Big Wave Complex, Newhaven

The passive solar design of The Island Accommodation and The Big Wave Complex means it uses less energy and generates less waste than a conventional hotel of the same size, without impacting on the guest's experience.

Significant environmental features are not visible to the naked eye and are summarized below how we are reducing our carbon footprint.

• One of the main design features is the creation of "zones" in the hotel. This means that when the hotel is operating at low occupancy sections can be closed off to further reduce heating and lighting requirements.
• The hotel has living and communal areas facing north to gain maximum benefit from the sun to heat the building in winter.
• Double glazed windows and shading devices have been used to allow light in but minimise heat during summer.
• The concrete floors and internal walls act as thermal mass to maintain a stable internal temperature.
• Bulk insulation has been installed in all external walls and ceilings to reduce heat gain and heat loss from the building.
• Paints, decorative finishes, coatings, any sealants or adhesives shall achieve total Volatile Organic Compound emissions of O.5mg/m3 or less seven days from application.
• Particleboard, fibreboard and MDF products will have formaldehyde content of less than 1.5 mg/litre at dispatch.
• Living rooms have reversible ceiling fans and bedrooms have oscillating fans for better air circulation.
• Solar panels installed on the roof are used for water heating, to reduce power consumption. All electrical lighting is low wattage and energy efficient, with motion sensors fitted to dime lights in unoccupied areas during use, Low wattage electrical appliances are fitted throughout the whole building.
• Appliances installed in the hotel achieve an energy rating at least 1star below the maximum available.
• Rainwater tanks have been installed for sanitary (toilet) flushing and garden watering.
• All toilets, tap ware and shower heads are of water saving design to reduce waste water.
• Landscaped gardens are designed to minimise water use and or to retain water via the use of mulches, soil conditioners etc.
• Predominant selection of indigenous and or drought tolerant plant species used in landscaped garden areas.
• Recycling bins are located in the kitchens to recycle paper, glass, cans, plastic, etc.