Novotel’s Manly Pacific Sydney has been recognised by a local business award for its efforts in saving water.

The hotel was awarded the Water Use Management Award at the 2007 Manly Sustainable Business Awards for its strategy that has helped it to use 70 per cent less water—just over 7.5 million litres—per year as a result of new technology it’s installed.

As well staff awareness of water saving techniques and implementation of a ‘cleaning without chemicals’ practice has significantly reduced water pollution.

The technology implemented includes installation of water saving showerheads in all 167 guest rooms, water saving rinse guns in kitchens, water saving urinals and ozone technology for laundry and kitchen grease traps to reduce sewer blockage, sewer spills, and costs.

Pacific Sydney General Manager, Karen Sainsbury said the hotel’s water saving initiatives complement a wider range of environmental upgrades it has introduced over the last year. It includes the replacement of over 1300 standard incandescent globes with energy efficient globes, reducing lighting cost up to 80 per cent. As well, spotlights have been changed from iron core to electronic transformers and lamps from 50w to 35w voltage and timers have been fitted to pool and spa heaters and pumps to reduce energy consumption.

“We are so pleased to have our environmental efforts rewarded,” Sainsbury said. “Our commitment to water saving solutions and environmental initiatives across the board has resulted in staff forming a “Green Team” to discuss future eco-friendly ideas.” All staff at the hotel the option of joining the Green Team during their employment, and are kept updated with weekly recycling tips via email and annual tree planting activities and clean up days. One of the projects the green team has successfully implemented is the recycling of paper within each department. There are recycling bins for all to use on each floor of the hotel for room attendants to separate glass, paper and rubbish.