Tordown B & B

Key 'green' issues facing the business

  • Formalising an environmental policy as a clear statement of what whey already do
  • Keeping track of waste streams as tightly as energy use
  • Monitoring energy use and costs


What has the business done so far?

  • Tordown shopping bagsAll utilities data has been archived for three years
  • The name board outside notifies 'organic' and 'environmentally friendly'
  • Bio-fuel is used in winter - a woodstove heats the kitchen
  • Staff and guests systematically recycle waste
  • Tordown recyclingWalking and cycling maps are provided in a guest file
  • There is coach parking and secure cycle storage
  • All staff walk to work
  • An excellent bird guide is provided in the guest lounge with binoculars


Future 'green' developments

  • Communicating more strongly all the measures already put in place
  • Installation of energy-efficiency equipment eg. solar thermal system, more low-energy lighting, back-boiler for wood fuel stove
  • Formalise 'Green Management' file and ad Green Policy (or summary) to back of welcome letter and website
  • Get several quotes for replacing the old gas boiler (seasonal efficiency 78%) with a modern boiler rated efficiency Band-A (90%)
  • Place 'Bag It and Bin It' notices on sanitary waste bins (or add the info to the welcome letter placed in the rooms)
  • Continue to research 'eco' detergents for acceptable performance
  • Complete 'Wildlife Seen at Tordown' folder
  • State in Visitor Pack that organic or natural products are used wherever possible (eg food, toiletries, air fresheners, linen)
  • Compile a Responsible Visitor Charter - highlighting what visitors can do
  • When replacing light-housings in kitchen, fit reflecting units (to maximise light entering the room)
  • Add (as planned) 'Ten things to do without a car' section to website


Top Green Tips

  • Kept one halogen spotlight in a track of halogen-replacement LED's in order to retain crisp instant light
  • Siphon-pump bathwater to top up water butts if insufficient summer rain!
  • Compost wood ash with garden's green waste


For more information contact:- Cheryl and Michael Penn, Tordown B & B, 5 Ashwell Lane, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8BG, 01458 832287, e-mail info@tordown.com, www.tordown.com