Event Report: Gatwick Diamond Green Business Showcase

50 delegates met at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel on the 1st November 2016 for a Green Business Showcase – part of the Green Growth Platform events programme, held in partnership with Crawley Borough Council and Gatwick Diamond Business.

Keynote Speaker

The Hilton’s Chief Engineer Elliot Porter shared the range of energy and water saving initiatives the hotel has implemented. They are a pacesetter for the Hilton group, with their efforts recognised by a number internal and external awards.

From more well known strategies such as conversion to LED lighting and encouraging guests to reuse towels, Elliot discussed some lesser known technologies such as EndoCubes and burner management systems.

Last year, the hotel reduced water usage by 6.5% and energy usage by 8.7%. They show no signs of slowing progress, they’re now investigating solar PV, digital flip charts and water-less urinal systems! View presentation.

Green Business Carousel

Brett Hagen from Crawley Borough Council, who sponsor the Green Business category at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards, introduced our carousel speakers – five businesses that have embedded sustainability into their day-to-day operations. Delegates each chose three to visit for a mini-presentation and discussion.

Brett also mentioned a number of other local companies that had won or been highly commended for the Green Business Award, including Softech Global, Tek Express, Lettuce Flowers, Greenmop and the University of Brighton.

Carousel speaker Denbies Wine Estate places huge importance on its social and environmental responsibilities. Measures implemented include precision viticulture and wildflower and woodland planting. Read more…

3F EV are one of the first companies in the UK to solely rent electric vehicles. Serving the top end of the market, 1 in 3 of their customers goes on to buy an electric car of their own. More…

Baystar Energy inspired delegates with big numbers! The ground-source heat pump they installed at Roffey park project has reduced annual CO₂ emissions by 30 tonnes and energy costs by £25,000. Read more…

Cleankill explained the methods and technologies they use to ensure their work has minimal impact on biodiversity, such as a Harris Hawk to deter seagulls rather than spikes and netting which could trap other species. They implement an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. View slides…

Crawley Borough Council presented their travel planning pack to help commuters and businesses reduce costs and emissions by car sharing, walking, cycling and using public transport. View on-line…

The evening ended with a chance to network over wine and nibbles.

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forthcoming events!

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The Green Growth Platform supports a thriving and innovative green sector in Sussex through a unique menu of business services delivered by a team of industry specialists, business advisers and university experts. The Platform offers businesses 1-2-1 coaching, events and networking, innovation and R&D support and skills and training.

The Sustainable Business Network is pleased to be working in partnership with the Green Growth Platform to run a series of networking events, site tours and specialist seminars.

For the last 60 years, Gatwick Diamond Business has been representing, supporting and empowering local businesses. Nominations for the 2017 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards are now open!

Crawley Borough Council, sponsor of the Gatwick Diamond Green Business Award, is committed to helping local companies reduce their environmental impact. Download their new travel planning resources.