Globe Hotel Environment Policy (PDF)

Each aspect and department of the business is operated in such a way that it enhances and embraces the local environment and community and thus the local economy. The Globe remains busy and popular with tourists, business travelers and locals to retain its unique historic character and ambience that has been present for centuries. By constantly improving facilities particular attention is made to energy saving devices and good environmental practices through purchasing and staff involvement.

The following portrays a few actions that have helped us and that we feel are important to successful sustainability through our moral obligations.

Access for all and Community Support:
We welcome all guests to the hotel from able bodied to not so able bodied. Two ground floor bedrooms provide suitable accommodation for guests with mobility challenges.

Twice a week we host and subsidize a lunch club for the Estuary League of Friends. We also provide a takeaway service to another day centre.

Community involvement is a very strong and important part of our business.

Currently we are involved with the following:

Free use of The Malthouse for community groups such as:
The Avocet Line Users Group ( Exeter to Exmouth Rail)
Topsham Community Association
Topsham Museum
Estuary Players
Without this FREE facility many of these groups would not be able to operate or continue sustainable activities.

Schools:
We try and work with local primary and secondary schools in a number of different ways for a variety of reasons that we feel are important. By giving our time and expertise this not only helps to build relations within our industry but it is a valuable asset to the staff and pupils that do not always have access to resources. It is also a great way for staff to receive a sense of self gratification and enjoyment when helping children.

Topsham Food Festival: one of the main organizers of the weekend event. A community festival with workshops involving producers and other Restaurants etc and the “Nellos Longest Table" (in memory of local restaurateur Nello Ghezzo). This remarkable happening was an immensely long street partycatering for over 2000 revelers. Those taking part chose their table from a map in The Globe, and the Festival organisers provided a table (no chairs!) and nothing else. However, it was inherent that every bring their own feast, however grand or simple, with all foods to be bought locally in Topsham and surrounding areas – the event was not only great fun and a huge community success, it encouraged greater thought to 'buying local'. Funds raised went to the Matthews Hall Modernisation Appeal and to Force Cancer Charity.

The success of the Topsham Food Festival encouraged us to embark on a Shop Local Campaign that is ongoing. Mostly, though, the Topsham Food Festival, which we hope to repeat in 2010, was about Local Food, Good Company and of course “Sharing!”

Slow Food Movement: Topsham and ourselves are involved with the Devon Slow Food Movement supporting a monthly market. As a result of the community involvement a dozen or so Italians from Tuscany Slow Food regularly come over to to cook with us and enjoy the festivities and community of Topsham. This is leading to a reciprocal exchanges with a delegation from Exeter going over to Pisa to build contacts.

Minimising Carbon Footprint and Greenhouse Gases:
Regular monitoring of Electric, Gas and Water meters is essential in determining usage and possibilities in where savings can be made.

As a result we actively look at purchasing more energy efficient appliances. By monitoring further we can then see the impact these have and pass on and share useful info to other business about current best practices and appliances. We communicate with both staff and customers on the ways they can help eg environmental rooms cards and good staff awareness sharing our knowledge re monitoring.

Renewable Energy:
We are currently buying Green Electricity which even though a little more expensive we do not pay the extra Climate Change Levy Tax making this option a little more acceptable! Still more expensive but morally better. We are now looking at our heating for winter at how we can make this more efficient and greener possibly by adding solar panels to our system. With the price rises at present the pay back for renewable energy may be quicker than previously thought.

Daily Actions:
Recycling is a key part of staff involvement ensuring what ever can be recycled is done so in the correct manner – no contamination etc.

Cleaning: we ensure that water is not run unnecessarily and that the correct cleaning materials are used. We use non phosphate products and recycled products wherever possible.

Staff are aware that any leaks or other problems are reported immediately.

Other Developments and Actions:
The Globe has just completed an environmental management plan course which leads to creating an EMS (Environmental Management System). This ensures we will continue to monitor and evaluate all procedures needed in daily, weekly and ongoing activities. We are setting targets and objectives to see where we can improve further. It will also be a great tool in best practices regarding the rest of our operations here at The Globe as well as in our sister establishment Route 2 Eco-Café Bar.