GREEN FEATURES

Jurys Inns says it has been implementing policies and systems to reduce its environmental impact for several years. In 1996 it began converting to clean energy technology with combined heat and power systems to retain and reuse the heat which otherwise would be lost in electricity generation. There has been a substantial reduction, roughly 7,000 tonnes per annum, of carbon emissions by the more efficient use of energy. Also, all UK properties have signed up to the Hospitable Climates Programme to meet the EU targets for reduction of greenhouse gases. In 2005 the group decided to reduce energy consumption by 10% and it benchmarks and monitors progress every month. There is an energy team at each property and energy awareness is promoted to staff.

Recycling Initiatives were launched in 1998. Hundreds of tons of glass, cardboard, newspapers and aluminium cans are extracted from waste streams and state-of-the-art equipment has been installed for the on-site treatment of organic waste which is prepared and passed for composting. Recycling has reached 50% levels at a number of properties and integrated recycling facilities are an important part of all new developments.

Having surveyed its consumption and treatment of water the group reduces the volumes used in new properties by introducing fittings and equipment ranging from water-efficient showerheads and toilet cisterns to electronic washroom systems. It has also considered the potential for using of rainwater.  Phosphate-free cleaning materials are used throughout the kitchen and house-keeping departments. Automatic dosing and energy monitoring systems have been installed on dishwashing equipment.