Travelodge is to invest £1 million to reduce its carbon footprint and has appointed its first director of environment and sustainability.
Nicola Stopps will examine ways to cut the group’s £10 million utility bill through the use of sustainable construction techniques, solar power, underground heating and wind power.
The move follows a year-long staff education trial at several hotels, carried out in partnership with the Carbon Trust, and research suggesting 79% of Travelodge users would prefer to stay in an environmentally friendly hotel.
Chief executive Grant Hearn said: “Our customers and staff tell us they want Travelodge to tackle this issue in a responsible and determined way.”
Travelodge recently announced a £3.5 billion hotel building programme. The chain has 314 hotels in the UK, nine in Ireland and three in Spain.