Cut Costs, Add Appeal, Improve Your Impact

Cutting Energy and Water

Waste is one thing no business likes - whether it be energy or water:

For most tourism businesses, especially accommodation providers, the energy bill is the second largest running cost, outweighed only by wages.
Energy bills have doubled in the last five years and could be nearly four times higher than today by 2020 (Uswitch, 2010).
South West England has some the highest water prices - hot water adds to your energy bill too.

Saving Energy

Top Ten Energy Saving Actions
On average, UK businesses waste 30% of the energy they buy. For many businesses, a 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom-line benefit as a 5% increase in sales. Use our quick checklist to see where you can make quick, low cost savings.
Monitoring Your Energy Use
It may be a chore but it matters - what you don't measure won't get managed. At least 11% of tourism businesses in the SW never look at their energy bills and 42% only monitor as the bill comes in. Find top tips on monitoring and a ready made energy
‘walk-around' checklist.

Many people are baffled by the differences between smart meters and energy monitors, find out the differences by watching this video:
Low Energy Lighting
Lighting is one of the most significant uses of electricity in a tourism business. Practical tips on how to minimise the energy used and choose the right lighting for your needs.
Switching to a Green Energy Supplier
One of the quickest and most effective ways of reducing your business' environmental impact is to buy your electricity from a supplier that provides power from renewable sources. Changing can be easier than you think with little, or no, difference in cost.
Quick Training for Your Staff on Saving Energy
Staff have a key part to play in reducing energy. Here's a short Power Point presentation that introduces the topic with accompanying notes for you to deliver a short training session.
Get Your Customers Involved - Free Room Cards
Add a touch of humour to get the message across! Hundreds of businesses around the South West are using these room cards to remind staff and visitors alike to save energy. Join in!
Advice, Support and Funding for Saving Energy
Who can provide you with expert advice? Is there any funding available to help you save energy? Where can you find out about energy efficient appliances?

Generating Energy

Switch on To Renewable Energy - New for 2010!
New financial incentives for generating your own energy (and heat, from March 2011) have made the case for investing in renewable energy stronger than ever.

This booklet, specially produced for South West tourism businesses, combines simple introductions to each of the types of renewable energy that you could install and case studies of tourism businesses who have already benefitted.
Certified Installers of Renewable Energy in South West England
Regen SW provide a list of certified installers of renewable energy which is updated on a weekly basis. Those wishing to be eligible for the above financial incentives must use installers on this list.
Visit www.regensw.co.uk/microgeneration and follow the link on the left entitled: "List of SW MCS Installers".

Energy Performance Certificates

Find out the latest on the proposals for self catering businesses

Saving Water

Monitoring Your Water Use
It may be a chore but it matters - what you don't measure won't get managed. Nearly a third of South West tourism businesses never look at their water bills. Find out how to monitor your water use, relate this to your visitor numbers, compare with industry standards and set targets.
Saving Water in Bathrooms and Washrooms
A large proportion of the water consumed in a tourism business comes from guest bathrooms and public washrooms. Find tips on toilets, urinals, taps and showers along with funding and discount opportunities.
Saving Water in Kitchens and Laundries
Another key area for water saving opportunities. Find tips on saving water along with Which? Best Buy recommendations for washing machines and dishwashers.
Get Your Guests Involved - Free Room Cards
Ask your visitors to join in your water saving initiative by having their towels washed less frequently using South West Tourism's ready-
made cards.
Towel & Linen Agreements
Washing laundry every day uses vast amounts of water, energy and detergent - expensive and potentially harmful to the environment! This sheet has advice and sample wordings for towel and linen agreements.
Saving Water in Your Garden and Grounds
Maintaining a beautiful garden can account for 70% of peak season water use, at a time when water supplies are stretched. This sheet has tips on how to garden in a water friendly way.
Quick Training for Your Staff on Saving Water
Staff have a key part to play in saving water. Here's a short Power Point presentation that introduces the topic with accompanying notes for you to deliver a short training session.