One of Northern Ireland’s leading hotels is the latest business to reduce its carbon footprint by making the switch to natural gas as part of a major £60million extension project by Phoenix Energy to extend access to its network to 13 towns across County Down.
The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle, which is owned and operated by Hastings Hotels, made the move following a £1.1m investment in the hotel which also included a brand new kitchen, a redesign of the Drawing Room as well as the upgrading of 16 of the hotel’s guest bedrooms.
The popular hotel, which is set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, is making the investment to facilitate its growing business and ensure it continues to offer the very best experience for all its guests.
Michael Weston, General Manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa explains: “We are committed to conducting our business in a way that ensures environmental sustainability for future generations. This made making the move to natural gas, which produces less carbon than any other fossil fuel, a priority for us as soon as it became available in the area.
“As well as the environmental savings, connecting to natural gas has allowed us to install new Combined Heating and Power units which allows us to convert any surplus gas into electricity which is further reducing our carbon emissions and reducing our overall electricity costs. All of which is achieved without any compromise to the comfort, standard and enjoyment of our guests.”
Olly Mars, Industrial & Commercial Sales Manager at Phoenix Energy is delighted with the number of businesses making the switch to natural gas as a result of the network extension, he says: “We are excited to be working with clients like the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa to support them in their ambitions to operate with an energy efficiency focus and to provide an effective, reliable and lower carbon heating solution for their business.
“As well as bringing an environmental benefit we are seeing more and more commercial customers making the move for the additional benefits that natural gas can bring. From consolidating their fuel choices to better utilising their existing spaces with the removal of large boilers, we are seeing more and more commercial customers investing in natural gas to fuel the future of their business.”