Energy and Water
Where possible, we use low energy, long life light bulbs both internally and externally. On first switching on
any light at Villa Marina, the bulb will gently warm up to its full brightness. We do not leave any electrical appliances
on stand-by and ask our guests to do the same with the appliances in their bedrooms.
We have recently installed a new condensing boiler and our heating system is regularly
maintained and serviced. We carry out standard checks of our heating thermostat to ensure it is set at an appropriate
level at different times of the year and we ensure that all radiator thermostats are working correctly.
All windows and doors in the property have been replaced with modern double glazed windows. As we are in a
conservation area, all of the sliding sash windows have been replaced on a like-for-like basis so as to retain the character of the
property. All replacement windows are Part L compliant, which means they
meet the Building Regulations requirements with
regard to energy efficiency.
Our loft is fully insulated.
We have installed new A rated appliances for cooking, washing and cleaning. Energy labelling of appliances is subject to various European Union directives and operates on a
pan-European basis, with a common A-G energy labelling scale, where A represents the best appliances and G the worst.
We are committed to saving water and to help monitor our usage we are on a water meter. All en-suites
offer shower facilities only and we have several water butts around the property to save water for the garden and cleaning cars,
bikes and muddy boots! We ask all of our guests to use water wisely during their stay.
We have started to replace all toilets within the property with ones that have dual-action flushes, which release fewer litres of water
than a normal flush system.
We have policies which encourage guests to re-use their towels and linen in order to conserve energy and water and to reduce the use of
detergents.
We minimise the use of travel for business purposes and where possible combine with personal trips.
We encourage guests to leave their cars and walk! Not only do we provide a wealth of information on public transport, local walks and
cycle routes but also provide a drying room and secure storage facilities for walkers and cyclists.
Purchasing
We avoid purchasing products with unnecessary packaging and buy in bulk wherever feasible - for example we use refillable soap &
shampoo dispensers in all of our guest rooms.
We use environmentally friendly cleaning materials where possible, and in some cases use the ‘old methods’, for example a 50/50
mix of white vinegar and water is used for cleaning the mirrors and windows at Villa Marina.
We support the local economy by sourcing products from local suppliers.
Recycling
We re-use both old envelopes and scrap paper for telephone and note pads.
We recycle all glass, cardboard, cans/tins, newspapers/magazines and plastic bottles. You will
find recycling bins throughout the property. Please place any similar items in
these so that we can recycle them on your behalf.
We have a compost bin within the garden and compost all old teabags, and raw fruit/vegetable waste. This, together with the recycling
we carry out, reduces the amount of waste that Torbay Council has to collect from our property each week.
We recycle all printer and fax toners.
Air
To help provide clean air quality, we are a totally “no smoking” establishment.
To try to minimise movement of goods and to support the local community, we source locally where possible. Local food produce is
used in our breakfast and we try to minimise waste. We now offer
for sale a variety of local crafts at Villa
Marina to help support local artists in business.
We provide maps and timetables to all guests to help encourage walking and the use of public transport.
We offer secure parking for cyclists.
We have plants in our rooms, as not only do they look nice but also photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water
into a sugar called glucose using sunlight energy. Oxygen is then produced as a waste product and helps to create a cleaner
environment.
Our Habitat
We are Benefactors of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. This is an independent conservation charity that cares for wildlife,
historic buildings and green spaces in and around Torbay.
We try to help wildlife within our own garden. There are quite a number
of birds nesting within our trees and we have a couple of feeding stations around the bushes and trees. We have a small pond to the
rear of the garden and we have recently reintroduced fish to it. We are pleased to say that we have seen a number of dragon flies
around the pond too!
We are re-introducing plants to the garden and are trying to enhance the conditions for wildlife.
We have a
wealth of planters and hanging baskets around Villa Marina.
We devote a whole page on our website to our environmental policy and
advertise it within our brochure. |