'Eco task force' set up at Le Royal Meridien

The team visits companies that have tried, and
tested environmentally-sound strategies, from industries as diverse as aluminium production to printers, to see where they can adapt these initiatives into the operations of the hotel.

Siggi von Brandt, director of business development and head of the task force, said: "The hotel has long been a supporter of environmental awareness, but recycling paper and plastic is no longer enough - we need to be more proactive.

"At Le Royal Meridien, environmentally friendly chemicals are used for washing the laundry and the cutlery, but perhaps our biggest initiative is that the steam from the laundry is used to heat the water in the swimming pools."

The luxury resort has won a number of awards for its attitude to the environment, including Kuoni Green Planet and Hotelplan, and is a Certified Eco Hotel.

As well as its commitment to the recycling of paper, printer cartridges, bottles, plastic, cans and oil, the resort also recycles waste water, treating it before using it to water the landscaped gardens.