Our commitment to reducing our impact
From pools to steam, fluffy robes to powerful jets, a spa has its work cut out when it comes to being environmentally friendly. We care just as much about the environment as we do about the ambience and we are constantly looking for ways to improve our efficiency and are proud to share our innovative solutions.
New plastic policy
Our team are focussing on reducing plastic use and are coming up with new initiatives, which will significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste we generate.
We would like to encourage all our customers to use their own bags where possible as this is the most environmentally sound approach. However, we have also taken time to source suitable alternatives.
Whilst paper bags seem the ideal solution to reduce plastic usage, research consistently finds that the production of paper bags has a far higher carbon footprint than plastic ones. It was therefore important to us to find a retailer who goes the extra mile to source environmentally friendly materials and consider the environmental impact of the production. Our new paper bags are produced by a FSC certified and carbon neutral manufacturer (the company takes measures to offset the carbon), using sustainable sources.
We will also be introducing reusable cotton bags which will retail for £3. Our bags are made in factories which adhere to a strict fair trading policy, are ethically certified and Sedex registered (an association which ensures good working practices and standards are maintained throughout the production process). The cotton bags are also carbon neutral.
Our plastic bags in changing rooms for wet swimwear are biodegradable within two years and we are in the process of searching for a reusable alternative.
Disposable cups are being removed from around the spa. In our Treatments department reusable pots are used where possible as well as paper stemmed cotton buds.
Energy
- There are solar panels on the roof at Pulse 8 which can produce over 40kWh per day. To put this into perspective, the average house uses 5kWh per day.
- In the Spa Garden, air source heat pumps heat the pool and mini spas. These systems are five times more efficient than a conventional boiler. Solar panels are also used in conjunction with these pumps.
- To ensure all our water pumps run efficiently we are in the process of fitting inverters which allow variable pressure control and reduce energy consumption.
- Heat is reclaimed from the air expelled from our buildings, this is collected and used to heat our pools, so nothing is wasted!
- Combined heat and power systems will be installed to simultaneously produce electricity and hot water using a gas powered engine bringing significant energy savings.
Lighting
Traditional 50w lamp are being replaced with the equivalent 7w LED fitting and over 90% of bulbs across the business have been replaced using a fifth of the electricity.
Recycling
All of our waste is collected and then sorted at the refuse depot to maximise recycling.
Water
In all our pools and showers you are bathing in Nirvana Spa’s natural mineral water. Our water is drawn deep from beneath the Spa, filtered through sand and carbon and passed through an ultra violet light disinfection system. We use only minimal amounts of chemicals creating the perfect bathing conditions.
The future
Every new development of the Spa incorporates the latest technology to reduce our environmental impact. Our new Colosseum Suite has had every aspect of its efficiency analysed. We are installing the latest, most efficient air handling system and will use insulation and glass coatings to minimise heat loss.
Do your bit to make your visit green
The best option to avoid the problem of single use waste is to bring a reusable bottle.
If you make a purchase in the spa consider popping the item into your gym bag or buy one of our reusable cotton bags. Watch out for alternative wet bags in the spa soon.
If you have any suggestions on how to further reduce plastic use in the spa please open a positive discussion with us, we would love to hear your ideas.
