Apex Hotels are seen as leaders within the industry on their environmental initiatives and as a result have won numerous environmental awards. Their London Hotel produces less carbon emissions than a typical hotel of its size and many of these environmental initiatives were installed into the new Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh:
The existing building structure was retained conserving resources, energy and reducing drastically the quantity of demolition waste to landfill.
Walls and roofs were insulated, the original sash and case windows were renovated and draught proofed, the external fabric of the building was restored by local stonemasons using natural materials and traditional construction techniques, new high performance double glazed timber windows were fitted in bedrooms and high quality durable timber and stone finishes enhance the interior spaces.
A new energy efficient boiler and heating system was installed, linked with a Building Management System (BMS) which enables Apex Hotels to have full control of energy consumption and by monitoring daily can implement measures to further reduce the carbon emissions.
Market leading heat pump technology and energy efficient lifts were installed.
Card readers were fitted in all bedrooms.
Low energy LED lamps were fitted throughout the property and motion detectors fitted to low traffic areas to switch lights off. A range of water saving devices were installed.
The pool using an ozone based cleaning system to reduce the amount of chemicals such as chlorine in the water, is naturally lit by roof lights and is highly insulated. Eco friendly chemicals are used throughout the hotel and a re-use towel policy is in place.
The interiors were designed selecting durable and sustainable materials, locally sourced where possible. The hotel group work with an architect in charge of Sustainable Hotel Design. The hotel serves local seasonal produce.
In addition the group have a CSR & Environmental policy, offer a carbon offsetting facility, recycle and compact waste, a Purchasing policy reducing packaging at the source, and a Marketing policy concentrating on e-marketing.