Green Entertainment and Leisure Award
The Westport Woods Hotel is implementing an ongoing programme minimising their environmental impact while maintaining a profitable business. This hotel’s green vision leads the Irish hotel industry and has succeeded in reducing CO² emissions by 70% since 2004.
Recycling, waste minimisation and litter control
Huge strides have been made in reducing waste going to landfill - from 240 tonnes to less than 40 tonnes per annum, Guests are invited to join in by using the ‘green bin’ in all bedrooms. All waste is segregated and recycled or composted if possible. An ultra-efficient Big Hanna composter allows composting of cooked waste.
Boidiversity/improving natural habitats
An arboricultural plan is being followed for the extensive woodland and over 2,000 new hardwoods have been planted. A nature trail is being developed.
Use of “green” suppliers or materials
The new playground has a Playtop surface comprised of recycled car tyres and incorporating Nike Grind. The adventure area is surfaced with natural treebark from local suppliers. Other green suppliers include Kelly’s Sawmills (sustainable Irish timber), Balcas wood pellets, Ecowood chips and Henkle Ecolab who supply environmentally friendly phosphate free chemicals. Electricity is supplied by Airtricity. All hotel literature is printed on sustainable paper and even the distinct hotel treeline logo complements the green vision in all branding.
Energy and/or water efficiency
Oil has been replaced with Irish supplied sustainable woodchip, woodpellet and solar heating systems. Electricity use has been significantly reduced. All new building incorporates best energy practices in air tightness and insulation, and retrofitting of the 1960s section is ongoing. Lighting uses LED or CFL bulbs. Ice is made at night time to reduce day time peak demand. The ongoing water management programme includes monitoring, controlling and acting. Hippo bags are fitted in all cisterns, sensors in urinals and push taps introduced to cut down on water use.
In the leisure centre a wood pellet boiler heats the swimming pool and a liquid pool blanket retains heat and reduces energy use. The exercise bikes are now dynamo driven and 12 individual TV sets have been replaced with 2 low energy screens. A more efficient control system has been introduced for air handling. Natural light coming through large windows all over the hotel reduces need for artificial light.
Have you had an energy audit and what savings have you achieved to date
Ronan Melia Associates conducted a complete energy audit in 2006/7. The hotel follows self-audit guidelines laid down by the Green Hospitality Awards. The Clean Technology Centre provides an ongoing monitoring system and benchmarks against Irish and international industry standards. The energy consumption has reduced from 2.8 to 2.4 megawatts per annum. In overall terms energy costs have remained static despite a 30-40% rise in costs.
Minimising traffic/use of private vehicles/green transport strategies
Bicycles and bicycle racks are supplied for the use of guests and employees are encouraged to cycle or walk to work. Guests are encouraged to take the train to Westport and a free pick up service is available. Guests are invited to walk or hike locally and horse trekking from the hotel’s own stables provides an alternative to quad bikes, driving or other high-energy use entertainment.
Initiatives that help improve the safety, security or health of workers
The ‘Green Team’ comprised of employees is dedicated to implementing simple new ideas for a better way to do profitable business. Employees are completely involved in the whole greening process and many of the best energy saving ideas have come from them.
Staff undergo regular Environmental and Health & Safety training including Manual Handling and Chemical Training. The hotel follows the Fáilte Ireland Optimus and Best Practice programmes. This is evidenced by a shortlisting for the Small Firms Association HR Awards in 2007. The SEI award for co-ordinated Energy Management and ILAM Quality White Flag Awards help in better management and in continually raising standards.
Employees have free leisure centre membership to encourage activity, and are offered discounted use of the spa.
Initiatives that improve the local economy and/or help the local community
Westport is the current national Tidy Towns winner and the hotel is involved in that effort. The local Tidy Towns organisation have put the hotel forward for a biodiversity award. Michael Lennon General Manager regularly speaks at national conferences on the greening experience and takes the opportunity to promote Westport. The hotel works closely with the Town Council and Town Architect following guidelines such as reinstating the old demesne wall, closing two entrances and introducing beech hedging. The hotel is very involved in the umbrella marketing organisation Destination Westport which actively promotes the town nationally and internationally and part-funds Tidy Towns.
No comments:
Post a Comment