Rounceval House Hotel
Rounceval House
We are making every effort to reduce our carbon footprint. We monitor our progress and consider daily how we can change the way in which we operate.
For a small hotel it is not always possible to commit to lowering carbon emissions or considering the environment because of the cost involved. We are however exploring every angle to see how we can make a real difference.
We have already undertaken various initiatives and have others planned for the months ahead.
When we arrived at Rounceval House just over two years ago, one of our first targets was to install energy saving light bulbs throughout the hotel. We have closely monitored the progress of light bulb technology and have now installed energy saving bulbs wherever it is possible to do so.
They really do make a difference. In our first few weeks here a light bulb blew nearly every day. Some lights have to be kept on for long periods for health and safety reasons. The bulbs in our main common areas and in our stairwells have already lasted more than 18 months! And they cost just £3.99 each.
We promote our local area at every opportunity and we encourage visitors to utilise the many restaurants, public houses and shops within walking distance of the hotel.
All provisions supplied to the hotel are sourced from local companies, this includes: groceries, eggs, water and even beer. We will not compromise on quality. We find that local suppliers are consistent and offer a high calibre of products that represent value for money.
We have started to use some Fair Trade products and have found that the Tea is superb. It has a slight ‘Earl Grey’ flavour but is every bit as satisfying as other leading brands. Our wholesaler often stocks Fair Trade products and whenever these are available we prefer them to other brands.
Our paper, envelopes, registration cards and print cartridges are all recyclable. We very rarely print a document unless it is absolutely necessary.
To the annoyance of some we have removed our facsimile machine (FAX) and always encourage email. This has saved countless trees no doubt and is one less electrical appliance!
We trial environmentally friendly products on a regular basis. At the moment we are testing a non-aerosol furniture polish. We are soon to start using new eco friendly washing-up liquid and hand soaps.
Shortly we will be phasing in new toiletries for guests bedrooms, these are biodegradable but still help us to maintain a high standard.
The hotel has a new roof and insulation. Our Gas Cooker and Boiler are serviced annually. Heating and hot water are on a timer and all radiators have individual temperature controls.
All electrical appliances and our fire alarm system are tested annually. (Fire Alarm Points are tested weekly)
All cardboard, glass and plastic is recycled and we have cut food waste by 25%.
All rooms are checked each day to ensure that Television sets are not left in stand-by mode and that all non-essential electrical appliances are switched off.
We monitor the exterior of the hotel and in particular the grounds to the front and rear, on a daily basis, to ensure that all litter is removed and disposed of correctly.
All of the people that help us to run the hotel are based locally and have just a short journey to work.
We believe that if we look after our environment and at the same time offer an excellent service it will encourage others to do the same.
We are investigating new practices and products that will help us to continue in making the hotel (and its customers) as environmentally aware as possible.
So what are you doing to save the planet? Every little helps.