green tourism awards - hints & tips (saving water)

energy saving water recycling purchasing

The following suggestions are just some of the ways that companies like yours have previously managed to save money, reduce waste and win new custom. While not all of the ideas will be relevant to your work, they are all based on real-life experience and have produced tangible results. These are only general guides, of course, so if you would like more specific information relevant to your operations, please contact us. We will be very happy to help.

1. Use water saving devices. There are many water saving devices you can use to control the volumes you use. One of the cheapest is to install special heads on taps that produce a 'soft' spray of water rather than a fast flow. Shower valves are available that achieve a similar effect, and of course, fitting a shower over or instead of a bath is always likely to reduce your annual water bill. In addition, you can invest in modern dual flush WCs and low capacity cisterns - either of which will help you to minimise water use.

2. Introduce an environmental 'water-use' policy. In many parts of the world, hotel guests are becoming accustomed to "wash on request" policies that give them the control over when their bathroom towels and other items require washing. By introducing such a scheme instead of adopting the routine assumption that all towels will be washed daily (regardless of whether they have been used), you should make substantial savings on water, detergent and energy costs. In addition, of course, a well worded customer notice in each room can also be a useful way of reminding your guests that you are being as environmentally responsible as possible.

3. Re-use water in the garden. Laundry rinse water, kitchen waste water and other kinds of 'grey' water can all be used instead of mains supply water when it comes to watering your lawn or roses. You could even install a water butt to collect rainwater from the roof.

4. Check appliances and fittings regularly. Check regularly for dripping taps, faulty overflows and other places where you may inadvertently be losing water. A new washer won't cost a great deal but it could save you pounds on your water bill. Your water meter and water utility bill can both be useful sources of information, too. Check and compare each bill and look for any unusual increases in water consumption; it may indicate an unseen problem that is costing you money.

The following pages have more tips about saving energy, recycling and purchasing policies.