Thistle Hotels has been officially awarded the Carbon Trust Standard – a mark of excellence given in recognition of the group’s commitment to measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions year on year.
Every hotel has been targeted with ensuring that the proportion of their waste that goes to landfill is less than 40% in each financial year. Low energy lighting, regular boiler efficiency audits, maximum water temperatures and movement sensor-controlled lighting are just some of Thistle Hotels’ other current initiatives.
Water-saving devices fitted in many rooms and public toilets have also cut water consumption by over 50%.
Located on Broad Street in the city centre, The Grand features 182 bedrooms, ten function rooms, two restaurants and Marlows Bar.
Head Chef George Opondo is a keen supporter of the company’s efforts on sustainability. Key to his choice of a new Meiko B230 VAP flight dishwashing system, to replace an aged flight dishwasher, were savings on energy, water and labour.
He explains: “We chose Meiko because it ties in with what the hotel and the group want to do in terms of choosing sustainable options and making savings.
“We measured the projected consumption figures for the Meiko machine against its competitors – energy, water, chemicals – and there was no comparison; the Meiko was streets ahead.
“The Meiko machine is also much smaller; times have changed and big does not necessarily mean good – the old machine was too big and did too little work. The space we have gained means I can now think about re-designing the dishwash area to make it more ergonomic.
“I am very pleased with the performance. We are measuring consumption of water, chemicals etc., but it is too early to assess these savings.
“We have almost completely eliminated hand polishing. In the past, we could have had four people alone just for hand polishing, with another two loading/unloading and one wiping!
“But what I can see already is that where I used to have a minimum of three staff working the old machine; now I have just one for daily use and smaller events and two for larger events.”
Meiko UK Limited, 393 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4UF
Email: MeikoUK@meiko-uk.co.uk
Tel. +44 1753 215120
Website: www.meiko-uk.co.uk
H&C News recently met with Meiko’s Nick Falco to get a better understanding of the business and the full interview can be seen here