initiatives

We like to think we've put our money where our mouth is and are leading by example, showing that great design can go hand in hand with sustainability. There are hundreds of ways in which we're doing this but heres just a few…

Grey water harvesting

Grey water gets its name from its cloudy appearance and from being neither fresh (white water from groundwater or potable water), nor heavily polluted (black water). At the Scarlet, grey water comprises the waste water from guest showers and baths; it is treated and then recycled to flush lavatories. The biggest advantage of recycling our grey water is that it reduces our consumption of potable water.

Rain water harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the gathering and storing of rainwater. The Scarlet uses collected rainwater to top up the natural pool, to irrigate the sea thrift roofing, to wash cars and to provide rinsing and washing facilities for wetsuits and outdoor kit.

 

Biomass boiler

Biomass boilers are generally fired on wood biomass, rather than gas, coal or oil products. Biomass is classed as a renewable energy source and is considered carbon neutral. The Scarlet’s biomass boiler is fired on wood chips and is used to produce hot water for bathrooms, kitchens and for heating the hotel.

Based in Devon and with two depots in Cornwall, Forest Fuels supply our wood chips. These, along with the firewood, come from Cornish woodlands that are sustainably managed. Forest Fuels then stores the wood in the round (whole) until it is dry enough to be burnt. The wood travels as short a distance as possible to one of Forest Fuel's depots where it is chipped into an undercover store and delivered by lorry to the Scarlet.

Evacuated tube solar water heating (solar panels)

The Scarlet’s thermal solar panels harness the sun’s energy using an evacuated tube system to heat water for the indoor pool. The advantage of using evacuated tubes is that, unlike old style flat plate panels, they work even during the coldest seasons. The vacuum prevents the tube from being cooled too much by the ambient temperature which means that even a winter sun can easily heat water to over 50 degrees

Air tightness

In a timber frame building an air tight seal can be created by securing membranes inside the external walls and roof space and by taping joints. Air tightness is an integral part of achieving thermal energy efficiency in a building such as the Scarlet. By being very air tight we have reduced both the amount of cold air leaking in and warm air leaking out: this reduces the amount of heat required from our biomass boiler and solar panels.

 

Insulation

The Scarlet is incredibly well insulated. Along with rigid hardboard insulation, used for its lightweight, durable and superior thermal insulation properties, the Scarlet uses mineral wool insulation. Mineral wool is made up of a mix of recycled steel slag and basalt rock. The mix is usually at least 75% steel slag and 25% basalt rock, but in some cases almost 100% steel slag is used. Mineral wools are recyclable and have the added advantage of being fireproof, durable and resistant to rot. Our combination of insulation materials ensure that temperatures can be carefully regulated as heat loss is at a minimum.

 

Ventilation heat exchange

Buildings require some sort of internal system to circulate air, preventing the build-up of stale air. The Scarlet uses a system by which fresh air is drawn in from outside through vents near the ceilings windows of each room: an air-to-air heat exchanger will then warm the fresh air using heat from the stale air that is being expelled.

CO2 emissions

The Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER) for the Scarlet is currently calculated as 73% less than that of a notional building of the same size, design and geometry.

 

Natural pool

Replacing the need for polluting chemicals, the Scarlet's natural pool uses a living reed bed as a filtration system; microorganisms and plants will balance the chemistry of the water ensuring clean, clear and hygienic conditions for an exhilarating outdoor, fresh water swimming experience. Having a chemical free, fresh water pool planted with flora in keeping with the natural surroundings encourages a high level of biodiversity.

 

Sea thrift roof

The complex green roof system, that uses a multitude of layers to compensate for the functions of the missing ground, guarantees a durable plant covering that will reduce the heating and cooling loads of the hotel through its insulating properties. The Scarlet's roof is planted with native Sea Thrift, a plant which naturally occurs along North Cornwall's cliff tops, and which will help the building to merge with its coastal surroundings and provide an additional wildlife habitat for insects and butterflies.

 

Reptile re-homing

As we cleared the site prior to the construction phase, piece by piece, we also undertook a “destructive search” whereby we took the Cornish hedges and walls apart, stone by stone removing the reptile population - In that time we caught nearly 120 slow worms, lizards and two small adders, all of which have been re-homed locally. As the gardens grow, we will be encouraging wildlife using traditional conservation measures.

High use of recyclable and recycled materials

The Scarlet has been constructed with its potential deconstruction in mind: the wood used for the main building frame, the aluminium roof, the copper cladding and the thrift roof membrane can all be recycled.
During the construction phase companies that actively aim to reduce waste or to recycle waste product have been selected, i.e. plaster board off cuts are sent back to the company to be reused in the manufacture of more plaster board and the cement is made from waste material from china clay production. Even our site hut was created so that it recycles rain water to flush the toilet and can be completely dismantled and re-erected at the construction company’s next location.

If you would like any further information on any of our initiatives please email us on sustainability@scarlethotel.co.uk