Case Studies
- Videos
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewables
- Water Efficiency
- Waste Minimisation
- Staff Engagement
- Green Marketing
- Green Procurement
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Utilise Plus
- Contact
“Because we have been working on environmental issues for some time I was surprised at how much useful practical information was new to me which I can now apply within my organization.”
Sheila Daly, University of Portsmouth
Canute Cottages
Sustainability, a business ethos at Canute Cottages, is providing both environmental and economic reward.
Owner Diana Beale takes a wide-scoping, but methodological approach to improving the environmental impact of the holiday cottages. She ensures quickwin resource efficient systems are in place before investigating in more advanced technologies.
The cottages are double-glazed and tightly insulated. Tripling the under-roof insulation helped save over 1,500 litres of fuel oil each year. Installing solar thermal panels to heat water took Diana closer to replacing oil usage altogether, and she is now researching a woodfuel boiler for the central heating. With local woodchip around half the price of oil, and the Renewable Heat Incentive providing a financial stimulus from the government, the capital investment will likely be paid back in around eight years and savings achieved from then on.
Through installing a 4 kW solar photoltaic system as well as simple measures such as fitting energy saving and timer controlled lighting and ensuring new appliances are A-rated for efficiency, Canute Cottages has reduced its electricity usage by over 20% against a 2008 benchmark.
They use a 100% renewable energy tariff to provide the electricity they do not generate on site.
Customers are encouraged to get involved. Washing lines are provided to dry clothes instead of using the tumble dryer and containers are supplied to collect a wide range of materials for recycling, including a green cone to compost cooked and uncooked food waste.
Achievements Summary
Annual electricty savings = 20%
Annual fuel oil savings = 20%
Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award
Diana looks to the local economy when sourcing food and provisions. Guests are treated on arrival with freshly cut flowers and pressed apple juice from a local nursery and orchard, and paintings and photos by local artists decorate the cottages.
Diana and the Canute Cottages Team have been rewarded for their efforts with a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. As Diana explains, “The award is a great talking point amongst customers, who are always interested to see what new initiative has been implemented as they return year on year.”
Learn how your business can save money through reducing energy, waste and water. Contact the Sustainable Business Partnership today.