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April 06, 2005
Green Conference Centers Save Energy Costs
This article is used with permission from Hospitable Climates
Though the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) did not adopt Hospitable Climates until January 2001, the HCIMA's Government-backed energy-efficiency advisory programme has played a significant role in helping the EICC to reduce its energy consumption. The EICC has saved a cumulative total of £s;70,000 (US$131,508) on energy costs since 1998, showing a continuous year-on-year percentage fall in energy consumption. Indeed, in 2003 total energy costs fell by three percent over the 2002 figure, which was itself nine per cent down on the 2001 figure. Last year, the EICC's Environmental Green Team was able to report that electricity costs for the year to October were down by £s;7,000 (US$13,151) on the 2002 figure, despite consumption increasing by three per cent due to increased business usage.
Total commitment to caring for the environment
"The EICC's total commitment to caring for the environment led to the adoption of Hospitable Climates in 2001. Hospitable Climates has played an important role in increasing awareness amongst our 61-strong team at the EICC about the importance of energy efficiency," said Reynaldo Guino-o, member of the EICC Green Team. "The programme provides excellent 'easy-to-follow' practical advice that produces significant results. Since adding Hospitable Climates to our existing energy efficiency initiatives, it has certainly played an integral part in helping us to further reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions."
The EICC's environmental efforts have not gone unrewarded -- earning a Gold Rating in VisitScotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme. The scheme, which has a membership of 450 businesses throughout Scotland, promotes good environmental practice -- including the information and advice available through Hospitable Climates. Businesses receive Green Bonus points if they have signed-up to Hospitable Climates, helping them achieve a higher award.
Hospitable Climates and Hospitality Assured help EICC win top award
Top business accolades are not new to the EICC. Since opening in 1995, the EICC -- accommodating up to 2,000 delegates -- has established a worldwide reputation for the highest quality standards. The Centre, for example, has been accredited with the Meeting Industry Association�s Hospitality Assured Meetings standard (HA-M) for delivering service and business excellence, and has been recognized as the MIA's ultimate 'Best Practice Award' winner for the last three years.
"Since the Hospitality Assured standard has been endorsed by the British Quality Foundation (BQF) and Quality Scotland Foundation (QSF) as meeting the criteria in the European Excellence Model (EFQM), Hospitable Climates will greatly support the �energy conservation' requirements of the standard," explained Reynaldo Guino-o. "Hospitable Climates and Hospitality Assured together helped the EICC to become the 2003 overall winner of the EFQM European Quality Award in the SME category, and receive the EFQM special role model award in 'People Development and Involvement'."
The EICC was opened in 1995, and has built up a global reputation based on total dedication to providing excellent service.
For further information on VisitScotland's Green Tourism
Business Scheme, please contact:
Green Business UK Ltd, 4 Atholl Place, Perth PH1 5ND.
Tel: 01738 632 162 Fax: 01738 622 268
Web: www.green-business.co.uk
To obtain further details on "Hospitable Climates" and joining the programme, contact:
Rosemary Morrison FHCIMA, Director of special projects � Hospitable Climates; or Lindsay Watson, Hospitable Climates administrator, at HCIMA's head office, Trinity Court, 34 West Street, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1SH.
Tel: 020 8661 4932
Web: www.hospitableclimates.org.uk
To find out more about Hospitality Assured, contact:
Tony Lainchbury MHCIMA, Hospitality Assured General Manager; or Steven Bulloch, Hospitality Assured Administrator, at:
HCIMA, Trinity Court, 34 West Street, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1SH.
Tel: 020 8661 4918 Fax: 020 8661 4901
Web: www.hcima.org.uk
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Posted by Kit Cassingham
