After a year of development and testing, the first artificial intelligence-supported device capable of measuring water consumption during showers in real time is now coming to market. Developed by Savearth, a startup incubated at UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, and designed for the hotel sector, the equipment sends personalised alerts to guests about their consumption habits and rewards those who adopt more sustainable behaviours. For hotels, the device allows for savings of up to 60% in shower consumption.

The solution is based on the ‘save to earn’ concept, rewarding guests who adopt conscious behaviours. Whenever a shower is shorter and more efficient, the device awards an incentive agreed with the hotel, which can take the form of a discount or an exclusive experience.

On average, a guest can use around 120 litres of water per bath, which is much higher than the 40 to 80 litres used in a quick shower at home. For a hotel with around 150 rooms, adopting this technology could represent an opportunity to generate annual savings of up to €100,000 in water and energy, associated with water consumption in showers and the heating of that water.

João Machado, CEO of SaveEarth, explains: “This methodology combines independent evidence from academic and industry studies with an innovative approach that ensures credibility and tangible results for hotels”.

The Savearth device, called the ‘eco shower’, has already been tested in several hotels in Porto and Lisbon. At the PortoBay Teatro Hotel, water savings of 46% were recorded, while at the Palácio do Governador the figure reached 48%. The success of the tests resulted in more than 50 requests from hotels on the waiting list – not only in Portugal, but also in Spain, Italy and Dubai.

This year, the startup was also the winner of the Portuguese edition of Climate Launchpad, the world’s largest cleantech ideas competition. Thanks to this victory, they will be present at the Climate Innovators Fair, alongside other promising startups from more than 45 countries.

Savearth: featured at the Hotel Innovation Summit

The official launch of Savearth’s solution for more sustainable hospitality will take place at the Hotel Innovation Summit in Lisbon. The event will be held on 10 November at 6 p.m. and aims to bring together investors and representatives from the hotel industry interested in adopting more efficient and responsible practices.

15 October 2025