Championing Renewable Energy
Hydropower (1986) and Biomass (2011)
Since the early days of Argyll Holidays, the Directors have had sustainable solutions on their mind. In 1986, we welcomed the installation of a small-scale hydro scheme at Drimsynie Holiday Village. The scheme has successfully serviced Drimsynie with electricity since, and today, it continues to produce ‘green energy’ with excess production being fed back into the national grid!
The company also chose biomass as an alternative to fossil fuel heating and in 2011 high specification Froeling 320kw biomass boilers were installed at both Hunters Quay and Drimsynie Holiday Villages. Keeping you warm, without risking the polar bears!
The boilers have a fuel demand of approximately 250 tonnes per annum of seasoned wood fuel for each site, which is sourced locally.
We are aware that decreasing CO2 emissions is a priority today and we are happy to be playing our part in the reduction of emissions in Scotland. CO2 reduction has been driven primarily by the changes from using fossil fuel towards a number of renewable generation methods – methods we at Argyll Holidays have been embracing since 1986.
Energy Saving Lighting
One of the first things discussed in the aim of reducing the company’s CO2 emissions was reducing energy consumption by relighting the parks with energy-saving lighting.
All of our parks have been kitted out with energy-saving lighting – and the project has been a huge success. We now benefit from an 80% reduction in energy costs for lighting, bulbs lasted longer therefore there was no need for maintaining a large stock and it also meant our housekeeping team did not have to spend as much time faffing about changing bulbs!
Carbon Management Plan
Our Carbon Management Plan is in place to monitor and progress the green ethos of the company.
Our colleagues worked with the Carbon Trust and Synergy to set up a workable living document for future CO2 reduction projects, projects that have led to CO2 emissions being reduced by approximately 30%.
Pool Covers
2013 saw the installation of 5mm Maxi-therm pool and hot tub covers at both Hunters Quay Holiday Village and Drimsynie Holiday Village. This change has allowed us to reduce our heat-loss and dehumidification needs substantially.
Installing pool covers enabled us to reduce our night-time energy usage giving us an overall cost saving of about 25% which in turn reduced our CO2 emissions!
Recycling
All parks in the Argyll Holidays group recycle and provide recycling facilities. We employ a zero-waste strategy by reusing and recycling our waste.
Our friends Rusty and Rosie are our champions for recycling and are experts in keeping the wee ones entertained while educating them about sustainability.
Wildflower Habitats
2017 saw the wildflower set aside project on all of the Argyll Holidays parks.
We set aside more areas for pollinating insects and extend wildlife corridors.
322083 m2 of wildflower area to be exact! It is safe to say that the parks have been buzzing with activity since. And on the plus side, savings in fuel use for lawnmowers adds to our reduction in CO2 emissions.
Wildlife
Our parks are home not just to us and our owners, but to countless Scottish species. We are passionate about the diverse flora and fauna that exists around us and, as the custodians of the natural environment in our parks, we see it as our duty to maintain and enhance the habitats of the local wildlife.
We inspire our guests to engage with the natural environment by promoting the fantastic array of walks and nature trails in our parks and throughout the surrounding countryside, whilst endorsing a ‘leave no trace’ policy.
Go Wild
Our Go Cove team make sure to get the wee ones out and about in the great outdoors with a range of fun activities for all the family to enjoy.
We are dedicated to educating families and children about the natural environment and the things they can do to help – while keeping things fun for the bairns!
Green Transport
We often use golf buggies to scoot around our parks as a green alternative to diesel or petrol vehicles and have always worked to reduce transport emissions by providing our employees with a minibus between Dunoon and Drimsynie
We can’t wait to welcome you!
