Green Policy

The Best Western White House Hotel is committed to its duties and responsibilities to the environment, its employees and to the community. We have implemented the following practices and principles to aid us in meeting and exceeding legislation and expectations.

  • Support the local economy through donations and partnerships with local organisations as well as being a key employer in the area operating an efficient and successful hotel
  • Identifying best practices environmentally and socially and implementing these where possible within the hotel
  • Training of staff on green policies and best practices with constant monitoring and updating when necessary

 

Initiatives we currently undertake:

Gas, Electricity, Water and Waste limitation and management

  • We currently use gas for heating, hot water and some kitchen equipment. Our usage is continuously being monitored and initiatives such as minimising heating during spring to autumn months are currently in place. Our daily usage averages 104m3 and we aim to reduce this to 80m3 within the next 5 years.
  • Wherever possible energy efficient light bulbs have been installed and the use of lighting, air conditioning and electrical equipment are monitored to reduce waste. Our daily usage averages 295kWh and we aim to reduce this to 250kWh within the next 5 years.
  • To reduce the amount of water used, we have installed slow-flow showerheads in all bedrooms and dual flush systems in public areas. We commit to continue installing water reducing facilities with the aim to reduce our water usage by 5% within the next 5 years
  • Our bedroom linen is provided by an external company, however, the linen is changed at intervals that do not compromise our standards or the comfort of our guests whilst economising on usage
  • We closely monitor and aim to reduce our use of chemicals, and where possible are seeking to replace them with environmentally safe products
  • The ordering of items if carefully monitored to minimise waster and reduce the cost of energy, raw materials and labour involved in production.
  • Other waste limitation initiative in place include reduction in printing with communications only printed when necessary and the installation of soap dispensers in bathrooms and public toilets to reduce waste from soap bars and single use toiletries.
  • We aim to reduce our waste by 20% within the next 5 years. We currently average 25000l per month.

Recycling

  • Bulk purchasing is used where possible to minimise packaging.
  • Waste paper and cardboard is separated from general waste for recycling.
  • Printer cartridges, batteries and stationary items are recycled where possible for charity or refilled to reuse
  • All glass and plastics where possible are recycled

Supporting the local community

  • Charitable donations are made to local and national charities
  • Wherever possible, all foodstuffs are purchased from local suppliers
  • The hotel is within a 5 minute walk to the local high street which offer plenty of dining, shopping, learning and entertainment opportunities. Ask reception if you are looking for recommendations.
  • We have partnerships in place with local restaurants for in-dining or take away, all within walking distance to the hotel
  • Promotional materials for local facilities and attractions are available to guests in the lounge or through Reception. Ask reception for a list of events / festivals  taking place in the local area during your stay.
  • Supporting local businesses, charities and events with discounted stays
  • We carefully and continually maintain the hotel enhancing the overall appearance of the local area
  • Cash is injected into the local community in the form of business rates and staff spending power

Food & Drink

  • Whilst the hotel only serves breakfast onsite, we aim to provide high quality produce whilst being mindful of reducing our carbon footprint. Therefore, we source accredited suppliers which are based locally for example our meats are ordered from a local butcher (Middlesex Meat) which is Red Tractor certified and our tea, coffee and sugar suppliers are Fairtrade from a local wholesaler (Bookers - Watford branch).
  • We are committed to providing food and drink options to meet all dietary requirements (for example soy milk is available for anyone on a vegan diet), lifestyle choices (fruit and cereal selection available) or religious requirements (vegetarian sausages available for non-pork eaters)

 

What can you do to help?

  • Keeping windows closed if the heating is on.
  • Turning off lights, TV’s etc when they are not required.
  • Saving water by not using running water and report any leaks
  • Assist in minimising energy/chemical consumption by deciding on led frequent replacement of linen and towels
  • Support other local businesses by ordering food from one of our partnered restaurants
  • Use our cutlery when ordering a takeaway rather than single use items
  • Bring your reusable bottle / cup if you are ordering take away drinks
  • Respect our neighbours and refrain from any disruptive noise, particularly at night, and using the hotel bin or street bins