CASE STUDY
polyester cushions on the beds and normal cotton environmentally aware business. Toilet roll is had to be withdrawn due to low uptake.
and unorganic cotton bedsheets and bathrobes. recycled from the best quality that can be found. Burton does admit that Titanic Spa’s
A welcoming breakfast hamper contains Recycle bins are another area for environmental credentials rest predominantly
standard, non-organic milk - Burton says this improvement: a trial has proved successful with the building - the borehole, and
is a ‘cost issue’. “We did start with organic and there are plans to bring recycling facilities sustainable energy such as the photovoltaic
milk and intend to provide it again in the new into all rooms and apartments. Meanwhile, roof tiles. “It is the building that is our
year, as we have sourced a new supplier. We all laundry is washed on site, using an Otex biggest contribution to the environment”, he
like to lead by example when possible”. system that washes on cold and uses fewer says, “and we do our very best to implement
The apartment’s Elemis shampoos and chemicals than conventional laundry systems. other eco initiatives where possible, to run
conditioners were pleasant and effective - but Surprisingly, however - and in contrast to a successful business in harmony with the
definitely not organic or even 100% natural. most hotels these days - there are no signs in environment.”
Burton admits sourcing commercially viable the apartments giving guests the option of re- There’s no doubt businesses tread a
sustainable skincare and cosmetic products is using their towels. “We put the right amount precarious balance between running a
problematic. For its massages and treatments, of towels per guest and don’t want our guests profitable company, keeping customers
Titanic uses mainstream spa brands Decleor, to feel guilty about using the towels,” Burton happy and being as environmentally aware as
Aroma and Elemis. Burton says all have “very explains. possible.
good green statements”. Downstairs at the spa, the facilities are Operationally, however, Titanic falls short
Cost and brand awareness are cited as impressive - there’s a soporific relaxation on the last factor. The devil is in the detail;
barriers to becoming as sustainable as possible room, complete with individual booths for recycling bins in rooms, and organic spa
in these areas. Burton says Titanic launched some serious kicking-back; calming treatment products, milk and wines should be standard
with 100% natural products, but the policy rooms; and a series of rooms collectively and replace conventional products.
was changed after brand awareness and take- referred to as ‘the Titanic Heat Experience’. It’s the responsibility of self-proclaimed
up was found to be so low. “For commercial Punters float between rooms, all of eco business to lead by example, passing
reasons we had to change to leading product which promise a different experience - think the cost onto the rapidly growing band of
houses. While not 100% natural the products aromatherapy room, ice room and stone-cold consumers who seek to be pampered without a
have effective green policies.” plunge pool. guilty conscience.
“There are some amazing brands out there There’s no denying it’s good fun, and a
from a quality point of view, but they’re not great boost to wellbeing and circulation. But
commercial enough; they have little backing this enjoyable component of the spa is hugely
Titanic spa’s eco
and experience. We started off using Pevonia energy intensive, and for this reason, serious
credentials
Botanical, but commercially the arrangement eco-warriors may find their hearts sinking.
n a 100m deep private water borehole
didn’t work out - people had never heard Food is an important part of a stay at any
provides pure, untreated drinking
of the product. We had to introduce a more hotel or spa - and the Titanic’s bistro offers an water, and water for the showers and
commercial brand.” impressive selection of Fairtrade coffee and swimming pool
Burton says most of the operation’s teas, and an average-length lunch and evening
n electricity is supplied by photovoltaic
paper stock is recycled, or obtained from menu. Ingredients are organic or locally sourced
roof tiles. Heat for the building is
sustainable sources, and the spa is careful to “where possible”, and the menu is heavily
produced by a solar panels and
a biomass generator that burns
recycle all materials it uses on site: plastic, weighted in favour of carnivores. There’s a
chippings from industrial waste
cardboard, bottles and tin - though most people surprising absence of organic wines; Burton
n laundry is washed on cold, using
would argue this should be standard for any says the four organic wines that were on offer
minimal chemicals, and there are
recycling bins on site for the spa and
its guest apartments. Glass, card,
paper and plastic will be re-used
n a Co2 management company
measures Co2 levels and displays
them on an live board in the reception
area for the apartments, measuring
the carbon savings for the day and the
production of electricity through the
roof tiles
n there are much-needed plans to
introduce recycling bins in guest
rooms and offer organic milk as
standard. the paper stock is mostly
recycled, or obtained from sustainable
sources
n Fairtrade coffee and tea is offered in
the bistro and food is locally sourced
and organic where possible. there is
a notable shortage of vegetarian and
a 100m deep private water borehole provides water for the swimming pool.
vegan options.
SuStainable SolutionS January/December 2009 53
52-53 titanic spa.indd 53 4/12/08 09:56:05
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