The village has a hydro-electric scheme that sells energy to the national grid. We buy 100% renewable energy through the Scottish Hydro - Better Plan.
We monitor our energy use every month and plan to make an electricity reduction of 30% by end 2011.
Using a Wetekom meter to measure the energy consumption of individual appliances is allowing us to make informed changes & altering our choice of program on dishwasher & washing machine.
Low energy lighting systems and energy saving bulbs have been installed throughout.
We are nearing the end of a program to replace old appliances to A rated or higher. Changing the freezers has already made a big difference to the quarterly electricity bill.
We increased the loft insulation 2 years ago to 300mm – what an instant difference.
Windows have been replaced with more energy efficient glazing U value 1.1
Blinds and curtains have linings to retain heat when drawn in winter.
Removal of an open fire which sucked the heat out of the building.
Line dry laundry as much as possible. We only finish indoor dried towels in the A rated tumble dryer on a 30 minute programme.
Separate hot water tank & central heating systems installed for guest areas controlled by sophisticated programmable timers. The older boiler has been replaced with a more energy efficient one – 94% efficiency.
We only heat occupied rooms. The central heating is adjusted seasonally by a timer.
Every radiator is fitted with a thermostatic valve for optimum heating levels in each room.
Looking into fitting 2 wood burning stoves to reduce the heating demands on the LPG boiler.
Looking into solar hot water system which will also reduce our propane consumption.
Water
Introduced (& re-used) 500ml water bottles to toilet cisterns for flush reduction.
Using laundry wash balls with 50% of washing. This means no chemicals at all in some washes which reduces the need for rinse cycles with 50% of the laundry.
Only turn the A rated dishwasher on when it is full & use economy programme.
We encourage guests to re-use their towels & linen for as long as possible.
Have a water efficient washing machine.
Discourage the flushing of inorganic refuse down toilets with a Bag it Bin it message.
Water harvest for watering pots and use in the fruit & vegetable garden.
We have showers fitted in the en-suites rather than baths to reduce water use.
Cleaning and Laundry
Only use environmentally friendly products with no phosphates, such as ecover laundry, dishwasher, washing up and hand liquids.
Use white vinegar instead of fabric softeners in laundry & rinse aid in the dishwasher.
Invested in micro-fibre e-cloths so no chemicals are used in day to day cleaning.
Experimenting with natural cleaners for spills – bicarbonate of soda, hydrogen peroxide, distilled vinegar and diluted soap solutions.
Make our own natural air fresheners.
Use left over lemon for a multitude of cleaning tasks.
Experimenting with soap pods and laundry balls.
Have tumble dryer balls to speed drying & eliminate the need for fabric softeners on the occasions we need to use the dryer.
We don’t believe in needlessly washing towels therefore saving energy and water consumption and in turn, lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
Use no chlorine bleaches – instead make our own germ busting cleaners with essential oils.
Have a fairly low allergen household.
Food
We buy as much of our food and ingredients from local suppliers as we can, to support their businesses, cut down on food miles and keep money in the local economy.
Grow some of our own chemical free produce and pick fresh.
Asking for organic – can be a bit of a struggle in the Highlands.
Reducing food waste. Allowing guests to choose their breakfast rather than serving a standard plate of food.
Cooking all our food from fresh as we believe in slow food.
Bulk buying – reduces packaging & trips.
Preserving produce – jams, chutney, freeze fresh home grown.
Buy & use Fair trade products with unavoidable imports such as tea & coffee.
Asking guests to give advanced notice of packed lunch & evening meal requirements – this helps with planning & cuts last minute trips down.
Purchasing
Using guides such as Ethical Consumer to inform our choices.
Purchasing housekeeping paper products such as Traidcraft kitchen towel & toilet roll from UK 100% recycled paper.
Buy the best quality we can afford as it will last longer.
Try & purchase from ethical companies.
Reducing purchases from supermarkets.
Marketing
Invested in a comprehensive website for our business which is updated annually. We do not print any brochures – have a pdf brochure on the website should one be needed.
We decided the biggest impact to our business in terms of our energy use is the number of nights guests stay. 1 night stays means all the laundry is changed on a daily basis. Same guests stay 2 nights then the laundry is reduced by 50%. Reduced energy used, less laundry products used, fewer miles travelled - carbon emissions reduced and everybody is more relaxed people – win win.
We now rarely take 1 night stays and are encouraging people to stay 3 or more nights with our price structure. 2 nights only gives 1 full day here and guest’s own feedback is that 1 day is not enough time in this fabulous area.
We only use internet based marketing - we print no marketing literature other than business cards and the odd permanent notice board advert.
As most of our business is via the internet we are able to email 99% of guests with booking confirmations and joining instructions.
Promote local activities, have a wealth of information on our website, in the house - in guest areas and via guests computer. Have a dedicated walks & activity folder, and have weather forecast available each morning.
Have a Green Information folder, so that anyone wanting more information on what & how, can access the detail.
We provide links on our website with local timetables if guests wish to use public transport. Village booklet in each bedroom contains public transport information for easy reference. Guests have access to a dedicated PC and WiFi connectivity here.
Have joined the schemes for cyclist & walkers welcome.
"Superb! Thanks for sharing your little corner of paradise". Elaine,
John & Philip - Cornwall
