The Savoy, one of the world’s most iconic hotels, prides itself on its reputation for firsts as it was the first hotel to generate its own electricity supply, to install electric lifts and to supply constant hot and cold running water and air conditioning. Continuing this tradition, The Savoy is leading the way by showing its commitment to combating climate change through investing in a carbon reduction strategy, as part of the £100 million restoration project it is currently undergoing, to become the most environmentally responsible luxury hotel in London.
Energy management company, Evolve Energy, has been brought on board by The Savoy, during its 16 month closure, to implement a carbon emissions reduction system. This strategy is a reflection of Fairmont’s leading global position on the environment. Evolve Energy’s green strategy will mean that The Savoy will reduce its electricity consumption – the greatest source of its carbon emissions – by approximately 50%, and total energy consumption by up to 40%. In the long-term, emissions will be permanently reduced by 3,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, the equivalent of removing 850 vehicles from London’s roads
Energy saving devices will include the replacement of old boilers and heat transfer equipment with ultra high efficiency hot water and heat recovery systems, low energy air conditioning, intelligent building controls, smart metering and 24 hour monitoring and targeting of energy use at the hotel and all rooms and suites will be fitted with useful energy saving equipment, including smart guestroom controls.
In addition public areas, including the new Beaufort Bar and Savoy Tea Shop, will also incorporate the carbon reduction strategy.
Chief Operating Officer at Evolve Energy, Tim Schneider, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Savoy. Its decision to adopt this strategy reinforces our view that it is not just new buildings that can be green. The majority of carbon cuts that businesses make come from energy efficiency measures. As energy prices keep rising, and the credit crunch bites harder, businesses should see investments in environmental measures not as a cost but as a saving.”
Kiaran McDonald, General Manager of The Savoy added: “When we open the doors to the restored Savoy in 2009, guests will notice the difference in our upgraded public areas, river view suites and restaurants. What they will not immediately notice is the amount of work that has been invested in upgrading the physical plant of the hotel. When we closed our doors we set an ambitious target for ourselves: to reduce our energy consumption by up to 40%, and become the most environmentally responsible luxury hotel in London. This stance is a reflection of the leading position taken by Fairmont on an International level.
“We chose Evolve Energy to help us achieve our goals based on their proven reputation for excellence in the areas of energy efficiency, carbon savings and project management. Most importantly, we were looking for a partner that understood that we had the potential to not only improve our environmental performance, but offer a more luxurious experience to our guests as a result. The wonderful outcome of this partnership is that when we reopen with a modernised, energy efficient hotel, we will have a reduced carbon footprint and an enhanced service offering that will be utterly seamless to our guests. We are delighted to have found a partner in Evolve Energy that has been able to deliver on both fronts.”