Sustainable Energy Upgrades at The Highfield Hotel with Support from Sunderland City Council's BREEZ Program

The Highfield Hotel, a family-owned, award-winning establishment in Sunderland, is dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable experience for both business and leisure travelers. As part of its commitment to high-quality service and sustainability, the hotel has consistently sought ways to minimize its environmental impact. To achieve this, the hotel turned to Sunderland City Council's BREEZ (Business Renewables and Energy Efficiency Sunderland) program for assistance in upgrading its energy systems.

The Challenge

The Highfield Hotel's reliance on hot water systems for guest accommodations and hotel operations made them a significant energy consumer. The hotel's existing water heaters, while functional, were outdated and inefficient, leading to increased energy consumption and higher operating costs. Furthermore, the hotel's commitment to sustainability necessitated a solution that would reduce its carbon footprint.

The Solution

With support from the BREEZ program, The Highfield Hotel replaced two outdated water heaters with high-efficiency condensing boilers. Condensing boilers are known for their superior efficiency, as they recover more heat from exhaust gases, translating to greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs. The BREEZ program provided grant funding to support this initiative, enabling the hotel to implement these energy-saving measures.

Key Benefits:

The implementation of the new condensing water heaters has yielded several significant benefits for The Highfield Hotel:

• Significant Energy Savings: The new boilers have substantially reduced the hotel's energy consumption for water heating, with an anticipated cost reduction of at least 25%.
• Reduced CO2 Emissions: The increased efficiency of the new systems has led to a decrease in the hotel's carbon emissions.
• Improved System Reliability: The new boilers offer enhanced reliability and require less maintenance, minimizing service calls and downtime. These units are expected to have a lifespan of at least 15 years.
• Enhanced Environmental Reputation: By upgrading to energy-efficient technologies, The Highfield Hotel has strengthened its commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to environmentally conscious guests.

Working with Local Expertise

In alignment with its commitment to supporting the local economy, The Highfield Hotel partnered with EMS, a Sunderland-based company, to execute the project. EMS's expertise in the hospitality sector and the specific needs of the hotel ensured a smooth and efficient installation process.

The Role of Sunderland City Council's BREEZ Program

The BREEZ program played a crucial role in making these energy-saving upgrades possible. Beyond providing financial support, the program offered valuable guidance on the most effective energy-saving technologies available. Without the BREEZ funding, the cost of replacing the water heaters would have presented a significant financial obstacle, potentially delaying the hotel's efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

With the financial support and guidance provided by Sunderland City Council's BREEZ program, The Highfield Hotel has successfully modernized its water heating systems, resulting in reduced energy costs and a lower carbon footprint. These upgrades not only align with the hotel's commitment to sustainability but also provide long-term financial savings, enhance operational efficiency, minimize unexpected maintenance costs, and enhance the hotel's reputation among eco-conscious guests. The Highfield Hotel is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the BREEZ program and looks forward to continuing to contribute to Sunderland's green initiatives.