Energy may be vital to our economic development, but it is also the major source of environment pollution. How can we reduce demand for energy at a time when oil prices are so low and our desire for comfort so high? Reducing energy consumption has two important effects: it will cut your electricity and fuel bills, and it will also make a contribution to reducing the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels. For most tourism businesses, especially tourist accommodation, the energy bill is the second largest running cost, outweighed only by wages. First steps are cheap to implement and experience shows that it is possible to make substantial savings. Careful planning will enable you to make energy savings without affecting the comfort of your visitors.

10 Check heating regularly; ensure unhindered radiation of heat; use alternative sources of heat

A specialist heating inspector will be able to carry out a report. The report will note emissions of waste gas and therefore thermal efficiency of the system. If the thermal efficiency falls below 90 per cent, you should not hesitate to call in a heating engineer. Solar collectors are a useful back-up in any system for heating process water (heat pumps, thermal energy stored from sun, air, water or the ground, low temperature system, cogeneration unit)

11 Supply hot water centrally

Energy can be saved here by reducing the temperature of supply to 60°Celsius. It is worth reviewing at this point whether hot water really is required for every point of operation (e.g. for wash basins in shared cloakrooms)

12 Recycle heat and monitor power curves

It is almost standard practice nowadays to recover the waste heat from refrigeration equipment and use it, e.g. to heat water. Not so many people realise that pumps are also economical when used with ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Energy can be used twice over this way. Consider setting up a monitoring scheme for your energy consumption, rather than relying only on records from bills. Check from meters the amount of units used each month. Taking readings on the same day each month will give you a more consistent comparison.

13 Use low energy bulbs

Low energy bulbs save energy and money (and require lower maintenance). Although these bulbs are more expensive in terms of initial outlay, you can expect a rapid return.

14 Fit time switches and infra-red sensors

Time switches can be used to limit the availability of appliances. Lights and other devices do not need to be on alert status all the time, nor is it necessary to switch on all the kitchen equipment (warmers, chip pans, lighting,…) as soon as the shift begins. It also makes sense to set time switches to start dishwashers and washing machines during any cheap rate periods offered by electricity suppliers. Another option is to switch corridor and landing lights over to automatic timing after a certain hour of the day in order to prevent electricity from being wasted.

15 Avoid power consuming devices and optimise electronic installations

Electric hand-dryers eat up a lot of power. The alternatives - rolled fabric or recycled paper towels – are acceptable from both an environmental and economical perspective and are comfortable for the guests. Televisions on stand-by need a lot of power all the day. Switch them off, save money and inform your guests.