Carbon Neutral Hotel
In 2007, the hotel completed its largest development project in over 50 years - a state-of-the-art banqueting suite, named The Garden Suite, which opened to the public in December 2007.
During the planning process, it was clear that the new building would significantly increase the amount of electricity and gas and water used within the business.
It was decided that there was a need for additional measures required to assist in the monitoring of energy usage, and equally important, the amount of CO2 emissions that were being created during the full operational activity, over the year.
Working with The Carbon Neutral Company, the hotel undertook a full audit of its energy usage, not simply in terms of electricity and gas, but also the additional consumption, including business mileage (by car, train or airplane) and also fuels used in the up-keep of the grounds and gardens.
The result of this audit showed that the business generated 273 tonnes of carbon emissions annually (based on figures January 2006 to January 2007), and the offset cost, amounting to over £3000.00, would be invested into 3 projects, linked with Scotland and tourism. Rufflets officially announced Carbon Neutral status in June 2007, becoming one of the first Carbon Neutral hotels in the UK and the first in Scotland to do so.
The owners of Rufflets are committed to continue to audit the emissions annually, with the main emphasis on reducing the current levels, but also to offset the amount of CO2 produced into new projects each year.
Carbon Neutral Objective:
It is accepted that the business will always use gas and electricity, and therefore produce CO2 emissions, but the initial aim is to reduce the overall usage, and the cost of the offset.
As the offset cost decreases year-on-year, the owners plan to use the monetary difference saved to re-invest in eco-business programmes. The aim is to be recognised as showing 'best practice' within the industry.
