A key strategic aim of South West Tourism, as identified in its strategy - Towards 2015, is DELIVERING TRULY SUSTAINABLE TOURISM. The Tourism Skills Network has a commitment to assiting tourism businesses in Gloucestershire to adopt sustainable operating practices.
Green Tourism Business Scheme
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is an accreditation scheme that credits environmental good practice. The scheme helps businesses identify cost savings relating to energy efficiency, water conservation and waste minimisation. It encourages the use of green products such as local food, drink and crafts and helps promote public transport, cycling, walking and wildlife conservation as well as providing additional marketing possibilities. For information on the scheme and the associated business benefits please click here---------------------------------------------------------
Action of the Year
In 2006, South West Tourism launched Action of the Year - a stepping stone initiative to assist tourism businesses to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and thus benefit the environment. Each year, one manageable area of sustainability will be promoted, and all businesses in the region will be encouraged to take action, raise awareness of good practice, and create new sustainable solutions!South West Tourism provides information, introductory advice and signposts businesses to organisations that can give more detailed help. It wants 'sustainability' to be embedded in all activities, not seen as an add on activity, and aim to carry the message to the whole of the tourism sector. It is pleased to arrange presentations at tourism association meetings, training or general tourism events.
RESOURCES
A number of useful resources relating to each Action of the Year can be downloaded from www.swtourism.co.uk (click on Green Tourism) including case studies, staff training presentation, detailed fact sheets, and room cards. For hard copies of any of these items please call Charlotte Reynolds, Sustainable Tourism Executive, on 01392 353 231 or e-mail creynolds@swtourism.co.uk---------------------------------------------------------
Greener Events
Produced by Government Office South West this guide provides a checklist of practical measures that can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of conferences and seminars.---------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Legislation and Regulations
Net Regs is a unique online resource developed by the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Environment and Heritage Service (NI), to help small businesses understand their environmental obligations.Netregs provides clear, authoritative guidance on the environmental regulations governing more than 100 industry sectors, including the agriculture, hotels & restaurants, construction, manufacturing and printing and publishing industries. The site also offers general management guidelines on the regulations governing issues such as packaging, energy use and waste disposal, which apply to most businesses.
In addition, visitors to NetRegs can access information on forthcoming legislation and links to other useful resources, as well as good practice advice to help businesses save money and become more competitive.
---------------------------------------------------------
Practical Ideas for Going Green
Heating
Turning down your central heating thermostat by one degree can save you 10% on fuel bills
Invest in draft excluders for doors and windows opening onto the outside
Only heat the rooms being used
Increase loft insulation to 8 inches; this can save up to 20% of heating costs
Add heating controls to your central heating system if you don’t have them
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows (this can save you £15 a year). Blackout lining also retains in the heat.
Lighting
Change to energy saving light bulbs, especially in areas where lights are used most. A low energy light bulb will save you £10 per year. They last 12 times longer than a standard light bulb. One hotel replaced 120 regular bulbs with 120 5w low ‘e’ candle bulbs and saved £400 per annum.
Use natural light where practical
Don’t light unused rooms
Clean light tubes and fittings at least every two years
Install light reflectos where possible www.elementshydroponics.com
Increase the number of mirrors
Décor should be light in colour to enhance reflection
Hot Water
Turn the thermostat of your water heater down to 60 degrees C
Can you install shower fittings into your guest accommodation? Taking a bath uses approximately 2.25 times more water.
Make sure your tank and pipes are well lagged
Always repair dripping hot water taps
Ensure a plug is available for the sink
If your boiler is 15 years old or unreliable, replace it – you could save 10 – 15% on your fuel bill
Appliances
Don’t leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary
Don’t put food into the fridge while its still hot
Run the vacuum cleaner over the coils on the back of the fridge to remove dust. The motor will run for shorter periods and save cash. Works on the computer as well.
Defrost the freezer before you fill it up – it will run more efficiently
Don't leave electrical items such as TVs, PC screens etc on standby; they use a surprising amount of energy overnight.
Only put the amount of water you need to boil in the kettle
When cooking, put a lid on your pan!
Look for the Energy Efficiency recommended logo when buying appliances. This can save £400 per annum
Savaplug can be used on domestic refrigeration saving 20% of running costs. This can be purchased from Savawatt (UK) 0800 622203. www.savawatt.com
Turn off extractor fans
Install Eco-flush toilet systems. Flushing the loo accounts for 35% of all domestic water use. Installing an eco-flush system can save over 50%. www.ecoflush.com
Installing a ‘waterless’ urinal costs £89 plus £26 annual maintenance, and will save £331 per annum and a staggering 367,920 litres of water. www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Cleaning / toiletries
Use ‘green’ cleaning materials
Use washing balls rather than washing powder. This can save £35 per annum on detergent and because of fewer rinse cycles being required can reduce electricity costs too. Check out www.ecozone.co.uk - this explains how they work.
Put a full load in the washing machine. Each load uses around 18 gallons of water. 2 full loads of guest towels as opposed to 7 half loads can save you 90 gallons per week.
Organise a towel arrangement to prevent the needless washing of unused towels – print room notices to inform guests.
Use cold water cycles where possible
Use pottery soap dispensers instead of disposable bottles. www.outofeden.co.uk
Electricity Suppliers
Switch to ‘green electricity suppliers (renewable sources). Examples: Good Energy Ltd, Ecotricity, Powergen GreenPlan…. www.greenelectricity.org
Publicity Material / providing information
Maximize the potential of the Internet (Welcome to E Business)
Virtual tours on your website (reduces the need for a brochure)
Use printing companies that have a commitment to the environment. Severnprint (Gloucester) have a commitment to the environment www.severnprint.co.uk
Where possible, use recycled paper / pens / pencils for instructions / delegate packs / letters. Remarkable Recycled Products are created, designed and manufactured in Britain. The award winning range includes pencils made from recycled vending cups, mouse mats and pencil cases made from re-cycled car tyres and notepads which use 100 per cent recycled paper and board. www.officedog.co.uk or www.greenstat.co.uk
Double-sided printing (print directly to the photocopier)
Menu boards rather than printing out numerous menus
Food & Drink
Where possible, use local food and drink suppliers www.tasteofthewest.co.uk or www.southwestfoodanddrink.com (Click on Buyers Guide and Search ‘ Gloucestershire’.
There is also a directory of Gloucestershire Food and Drink Producers. E mail info@tastegloucestershire.co.uk to receive your free copy.
Travelling
Regular servicing will save money and reduce exhaust emissions
Set up a training programme for driver awareness. Poor driving techniques can increase fuel consumption by 20%
Ensure tyres are checked weekly and arrange for steering to be re-aligned if non-symmetrical tyre wear is noticed
Ensure tyres are appropriately inflated – under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
Don’t use the car boot for storage
Use public transport where possible