Whitbread to spend £7m on sustainability

Adam Hitchcock

Tuesday 13 July 2010 11:52

Whitbread is to spend over £7m on a sustainability programme to boost the environmental performance of its hotels, restaurants and coffee shops.

The investment will focus on reducing the company's carbon emissions and water consumption by introducing a package of efficiency measures to Whitbread's current estate. It has targets to reach of 26% reduction in energy consumption and a 20% reduction in water use by 2020.

As part of the efficiency programme, Whitbread is introducing 20,000 low-flow showerheads, each of which will save three litres of water per minute.

Further key elements include £2.6m being invested in low-energy LED light bulbs, which should save 6,200 tonnes of carbon each year, helping to reduce Whitbread's energy bill.

Additional efficiency measures include investments in voltage optimisation, thermal building insulation, automated lighting systems, bathroom tap restrictors and dual-flush toilets, as well as renewable technology including solar panels and micro combined heat and power and solar film.

Chris George, Whitbread's head of energy and environment, said: "This significant green investment is a major step forward for Whitbread as we continue to drive down carbon emissions and reduce water consumption as part of our 'Good Together' commitments."

In addition to Whitbread's current estate, the company is undertaking a new venture that is currently under way in West Sussex, where it is introducing a second green hotel and first low-carbon restaurant as part of its 'Good Together' programme. These are due to open in late autumn 2010.

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By Adam Hitchcock

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