Our Net Zero journey Llandudno Bay Hotel

We’re introducing a new regular feature into our magazine where we’ll be highlighting businesses and organisations that are leading the way on the path to Net Zero. This segment will offer insights, hints and tips for readers as the UK works toward its 2050 Net Zero target.

We hear from Andrew Plimmer, Group Development & Communications Manager at Everbright Hotels, on how their environmental policy has helped reduce Co2 emissions by 84%.

Tell us the background of Llandundo Bay Hotel

In September 2021, Everbright Hotel Group acquired the Llandudno Bay Hotel. The property had been closed prior to the pandemic and was in very poor condition throughout.

Comprising 61 bedrooms, public areas, and function space over approximately 1800 square metres of floor space, the Llandudno Bay Hotel was to benefit from substantial refurbishment before reopening. How does sustainability play a part in your long-term strategy?

Everbright Hotels are committed to the principles of Responsible Tourism, playing our role to reduce the environmental impact of travel and tourism. The company have been accredited with the

Green Key Award in recognition of the operational practices that help to reduce environmental impact whilst acting with the interest of our immediate neighbours and the region.

Our investment resulted in sourcing solutions to the reduction of energy consumption at Llandudno Bay Hotel, resulting in an 84% reduction in Co2 emissions. This methodology is being rolled out throughout the group and we are delighted to share our experience with the wider business community.

What were the challenges you faced when you acquired Llandudno Bay Hotel?

95% of the central heating system was via electric heaters, 50% of the hot water system was electric and 50% was gas supplied. There was insufficient water pressure to the upper floor rooms. As a result of the hotel had been closed, there were no contracts in place for electricity and gas. However, records showed that utility costs were over £100,000 for the 12 months prior to closure with re-opening quotations at three times this price.

Our investment resulted in sourcing solutions to the reduction of energy consumption at Llandudno Bay Hotel, resulting in an 84% reduction in Co2 emissions.

What sustainability changes did you make as part of the re-opening process?

Installation of a new central heating system ‘green energy’ ready comprising of several changes with key changes highlighted below.

The original calculations of cost reduction in relation to the central heating and hot water supply were forecasted to fall following the full project implementation from £106.5k to £14.2k.

Similarly, corresponding Co2 emissions were estimated to reduce from 112.7 tonnes to 17.5 tonnes with the introduction of Photovoltaic (PV) panels supplemented by Thermodynamic panels which convert the PV panels energy into heat.

The use of copper & aluminium THERMATE radiators reduces the amount of water used in the central heating system from 2,500 Litres in the previous system, down to approx. 650 Litres in the new system – 75 % less. The efficiency gains from this are:

• Less water to heat and a more rapid heating of the property from 50mins to 10 mins from start.

• The system operates at a reduced water temperature from 65–70*C down to 50 – 52*C.

Installation of multizone Central Heating controllers in each bedroom with window sensors and individual wall thermostats to control radiators. The thermostats are set at 21*C for each bedroom, falling to 15*C if the room is unoccupied by guests.

All bedroom and public area temperatures are visible to the hotels management & reception who can manually control the movement in temperature if residents require an adjustment.

Electrical voltage optimiser is an ingenious device that reduces electrical usage. The UK national grid works to a power output of 242v within the network. However, electrical equipment is designed to work at European standards where the power supply is standardised at 220v.

The optimiser is attached to the buildings main inward electrical board and balances the power distribution from the higher voltage to the lower.

In addition to the cost savings, estimated to be £500 per month, the life of the electrical equipment is extended by operating at a more consistent, lower power.

What are the results of the changes that have been implemented?

The combined outcomes of the 12-month pilot between April 2022 and March 2023 produced the following actual gas & electricity costs based upon meter readings and supplier invoices (net):

Electric - £62,448

Gas - £19,936

The costs are lower than those operated pre-covid by the business and potentially up to 3x lower than quoted upon reopening. In addition, when fully implemented, the process seamlessly produces significant reductions in Co2 emissions.

We are delighted that this implementation of our environmental policy has resulted in providing our guests and visitors with the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint through choosing to stay at our hotels, spas and dining experiences.

Any tips for other businesses on their Net Zero journey?

Don’t spend money on upgrading energy generation if you are not going to control it correctly. Look at what you have and how you manage it.

Green energy and low carbon emission systems can work in old buildings, it just needs to be sized correctly.

Review the market and engage with independent companies before making decisions

For more information, please contact Andrew Plimer:

Andrew@everbrightgroup.co.uk