Corporate Social Responsibility
Water Management
Water is a precious natural resource and it is important to use it in a sustainable manner in order to meet current and future demand. Today, our water is under threat due to rising global populations, pollution and the effects of climate change, so it is important to use it wisely.
Our approach
English Lakes approach to water management incorporates three key actions:
- Identify and remedy water leaks;
- Accurately measure water consumption; and
- Roll out water-saving initiatives throughout the group.
Water consumption
The amount of water consumed across all English Lakes decreased to 52,976 Cubic meters in 2009 from 55,642 Cubic meters 2008 which is a decrease of 5%, with 3% increase in bedroom stock.
Initiatives
To follow are some of the initiatives employed throughout English Lakes.
Identify and remedy water leaks
Some water leaks are easily visible and obvious to employees and are therefore fixed immediately. However, other water leaks are hidden from sight and can go undetected for quite some time. Water leaks can be costly with one drip per second wasting around four Lts a day. Systems to monitor water consumption and charges have been fully implemented, allowing us to identify and remedy major leaks as soon as possible.
Measuring and monitoring
Water bills are monitored to ensure consumption is within expected boundaries and all charges are correct. This allows us to measure our consumption overall and by site. Monitoring our water consumption in this way allows us to determine the effects of any water-saving initiatives that English Lakes employs.
Water management systems
We have continued to install Water Management Systems in our male washrooms. These simple water-saving devices achieve a payback period of just under one year and are attached to urinal cisterns in order to regulate flushing according to usage.
Infra red sensors have been fitted to Low Wood Bay and Waterhead Male and Female washroom taps, and have already seen a reduction in water consumption with taps not being left on.
Leisure club showers have been fitted with water management time release values; these limit the time of the showers and also ensure they are not left on un-attended.
Dual flush toilets
All refurbished bedroom bathrooms are fitted with dual flush toilets as standard practice. This is a simple but effective measure to reduce the water required for each flush to a maximum of 6 litres.
To date 60% of our bedroom stock has dual flush toilets.
Aerated showerheads
Aerated showerheads have been trialed at Lancaster House. These reduce the volume of water passing through them by circa 20%, whilst still providing a powerful shower experience, by adding air to the flow of water. The Company is currently reviewing the best method of rolling these out within the remainder of its hotels.
Pot wash arms
Within our hotel kitchens we have pot wash stations where thick food debris is washed off plates and saucepans before they go into dishwashers. This process helps to prevent blockages occurring inside the dishwashers and the wastage of water when emptying and refilling.
The Green Champions Club will be looking into with water-efficient pot wash arms, with the aim to reduce the water consumption of this key kitchen equipment.
Laundry
All English Lakes have adopted the ‘Towel Reuse Policy’ guest’s have the option of placing the towel in the bath if they wish for them to be replenished, or place on the towel rail if they support reducing water usage.