Lee Pickersgill: A jouney from the Royal Engineers to Sustainable Energy at Valor Hospitality

Transitioning from the structured environment of the Royal Engineers to the dynamic hospitality industry might seem like a leap across disciplines, but for Lee Pickersgill, Energy Manager at Valor Hospitality, it was a natural evolution of his skills. Over a career spanning nearly three decades in the military, Pickersgill honed a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and adaptability—qualities he now leverages to revolutionise energy usage across Valor’s portfolio of hotels. In a recent interview, Pickersgill shared insights into his journey, his impact on Valor Hospitality, and the sustainable initiatives shaping the future of the industry.

Lessons from the Front Line

Reflecting on his 27-year career in the Royal Engineers, Pickersgill described it as a transformative experience. “I joined straight from school, so that was the only job I’d ever had. Never even had a paper round,” he began. Starting as a fitter mechanic, he progressed through various roles, including working on heavy engines, managing facilities, and instructing. “As you go through the ranks,” Pickersgill explained, “you move from pillar to post into job roles where you’ve never had experience and are just expected to do it. Within a couple of months, you’re expected to be the subject matter expert.”

The challenges of military service instilled values that remain foundational to Pickersgill’s approach. “Discipline, standards, respect, integrity, loyalty,” he listed, adding, “The important thing for me was to ensure that the people below me looked up to me in the same way I looked up to those above me when I started.” His leadership style, which emphasised politeness and teamwork, earned him respect and loyalty. “If you ask someone nicely,” he explained, “they’ll do it, and often go above and beyond.”

Bridging the Gap: From Military to Hospitality

Transitioning to civilian life after such a long tenure wasn’t without its challenges. “When you leave the military, you’re not sacked or fired; you just know you’re coming to the end of a job,” Pickersgill said. “If you don’t have a plan, it’s easy to become anxious or depressed, which I actually did.” Fortunately, the military’s resettlement plan provided a two-year period and funding for retraining. Initially considering project management or health and safety—a common route for ex-military personnel—Pickersgill had an epiphany: “What will get me out of bed and make me want to go to work?”

The answer came through LinkedIn and career fairs: energy management. With energy prices soaring and a young family to support, he recognized the importance of making a difference both professionally and personally. A pivotal moment came when he connected with Paul Webb, an energy consultant with over 40 years of experience. “I told him my story, he told me his, and we linked together,” Pickersgill said. Within six months, he completed a series of energy management courses, demonstrating the same focus and determination that had defined his military career.

His partnership with Webb ultimately led him to Valor Hospitality. “Valor was very forward-thinking when energy prices went through the roof,” Pickersgill noted. On Webb’s recommendation, Valor created the role of Energy Manager, and Pickersgill joined the team in January 2023. “They took a bit of a risk on me,” he acknowledged, “because I didn’t have experience in hospitality or much in the energy sector. But almost a year later, I’ve accomplished quite a lot.”

Reducing Energy, Empowering People

As Valor’s Energy Manager, Pickersgill’s mission is clear: review, realign, reduce, and report on energy usage. “I’m like a fresh pair of eyes for the hotels,” he said. His process is straightforward yet effective: “I walk into every room and look at heating, lighting, cooling, power, energy management, and water usage. Is this light too bright? Does it need to be on? Is it too warm or too cold? It’s almost common sense in some aspects.”

Pickersgill’s emphasis on education is key to his success. “It’s not a case of ‘turn this off or turn this down’—it’s about explaining why. Educating people so they understand and take that knowledge home with them.” This approach has yielded tangible results. He recounted a particularly striking example: “One hotel implemented almost all my recommendations straight away, and within two weeks, they saved 50% of their energy. That was a really big deal.”

The diversity of Valor’s portfolio—34 hotels across the UK, ranging from Holiday Inns to Crowne Plazas—presents unique challenges. “Some hotels have leisure facilities, others have meeting rooms, and some are just purely hotels. They’re all different shapes and sizes,” he explained. Despite these variations, his systematic approach ensures consistent improvements.

The Future of Sustainability in Hospitality

Looking ahead, Pickersgill is optimistic about the industry’s shift towards sustainability. “A lot of hotels are now looking at new tech, being smarter, and using new ways to heat and power their facilities,” he said. Valor’s initiatives include transitioning to LED lighting, adopting solar energy, and exploring hydrogen-ready combined heat and power systems. “We’re also looking at smart controls for lighting and power,” he added, emphasising the importance of data. “If you can’t see the figures going down, you’re not making progress.”

Consumer demand is also driving change. “Around 80% of customers surveyed would prefer to stay in a more sustainable hotel,” Pickersgill noted. “Many are even willing to pay a bit more for it. Corporate clients, in particular, are steering this trend by prioritising sustainable practices in their choice of accommodations.”

However, challenges remain. “Some hotels are constrained by budgets and can’t invest in the latest technology,” he acknowledged. For these properties, Pickersgill focuses on practical energy-saving measures. “The easiest kilowatt to save is the one you don’t use,” he said, highlighting simple interventions like passive infrared sensors and optimising room temperatures.

A Global Perspective

Pickersgill’s influence extends beyond the UK. Earlier this year, he visited Valor’s American portfolio to share his expertise. “They didn’t realise we had an energy manager and wanted support,” he said. While the decentralised ownership of many US hotels presents challenges, Pickersgill remains committed to spreading sustainable practices globally. “I think each nation should have an energy manager,” he asserted, envisioning a future where he might oversee a network of energy managers worldwide.

The Personal Side of Sustainability

Pickersgill’s passion for sustainability is deeply personal. “I’m all about giving my family a better life,” he shared. This motivation fuels his dedication to reducing energy waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. It also shapes his vision for the future. “In five years, I’d like to be a global energy manager for Valor, managing other energy managers and driving sustainability across the company.”

As he looks back on his first year at Valor, Pickersgill takes pride in the progress he’s made. “It’s been a really good year,” he said, reflecting on the impact of his work. From his military beginnings to his current role, his journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. In an industry facing growing pressure to embrace sustainability, Lee Pickersgill stands out as a beacon of innovation and determination.