Eden House Country Guest House B & B Accommodation - Environmental Policy
Introduction and Purpose of the Policy
Eden House Country Guest Accommodation continues to make progress towards an environmental management programme. This report has been prepared as a result of an assessment to determine the environmental impact from the operations at site and to make both short term and long term recommendations for improvement. These recommendations will be carried out as legislation demands and resources allow.
Executive Summary
Eden House already has a relatively low impact on the environment. Recycling of waste and controlled water usage have been long standing practices.
Description of the Business and Site Operations
Eden House Country Guest Accommodation is a former farmhouse in 14 acres of land, consisting of meadows and woodland. The business consists of three en-suite bedrooms in an annexe adjacent to the house. Additionally, guests use the lounge and dining room in the main house.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Legislative Issues - In order that we are able to remain in compliance with regulations governing environmental issues, Eden House monitors the media and trade publications so as to remain aware and abreast of legislative changes.
Environmental Management Systems
Eden House Country Guest Accommodation already achieved a formal environmental management system at Green Dragon Level Two. Good practice is already in place, such as recycling of wastes and several other energy saving measures.
Raw Materials and Storage
Due to the nature of the business there are few raw materials stored on the site. There is a tank for fuel oil. Cleaning materials are kept securely in the main house.
Energy Usage
Eden House Country Guest Accommodation uses electricity, heating oil, LPG and solid fuel (wood) on site. The main heating for the business is through both electricity and oil fired central heating which also supplies hot water. Electricity is also used for the comprehensive range of electrical and electronic equipment located throughout the site.
The main farmhouse has roof space insulation and some double-glazing. The annexe has high levels of insulation and double glazing. There are energy efficient light bulbs fitted throughout.
Note: trees absorb CO2 and generate oxygen when they grow. The amount of CO2 produced when waste timber is burnt is equivalent to that released if allowed to decompose naturally.
To date over 1000 new trees, either transplanted from within the grounds or grown at Eden House, have been planted thereby contributing to the levels of oxygen generated locally.
Emissions - Not applicable
Water Usage and Discharge
The primary source of water for Eden House is mains water. There is also a natural spring, which is used to supply water to the utility room, washing machine, workshop and poly tunnels.
Slim-line cisterns are used in all guest bedrooms. Rainwater harvesting is being considered as a project to be undertaken as resources permit.
Guests are provided with information on how they can help save water e.g. taking showers rather than baths, the reuse of towels during their stay, etc.
Waste water is discharged to a septic tank, then to a soak-away. The tank is emptied regularly by a local farmer and to-date we have encountered no problems with it. Documentation shows where all drains are located.
Packaging
All packaging, whether paper, cardboard, metal or plastic, from products purchased, is recycled. Green waste is composted.
Waste Management
General “black bag” waste is removed by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its domestic collection service, together with “orange bag” plastics and cans. The local authority is continually improving on their efforts involving recycling.
Septic tank wastes are removed by a local firm.
Under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, Eden House Country Guest Accommodation has a duty to keep control of its waste in order to prevent pollution. This duty includes ensuring safe storage of waste and correct transport and disposal. The requisite procedures are employed if, and when, such waste needs to be disposed of.
Purchasing and Office Activities
Eden House tries, wherever possible, to purchase products and services locally, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. Recycled paper is used for the office and double sided printing is practised; scrap paper is reused then recycled.
Transport
There are no vehicles dedicated to the business; domestic and business uses are mixed. Journeys are planned to optimise mileage and vehicles are regularly serviced thereby keeping vehicular pollution as low as possible.
Landscape and Infrastructure
The business is aware of minimising its impact on the landscape. It has instigated a tree planting policy and composting is regularly used to manage vegetable waste from kitchen and garden.
Community Issues
Eden House has an ongoing policy of involvement in local initiatives.
Pollution Risk Assessment
There is very little risk of pollution from the site; the biggest risk factors are from the oil tank and septic tank, both of which could potentially pollute the local watercourse. This is highly unlikely as all prudent measures are employed to minimise this risk. Other chemicals stored on site are in very small quantities and are isolated from the drains.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are logical and practical and will be implemented as resources permit. As technology continues to produce energy efficient and energy saving products, they will be factored into the purchase and usage policies of Eden House.
• Locate and endeavour to purchase electricity from renewable sources.
• Wherever possible and when replacing, source and install energy-efficient equipment e.g. low-energy bulbs, slim line tubes, timers on lamps, etc.
• Ensure the septic tank is working efficiently and the system is not compromised.
• Keep up to date with legislation, with respect to discharges from septic tanks and oil storage, review policies and make changes as necessary.
• Buy products in bulk whenever possible, to reduce packaging waste.
• New furniture purchased should always come from sustainable sources and old furniture should be recycled by giving it to charity or the local community.
• Installing water-efficient tap inserts, shower heads and cistern displacement devices such as a hog or hippo.
• Always replace washing machines, dishwashers, showers, toilets and urinals with water-efficient or water saving models.
• Add more insulation in roof space and walls of the farm house as well as replacing old windows with double glazed.
We, at Eden House, are committed to sustainable living and keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible in everything we buy and do. We also remain aware of legislative changes that may require new equipment and/or changes in how we use equipment. We will continue seeking out new products and techniques with which we might fulfill our responsibility to the environment and our world now and in the future.
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Eden House Country Guest House B & B Accommodation - Environmental Policy