As part of the local and international community The George understands that its actions impact those around us as well as the larger environment. As such, we have made a commitment to Caring Luxury which involves initiatives to reduce our impact on the natural environment, help charitable organisations where possible, and support local artists and suppliers. Some of our actions developed naturally, for example, The George has been involved in helping various charitable organisations for numerous years. Other actions are driven by a desire to protect what we hold dear, for example, our ongoing commitment to reducing our impact on the natural environment has triggered management and employees to develop many initiatives to ensure we do our part in helping New Zealand remain the clean and green country we are proud of. Furthermore, as evident by our New Zealand Art collection The George has for many years been a keen supporter of local artists. What is perhaps less known is that we also strive to source local products and utilise the skills of local craftspeople for our furniture and refurbishments.
Many of our Caring Luxury initiatives and actions are listed below, however we are constantly looking for new ways to reduce our footprint and to help the wider community.
The George is continually monitoring its Carbon Emissions and, despite a 10% increase in occupancy compared to the previous year, have reduced landfill waste produced by 20% and carbon emissions by 5%.
The carbon footprint reduction has been achieved in to some degree by the following actions:
The George has established a strong relationship with New Zealand suppliers and where possible New Zealand goods are procured.
Electricity is supplied from a carbon-neutral electricity supplier.
Lamps have been converted to energy saving type fittings where possible.
Out-dated air-conditioning systems are being replaced with more efficient heat-pump systems on an ongoing basis.
We recommend Green Cabs who use Hybrid cars.
The reduction in landfill has been achieved by consciously considering ways to limit our waste including:
Recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic, polystyrene, garden waste, and even fat.
Using refillable containers for guest toiletries to cut down on unnecessary packaging.
Daily newspaper delivered on request not automatically
Vegetable based inks used for in house printed material
Recycling bins available in guest rooms
The George is aware of its energy use and has initiated the following steps:
The use of energy saver bulbs where appropriate
The air-conditioning systems in non-public areas are on timers and are not operating when the areas are unoccupied.
LCD television screens were selected for guests rooms because they are more energy efficiency than plasma.
The windows are double glazed for energy retention.
Dual flush toilets and water-saving shower heads are being installed as the hotels renovations continue.
Guest linen is replaced on guest demand, rather than automatically, cutting down on water waste and detergents in our waterways.
Care has been taken to source guests toiletries with the following attributes:
GE Free
100% biodegradable
100% vegetable based
Not tested on animals
Reusable and recyclable bottles
Water based inks used on labels
The George supports numerous local, national and international charities mostly by the donation of goods and services. Below is a list of recent charitable events and organisations The George has contributed to:
Win a Wish Competition - The Breeze Radio
Autism Australia Charity Event
Mark Leslie Benefit Dinner
Canterbury Down Syndrome Association
Stop Cancer 2006 Live Auction
Koru Care Fundraising
In Support of South Island Bone Marrow Cancer Trust - Rotary Club of Lincoln
Friends of Christchurch Cathedral
Bone Marrow Cancer Trust
In Support of Cure Kids - KPMG
In Support of The Family Help Trust - Harcourts Real Estate
Koru Care Charity Auction
In Support of Child Cancer Australia - Red Kite Charity
In Support of Hospice NZ - ORBIT / House of Travel
The Southern Opera
The Canterbury Down Syndrome Association
In Support of Breast and Prostrate Cancer - Rockonz
Where possible, The George sources local products and enlists the skills of local craftspeople for its furniture and refurbishments as well as featuring the work of New Zealand artists.
The following NZ Artists work is displayed in the hotel:
Ralph Hotere
Bill Hammond
John Pule
Stephen Gleeson
Stephen Goodenough
The Rugs in the lobby were designed by J.S. Parker and made by Dilana in New Zealand using local materials.
