CSR Policy
...my sleep,a precious commodity on a business trip,was enhanced by a superb bed and bedding, wonderful quiet....Old but modern in every way: the best of both worlds....
K.I Washington DC
issue 5 July 2011
CSR Mission Statement & Policies
The hotel wholly accepts and embraces CSR as part of its responsibility in helping to protect the environment and encourage those with whom it trades to do the same. It also strives to play an active part in and support the community in which it operates and champion worthy causes wherever possible, directly or indirectly.
All staff are aware of the Policy and are supportive of it. Participation and proactive efforts and ideas are welcomed and acknowledged.
The Hotel's GREEN COMMITTEE meets quarterly and ensures all re-cycling and energy-saving opportunities are adopted by all departments
The hotel is committed to regularly reviewing and assessing its CSR policies
The Hotel is a member of CONSIDERATE HOTELIERS
CSR POLICY AIMS & OBJECTIONS
All staff to be introduced to our CSR policy with training and awareness.
Encouraging and motivating our staff to enjoy and fully embrace the hotels CSR policy and as importantly to assist the hotel in its responsibilities and accountability to the community in which it operates.
Source our goods and materials from environmentally sound suppliers by requesting their policy and maintaining their progress.
WASTE MATERIALS
Monitor and work to lower levels of wastage in conjunction with recycling whenever possible.
RECYCLING
Continue to maximize recycling facilities and practices, and seek out further opportunities, even at a cost where appropriate and feasible.Currently we recycle Ink Cartridges, Paper, Plastic, Cardboard, Glass, Cooking Oil, Aluminium and Tin
Our Recycling Companies:
OTHER POLICIES
We will monitor the recycling policies and waste control of those with whom we trade, to ensure they too have established policies in keeping with our aims and objectives.
Soap: using liquid for better quality, no wastage, 70% of bars of soaps are wasted in hotels.
Towels: as is common practice we encourage our guests to be economic with towel-changing frequencies, enabling them to reduce our carbon footprint
Bed Linen: We offer guests the opportunity to inform us when they wish bed linen to be changed (not more frequently than standard hotel practice (3rd day).
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Heating
The hotel has new and efficient heating (installed 2008) and is registered with the Carbon Trust to ensure that consumption is measured and mnonitored so we are as environmentally practical/friendly as possible. Methodology is to reduce running costs/energy, increase efficiency and reduce heat loss.
Monitor and strive to reduce consumption of water and wastage levels.
The hotel has invested significantly(2006) by introducing a hot water system eradicating storage of and saving significant energy consumption by not having to maintain 330 litres of stored hot water.
Lighting
LED and Low energy bulbs are used throughout the Hotel
Lighting and other systems are switched off at all times possible- with due regard to guest comfort and safety
CLEANING PRODUCTS
We use SPECTRUM CLEANING SOLUTIONS providers of environmentally-friendly cleaning products
LOCAL PRODUCE
We are champions of local producers and products. All foods are locally sourced as a priority
York Coffee Emporium for our Coffee Beans-roasted to our specification- a unique blend
Ye Olde Pie and Sausage Shoppe - for our sausages made from York-reared Free Range Pork
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
When replacing existing energy-using equipment the hotel will strive to improve the energy/efficiency ratios.
ACCESS FOR ALL
The Best Western Dean Court is a highly rated 4 star thirty-seven roomed hotel in the heart of the City of York and opposite York Minster.
The original building dates from C.1850 and is Grade II listed. The adjoining part abutting St Wilfrid's Church is Georgian.
During 2004-2007 a complete refurbishment resulted in significant improvements especially in ACCESS for ALL despite the challenges that are inherent in a building of such age and character.
Facilities include:
3 designated rooms specifically designed for guests with limited mobility/ walking limitations/ and wheelchair users along with those with hearing and visual impairments.
Improved access for wheelchair users - including a 7 degree portable ramp at Petergate entrance (new 2010).
Disabled Toilet Facilities
Level Access to all public rooms
Trained and considerate staff.
Extensive dietary foods for those with allergies and intolerances
THE COMMUNITY
The Best Western Dean Court continues to contribute to many charities and local businesses/institutions, amongst others are:
Jessie's Fund St Leonard's Hospice
York Carers
York Against Cancer
Marie Curie Cancer Care
York Guildhall Orchestra
York Early Music Festival
Macmillans Cancer Support NSPCC York
St. Barnabus Primary School (Children In Need Appeal)
All staff are encouraged and supported when opportunities arise to support organizations offering help and advice in the Community of York. RSPCA Beckie Hardcastle - Senior Receptionist at the Dean Court
THE FUTURE
We are consulting with local experts to investigate systems to provide air-cooling facilities for guest bedrooms by redistributing generated/wasted heat.
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