In a noteworthy move towards sustainability, the Grade II-listed Llandudno Bay Hotel, situated on the Victorian seafront, has not only reopened but has undergone a significant green transformation, reducing its energy costs and carbon footprint by an impressive 84%. The hotel, closed for over two years, faced challenges such as a lack of hot water on its top floor and the looming threat of soaring energy expenses.
Under new ownership by Everbright Hotels, the Llandudno Bay Hotel embarked on a journey towards environmental responsibility, breathing new life into the establishment and proving to be economically savvy. Everbright Hotels, known for its commitment to sustainability, successfully reduced the initially forecasted utility bills of over £300,000 to just over £80,000.
The Operations Director of Everbright Hotels Group highlighted the green initiatives at a meeting of the Net Zero North Wales Network held at Conwy Business Centre. The director revealed that the hotel’s energy bills were deemed unviable when they initially took over, prompting the need for innovative solutions to make the operation economically sustainable.
“When we took over the hotel, we were quoted gas and electricity bills of over £300,000, and that would not have been viable for the hotel to operate. The good news is that our green energy initiatives have enabled the hotel to operate more economically and with a substantial reduction in carbon emissions,” explained the director.
The ambitious transformation involved a two-stage process. In the first stage, the hotel implemented modernization measures, including the installation of new aluminium and copper radiators. This upgrade enabled the hotel to operate its heating system with 75% less water, reducing the consumption from 2500 litres to 650 litres. The temperature was also optimized, operating at 50 to 55°C compared to the former system’s 65 to 75°C.
Furthermore, multi-zone temperature controllers were introduced in all the bedrooms and public areas, providing management with the ability to tailor heating levels based on occupancy. This strategic approach prevents unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied spaces, contributing to additional cost savings.
Everbright Hotels is not only focused on reducing its own carbon footprint but is also encouraging guests to adopt sustainable practices. The Llandudno Bay Hotel now boasts EV charging points, aiming to incentivize visitors to travel in electric vehicles and reduce their carbon emissions.
The Operations Director emphasized the company’s commitment to introducing more technology into their operations, outlining their strategy to decarbonize the business. The success of these initiatives has prompted Everbright Hotels to replicate the model across their award-winning group’s remaining hotels in North Wales, including Rossett Hall, Wild Pheasant in Llangollen, Belmont in Llandudno, and the Queens Hotel, set to reopen next year.
The Conwy Business Centre meeting, part of the Net Zero North Wales Network, witnessed the convergence of businesses from across North Wales. The event featured notable speakers, including a representative from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru, a spokesperson from Zip World UK, and an executive from Theatr Clwyd in Mold.
Everbright Hotels’ green initiative was spurred by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Operations Director revealed that the decision to retain all staff during the pandemic provided the opportunity to critically analyse operations and consider new strategies. The commitment to sustainability was born out of a desire to make a positive difference while ensuring the long-term viability of the business.
The next phase of Everbright Hotels’ green transformation involves equipping the Llandudno Bay Hotel with solar panels, including thermodynamic panels as an alternative to air-source heat pumps. The electricity generated by these panels will be stored in batteries, serving dual purposes – supporting the electric car chargers and providing energy during peak times.
“The big savings in carbon emissions will really kick in when the green energy generation and storage systems come on stream, so that when peak usage occurs, we will have batteries ready to transfer the stored energy back,” explained the Operations Director. The total cost of the ambitious project amounts to £150,000, with an estimated payback period of two years.
The Chief Executive of the North Wales Business Council and organizer of the Net Zero North Wales Network commended Everbright Hotels for their proactive approach to sustainability. The Chief Executive emphasized that the hotel’s initiative serves as a clear demonstration that reducing carbon footprints aligns with sound business sense. The importance of sharing such best practices to inspire other businesses to embark on similar journeys towards a greener future was highlighted.
In a triumphant triple win, Everbright Hotels not only achieves substantial cost savings but also contributes significantly to decarbonization, slashing 90 tons of carbon emissions annually. Moreover, the environmentally responsible initiatives are likely to attract a growing customer base, as the market increasingly favours businesses committed to sustainable practices. The Llandudno Bay Hotel’s green transformation stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing that economic prosperity and ecological responsibility can indeed go hand in hand.
