Partnership Approach eases Energy Cost Pressures
Like many hotels, rising energy prices, increased overheads and more stringent legislation introduced to increase the energy efficiency of commercial buildings have been a growing issue for the prestigious Gilsland Spa Hotel in Northumberland.
This forced the hotel to approach the Carbon Trust to undertake an audit to identify ways it could cut energy use and emissions. Newcastle-based NJK Partnership won the contract to complete the assessment and look for cost-effective and energy efficient solutions that would help reduce Gilsland Spa’s energy bills and improve the overall energy performance standard of its premises.
The main focus was the hotel’s plant room, which due to the hotel’s remote location, was fired by two oil-fired steam boilers that were over 30 years old. This, combined with the heat loss generated through the plant room itself and the DHW storage area, meant huge amounts of oil was being wasted to provide the heating and hot water for the hotel.
LPG was considered a viable alternative fuel for the hotel’s heating and water heating requirements as it is a cleaner burning fuel than oil, produces fewer carbon emissions and less smoke. In addition, the hotel was already using Calor LPG for its catering requirements so it was simply a case of upgrading the LPG bulk tanks on site so that the heating and hot water system could also be powered cost effectively by the same fuel.
Norman Waitt, project manager at NJK Partnership, said: We teamed up with heating experts Ideal Boilers and the UK’s leading LPG supplier Calor to address the energy issues facing Gilsland Spa Hotel.
We specified three Viceroy GT pressure jet boilers from Ideal Boilers’ market leading range of high efficiency commercial appliances to supply the heating and hot water for the hotel’s bedrooms, restaurant, bar and conference facilities. These measures have saved the hotel up to 30% off their energy bills.
Available in seven models with outputs from 300-780kW, the Ideal Viceroy GT is the market leader in value-for-money pressure jet boilers. Easy to install and service, the range is designed to be compact in size yet extremely powerful and efficient in performance, meeting all requirements at both full load and part load for low emissions and high operating efficiency (92-93% net efficiency).
All models are suitable for gas or oil firing, whilst dual fuel options can be provided on selected models. Comprehensive control panels are also provided with optional panels for high/low burner operation to minimise running costs.
Calor’s The Think Tank telemetry system was also installed meaning the LPG supply is monitored and Calor is automatically notified when a delivery is due giving the hotel’s management team one less thing to think about.
Craig Stewart, Ideal’s business development manager for the north east, said: Along with offering an extensive range of heating solutions, at Ideal Boilers we develop bespoke partnerships with our customers to ensure they get maximum support and benefits.
The Gilsland Spa Hotel is an ideal example of how adopting this approach provides the best service for the end-user. Working in partnership is vitally important for sharing examples of best practice by creating secure knowledge amongst those within the supply chain.
Sabrina Jackson, Calor’s commercial market development manager, concludes: LPG allows the full package of heating, water heating and catering to run from a single source. It is particularly well suited to outlets in the hospitality industry such as Gilsland, as it provides a moist flame and a responsive and versatile heat, something all professional chef’s rely on in their kitchen. It also provides fast, efficient central heating and water heating and can also be used for leisure applications including heating swimming pools.
In addition, current oil storage regulations mean that businesses are responsible for ensuring the safe storage of their oil supply when storing more than 200 litres above ground. Leaks can be costly and failure to comply with the new regulations is a criminal offence. Operators can face fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance and up to £20,000 if the Environment Agency finds that the land has been contaminated due to an oil leak. In contrast, LPG has an enviable environmental and safety track record and the responsibility for bulk tank installation, safety and maintenance remains with the fuel supplier.
For more information on the high efficiency range of commercial appliances from Ideal Boilers visit www.idealcommercialboilers.com, email commercial_heating@idealboilers.com or call the commercial heating team on 01482 498 690.
For more information on funding and implementation support visit www.njk.org.uk or email joem@njk.org.uk.
For further information about LPG for heating applications visit www.lpg-heating.co.uk.