Energy and water saving is everyone's job

• Hotel implemented CSR into its management strategies
• Small investment (€ 350) achieved significant savings (€ 5 000 a year) in water and waste bills

Izvora Hotel is located in a traditional Bulgarian building in the centre of the village of Arbanassi. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, infrared cabin and massage facility. All of the rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, internet, and hairdryer.

After an analysis of operational conditions by corporate social responsibility (CSR) and clean production (CP) experts, together with staff members, data was collected on the hotel's consumption of basic resources – water, electricity, and wood for heating, etc. All processes were reviewed in detail, including housekeeping and accommodation, the spa centre, heating, ventillation and air-conditioning systems.

Key impact

All data and observations were analysed and suggestions for how to improve resource efficiency, including behavioural aspects, were proposed. All measures were estimated in terms of social, economic and environmental benefits.  

One of these measures that requires minimum investment but has a hugely positive impact is to provide information and raise awareness of energy and water saving in the hotel. Campaigns aimed at guests and personnel explain how even simple actions like switching off lights can incrementally improve energy usage efficiency.