Corporate Social Responsibility

Energy Management

Climate change is widely acknowledged as the biggest environmental challenge facing the world today. Average global temperatures are rising and we are seeing more extreme weather events such as heat waves, storms, droughts and flooding, such as those experienced in Cumbria during the winter of 2009. These changes are believed to be as a result of rising levels of Carbon Dioxide (Co2) and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which in turn are caused by the burining of fossil fuels for energy and transport.

The Carbon Trust estimates the UK’s carbon emission to be 560 million tonnes, with the hospitality sector accounting for 5% of this total, or 11 million tonnes. English Lakes carbon emission accounts for 3,741 tonnes or 0.03% of the hospitality sector.

We can help to combat climate change by using our energy efficiently and long term purchasing clean renewable energy where possible. i.e. energy that is generated using natural resources such as wind, wave, ground heat and the sun.

Our approach

Our approach to climate change is simple:

Accurately measuring our total energy consumption
Rolling out Low-energy initiatives; and
Purchasing energy saving equipment or Management systems

Measuring and Monitoring

All English Lakes, (Excluding The Midland) have half-hourly metering reports supplied by Orchard Energy, which means that we have the capability to record energy usage every half an hour. This technology allows us to accurately measure and monitor our energy consumption and effects of any energy saving initiatives employed.

Additional energy saving initiatives used:

Data recording and analysis of Gas and Electric consumption, weekly, monthly, and yearly against actual sleepers and room capacity.
The company is phasing out its use of non-energy efficient incandescent bulbs in favor of low energy alternatives such as compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs. The new low energy bulbs last twice as long as the bulbs used previously, and they use on average 30-50% less electricity, depending on type.
Use of motion detectors within store rooms and public toilets.
Keycard control system installed in over 70% of all English Lakes Hotels bedrooms to control heating, lighting when rooms are not in use.
Re-use towel policy.
Building management systems that control lighting throughout the ground floor operations, enabling an additional wattage reduction of over 50%. Excluding Storrs Hall and The Midland.
Thermostatic and computer systems that control heating throughout the building.
PIR (passive infra red) occupancy lighting controls in back office corridors/store rooms and public toilets. These controls reduce energy consumption by switching lights off when people are no longer in these areas.
Lights off policy English Lakes have adopted a “Office lights off” policy over night. Lights are switched off, staff switch of all non-essential lights at times when the offices are unoccupied, typically 11pm to 8am.
Departmental energy check sheets are used to ensure correct close down procedures, and also energy consuming items are switched off.
Open fires are used during cold or winter periods and estate wood is used for fuel, reducing the use of transporting ready cut logs.