead of reverting to energy-saving settings during overnight hours, the system maintains comfort until motion resumes, ensuring a seamless guest experience while still capturing energy savings. Together, these features provide a balance of efficiency and comfort tailored to the realities of hotel and multifamily living.
Dynamic Recovery & Flexible Setbacks
Dynamic Recovery allows Verdant thermostats to anticipate occupancy and pre-condition rooms just in time for arrival or use. Instead of running HVAC systems continuously or relying on rigid schedules, the system intelligently calculates when to start heating or cooling so that the desired temperature is reached precisely when needed. This ensures optimal comfort without excessive energy use.
Flexible Setbacks further enhance efficiency by allowing customized temperature ranges based on occupancy status. Property managers can define how far the temperature drifts when a room is vacant, customizing settings to balance energy savings and recovery time. Combined, these features give operators granular control over performance, reducing waste while adapting to real-world conditions.
Remote Access for Portfolio-Wide Control
Managing HVAC performance across multiple properties doesn’t need to be complicated. Verdant’s Remote Access capabilities give portfolio managers full visibility and control over every thermostat in every unit from a single, centralized platform. Whether adjusting setpoints, activating vacant mode, or responding to system alerts, changes can be made instantly, from anywhere.
This level of control not only simplifies operations but also empowers property managers to respond proactively to energy trends, maintenance issues, and occupant comfort needs. With remote access, operators can ensure consistent energy management policies across their entire portfolio, reducing onsite workload while maintaining performance and savings at scale.
Machine Learning & Predictive Maintenance
Verdant’s smart thermostats also use Machine Learning to continuously adapt to the unique usage patterns of each room, unit, or common area. Over time, the system becomes more efficient at predicting occupancy patterns, fine-tuning temperature control, and optimizing energy use. This intelligent automation helps properties maintain peak performance with minimal manual oversight.
In addition to energy savings, Verdant’s platform supports Predictive Maintenance by identifying irregularities in HVAC performance before they become costly issues. Early detection of system anomalies allows maintenance teams to intervene proactively, reducing equipment downtime and extending the life of HVAC assets. For portfolio managers, this translates into lower repair costs and more reliable long-term performance.
Analytics Reporting
Of course, thermodynamic and occupancy data are not just limited to HVAC system automation and performance. They are also valuable for providing property managers with in-depth reporting on all aspects of their property’s energy costs and energy consumption trends.
These energy management reports typically include personalized recommendations and energy-saving tips based on actual data and insights, rather than guesswork. This ultimately allows property managers to make strategic, data-driven decisions, lowering operational and overhead costs.
Air Quality Monitoring
Indoor air quality plays a critical role in occupant comfort, health, and overall satisfaction. Verdant’s Air Quality Monitoring capabilities provide real-time insights into key environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels — helping property managers maintain a safer and more comfortable environment.
Beyond occupant comfort, air quality data also supports broader sustainability initiatives. By actively monitoring and managing air quality, portfolio managers can demonstrate a commitment to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), a key component of green building certifications and sustainability reporting. It’s a value-add that enhances operational transparency while reinforcing your property’s reputation for wellness and responsibility.
Demand Response Programs and Utility Rebates
Verdant’s smart thermostats and HVAC also help property managers participate in Demand Response programs and be more proactive about managing their operational energy costs. Through a Demand Response program, property managers are alerted to forecasted peak usage ‘events’, and unless they opt-out of that event, their HVAC system will adjust to draw less energy from the grid during that event. This allows property managers to reduce their energy consumption when it counts the most and earn credits against future energy costs.
Many utility providers across North America offer demand response and smart thermostat rebates, which can significantly shorten the payback period on Verdant installations. When combined with Verdant’s built-in automation and centralized controls, these programs provide a powerful financial incentive to adopt a smarter, more responsive energy strategy for your commercial property portfolio.
Real-Time Data = Real-Time Decisions
Verdant’s energy management system delivers actionable data-based insights that help property managers make informed decisions in real time. Customizable dashboards and automated reports translate thermostat and HVAC data into clear performance metrics, allowing teams to track energy usage, occupancy trends, and system efficiency across their portfolio.
Whether optimizing maintenance schedules, identifying energy-saving opportunities, or demonstrating performance to stakeholders, Verdant’s analytics tools provide portfolio managers with the visibility and precision they need to optimize their operating costs.
The Installation Advantage: Fast, Scalable, Hassle-Free
Verdant’s thermostats are also designed for plug-and-play installation, with most units up and running in under 10 minutes. With no need for costly retrofits or HVAC overhauls, it’s easy to upgrade your energy management system without disrupting daily operations or incurring capital-intensive improvements.
Compatible with the most common commercial HVAC systems, including PTACs, VRFs, and FCUs, Verdant ensures a smooth deployment across a wide variety of building types. Whether retrofitting a single property or rolling out across a portfolio, the installation process is simple, fast, and scalable.
From Energy Waste to Energy Value
Smart thermostats offer one of the most efficient paths to reducing energy waste and improving commercial property performance. With minimal disruption and low upfront effort, Verdant’s energy management system delivers measurable ROI, while streamlining operations and improving occupancy experience.
By reducing energy use and improving system oversight, Verdant helps future-proof your portfolio against rising costs and evolving sustainability standards. It’s a practical, high-impact solution for commercial property managers looking to create value at every level.
Book a web demo today with Verdant and discover how you can unlock energy savings and operational ROI across your portfolio — in as little as 12 to 18 months.
Why Choose Verdant’s Smart Thermostats?
From energy costs savings to resident safety and comfort, Verdant’s smart thermostats offer portfolio managers so many benefits. But just as not all smart thermostats are alike, not all commercial properties have the energy management needs.
It’s important that portfolio managers choose a smart thermostat solution that fits their specific needs. Verdant’s VX, VX4, and ZX smart thermostats offer an unmatched range of features that are suitable for all hotels and multifamily buildings.
Verdant’s smart thermostats also integrate seamlessly with other 3rd party systems (such as smart lighting and air purification filters) helping property managers automate and optimize so much more than just their energy costs. When it comes to commercial smart thermostats, Verdant is an energy management decision that makes itself.