Tourism

Crowne Plaza Christchurch's utility spend is a significant overhead. The driver behind an energy review was a desire to reduce utility costs - without compromising guests' comfort.

An energy audit uncovered ways to cut consumption and also kick-started a change in thinking. "It became part of our everyday business," explains chief engineer Chris Stevens.

The hotel's annual electricity bill is $100,000 less now than in 2006 - a 14% saving. It also achieved a peak annual saving of 14% in potable water and trade waste, and 12% in LPG consumption.

This case study looks at how the Mangonui Hotel, built in 1905, retrofitted the heritage building with a modern solar water heating system with gas back-up.

By reducing their electricity needs and installing two small wind turbines, owners of this Canterbury tourist lodge have eliminated their power bill - and they're getting paid for the excess electricity they generate.

Keen to reduce their carbon footprint and help conserve the Canterbury high country they showcase, this tourism operator looked for alternatives to petroleum diesel – and found biodiesel a perfect fit with their business, brand and fleet.