I was impressed by your decision to arrange the round-table meeting to discuss the challenge of energy usage in the industry (Caterer, 27 July, page 48). It was also gratifying that you included Linda Martin, our programmes director, among the assembled group. She has a particular responsibility for the highly successful Hospitable Climates programme, which the HCIMA has managed on behalf of the Carbon Trust since 2000.
With some 5,000 hospitality businesses from the hotel, restaurant, pub and food service sectors now signed up to the programme, Hospitable Climates is recording annual savings in energy costs of more than £14m per annum for these clients. At the same time these clients have made a substantial contribution to the country's CO2 emissions-reduction target with their combined efforts.
I found it puzzling that the programme didn't receive a mention in the article. If we're to encourage more hospitality businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices, the constant promotion of a programme designed specifically for our industry would seem to be in all our interests. What's more, the Hospitable Climates advice and support is free to such businesses.
It's a pity the opportunity to reinforce this message was missed on this occasion.
Philippe Rossiter
Chief executive, HCIMA
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