Green Policy

At the Draycott Hotel we recognise the impact of our business on the environment and are committed to conducting our business in a way that ensures environmental sustainability.

We are members of the Green Tourism for London Scheme, which is the first independently audited green accreditation scheme for the tourism industry in London.

The Green Tourism for London Scheme has over 150 measures of good sustainable practice related to running a successful tourism related operation. Businesses are rated according to the number of measures that have been put into practice.

In April, 2010 we gained the Silver Award for 'Good Practice Throughout'.

Our parent company Mantis, based in South Africa has a strong commitment to conserving the environment. The Mantis Group's underlying philosophy is one of responsible and ecologically sensitive development, supporting the local environment through community projects and conservation of resources. It has gained the Green Leaf Environmental Standard at Eagles Crag audited by the Wilderness Foundation South Africa. We would like to follow Mantis in making a difference to the environment.

We are undertaking the following actions to responsibly lessen our impact on the environment wherever we sensibly can:

We will factor the environment in our everyday decision making at management meetings and with our Staff Consultative Committee.

We are raising awareness and encouraging our staff to carry out more sustainable business practices by informing and involving them at induction and at regular training sessions.

We are recycling paper, newspapers, glass, batteries, fluorescent and long life bulbs, cans and cartridges.

We are operating a 'switch off' policy for office staff to turn off computer equipment and printers when not in use.

We have reduced our usage of harmful cleaning chemicals and are using where possible more eco friendly products.

We will be encouraging our guests to explore the local attractions by public transport, bicycle or on foot by providing information on walks, cycle routes and cycle hire information and bus and tube timetables at Reception.

We will continue to:

• Use low energy light blubs in public areas.
• Monitor our energy consumption of gas, electricity and water.
• Use electronic mail where possible to reduce the use of paper.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and taps.
• Buy in bulk.

Encourage staff to support the Ayoma Charity. The hotel will help collect unwanted clothes and books to be sent to the Ghanan village of Ayoma.

We are working on projects to:

• Reduce water consumption.
• Use more organic produce, seasonal vegetables and local produce.
• Purchase in the future more recycled items e.g. pens and paper.

We will always comply with the law in all our actions and will continuously review our policy to improve our environmental impact.

The Draycott Hotel is dedicated to balancing our commitment to our Green Policy without compromising on the comfort, standards and enjoyment of our guests.

Green Policy for our Guests

We would like to enlist the help of our guests in achieving our aims by asking them to:

• Turn off lights when leaving the room.
• Turn off the television when leaving the room.
• Turn off taps.
• Leave newspapers out of the bins so they can be collected separately by the housekeeping staff.
• Towel and Linen Policy

Our policy is to ensure that guests have a comfortable stay. Therefore sheets will be changed on every second day for a long stay guest and towels will be changed on turn down (where necessary) and when the room is cleaned. Guests are asked to place all towels to be changed into the bath.

We very much welcome your support with achieving our aims and we appreciate any recommendations you have to further improve our business environmental performance. Please e-mail ideas and suggestions to Susan McEwen Smith at susie.ms@draycotthotel.com.