Our Green Policy

The Gonville Hotel in Cambridge recognises that our work may have a direct or indirect effect on the local, regional and global environment. We are committed to reducing any harmful effects on the environment and in working with reputable associations, we aim to understand, follow and implement best environmental practices wherever possible. We encourage our employees, suppliers and guests to be environmentally aware through initiatives such as recycling and trying to be energy efficient.

Our goal is to prevent landfill waste and improve recycling, by reviewing how supplies and equipment are purchased, packaged, delivered, used and disposed of while complying will all applicable environmental legislation.

The Gonville Hotel has a ‘Green Committee’ which is responsible for monitoring, implementing and moving forward with the ongoing action plan to deliver our commitment.

As a guest at The Gonville Hotel we hope that you too will take time to think about the environment during your stay and helps us maintain our commitment to our Green Policy. Guests can help us with some simple measures:

Turn off lights or electrical items in your bedroom when not in use
Consider the usage of your towels during your stay
Allow us to recycle any newspapers that may no longer be required
Avoid dripping taps
Adhering to our No Smoking Policy in the Hotel
Use recycling station located by the lift on the first and second floor.

Macro Areas

Waste Reduction

The Gonville Hotel will endeavour to reduce the amount of waste generated by reusing and recycling.

Recycling organic kitchen waste
Recycling all bar glass bottles and broken glass using the glass bin in the car park
Recycling all waste paper – providing recycling boxes throughout the hotel
Recycling all cardboard and packaging
Recycling all printer cartridges
Operate a ‘Think before you print’ Campaign in all areas of the business
Recycling all the spent batteries
Recycling all tins, cans and aluminium
Recycling all plastics and packaging in designated bins
Dog waste eco-treatment in place
Educate and train all members of staff in environmental issues and in good working practices in order to create an energy efficient and environmentally aware working culture

Purchasing

The Gonville Hotel will endeavour to take into account the environmental factors involved in production, use and disposal of the product.

When purchasing, analyse whether a new product is essential
Where possible, source food from local suppliers
Avoid purchasing products with unnecessary packaging
When possible purchase Fair Trade products in the bedrooms and bar/restaurant
Using refillable British produce shampoos and toiletries

Energy and Water Saving

The Gonville Hotel will endeavour to consider all resources and aim to reduce energy consumption.

AC units turn off when windows are opened
Use energy efficient light bulbs, lower heating temperatures
More than 75% of the building is double glazed
Key card controller turn off lights/power in unoccupied rooms
Make sure all radiators have adjustable controls
Ensure that all PCs are switched off when not in use
Follow the guidelines/advice set down by the GTBS and the Carbon Trust
Public toilets got sensors taps and sensor urinals

Travel

The Gonville Hotel will endeavour to reduce the impact of vehicle emissions by encouraging the application of sustainable principles to travelling and arranging meetings.

Where possible, we will promote public transport, cycling or walking as the preferred form of transport for staff and residents
Electric vehicle charge points are available for staff and residents
Maps available at reception – clearly indicated walking and cycling travel time for touristic sight
Gonville Bikes for hire available for residents