Premier Inn recently showcased the lessons it has learned in carbon, water and waste reduction to visiting local MP, Dan Rogerson, on a visit to the Premier Inn Bodmin site. The visit – hosted by Whitbread and the Carbon Trust – highlighted Whitbread’s insights and what other UK businesses could do to improve their environmental performance.
The Carbon Trust Standard
Whitbread is one of only three companies in the world to achieve certification to the Carbon Trust Standard for reducing carbon, water and waste. Representatives from Whitbread and the Carbon Trust explained to Dan Rogerson MP, who is also a Minister at DEFRA, how its ambitious sustainability programme is being delivered across all Whitbread brands.
Speaking after his visit, North Cornwall MP & Environment Minister Dan Rogerson said:
“The visit was a great opportunity to find out more about the excellent work being done by the hospitality industry to minimise, re-cycle and re-use waste. I’d like to congratulate Whitbread for achieving certification to the Carbon Trust Standard for reducing carbon, water and waste – their work in Bodmin and across the country to make sure that their businesses are resource efficient as possible is a fantastic example of what other companies can do to improve their environmental performance.”
Water consumption down 12%, 93% of waste NOT sent to landfill
Chris George, Head of Energy and Environment at Whitbread said: “We have set ourselves clear targets for reducing our waste, water and energy consumption. Last year alone, Whitbread reduced its water consumption by over 12% and diverted over 93% of its waste from being sent to landfill. These figures show significant progress across all our hotels, restaurants and coffee shops and we are committed to continuing that momentum.
“At Whitbread, we are constantly challenging ourselves to become more sustainable. We aim to demonstrate that big companies can be responsible and can make a positive impact. This award reflects our achievements to date and we aim to build and develop our programme on an on-going basis.”
Waste recycling facilities and team engagement methods
During the tour of the hotel, Premier Inn staff showcased the hotel’s range of waste recycling facilities and team engagement methods, explaining how Whitbread has achieved the prestigious Carbon Trust Standard.
Carmela Rustico, Cluster General Manager for Premier Inn in Cornwall, told Mr Rogerson about Premier Inn’s Good Together engagement campaign ‘Switch it Off’ and Whitbread’s impressive recruitment targets, which include its aims to create new jobs for over 8,000 people in the next five years and taking on over 2,000 new apprentices.
Andy Jenkinson, the General Manager for the Table Table Restaurant in Bodmin, said: “At Premier Inn we believe lots of little actions make a big impact. A big part of achieving our environmental ‘Good Together’ targets comes from working closely with our teams.
Encouraging our team members to turn off lights and training them to help save waste, water and energy has had a really positive effect. The Carbon Trust certification is recognition of the hard work of every single Whitbread employee and is a great team effort.”
Darran Messem, Managing Director of certification for the Carbon Trust, said:
“Whitbread has impressed the Carbon Trust with its tireless work in not only cutting its carbon footprint, but also its waste and water. It is therefore a pleasure to recognise Whitbread with our new certification. The award is truly well-deserved and we look forward to seeing Whitbread continue its impressive and industry-leading work.”