From Liz Waugh, Exeter 383578, March 19, 2007

A GROUND-BREAKING event to look at the impact of climate change on the region's hospitality industry and to showcase greener best practice is being staged in Exeter by Michael Caines, MA Environmental, the Green Tourism Business Scheme through South West Tourism and Devon County Council.

Invitations to the 'Turning up the Heat' event on 20 April at Abode, are being sent to decision makers throughout Devon's hospitality sector. The event will debate the issues of peak oil, ways to reduce energy consumption and cut costs, and making business more environmentally friendly in the county.

John Crompton, Group Development Manager at Abode, said: "Climate change has massive potential to affect the hospitality industry on many different levels, from heating, cooking, lighting to water and food supplies. But this is not just about the effects of climate change - it's also about how we can each take action too.

"When I wanted to find out how to make changes to our business, I found it was hard to access the information that we needed as a hotel group. Although we wanted to put an environmental policy in place, it wasn't easy to identify the changes we needed to make, and the benefits weren't always clear. I felt that there was real demand for an event explaining why we need to take action, how to be environmentally friendly and how it can cut your costs too.

"At Abode Exeter, we are trying out various ways to make our business greener and building on our good practice to make it a blue print for our other hotels. We have always placed a high importance on local produce for example, using the best quality locally produced ingredients, which keeps food miles low and also supports the local economy. However, we are also introducing water flow restrictors and low energy light bulbs throughout the hotel, as part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint."

Stuart Doderer, Managing Director of MA Environmental, said: "After attending a peak oil event last year, I feel so passionate about the issue that we have set up 'Turning up the Heat' here in Devon. We need to help the business community understand the issue of climate change and its potential impact - and vitally how they can make a difference.

"I have worked with the catering industry for over 20 years, and kitchens are like intense cauldrons of energy - they produce a lot of waste and use excess quantities of power, heat and light. But with a few small changes, a huge amount can be achieved. Leaders in the hospitality sector simply cannot afford to ignore the problem any longer and we want them to be part of the solution."

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "Hospitality is a key industry in Devon - it plays a significant role in the economy of the county and contributes to our reputation as an excellent tourist destination. Small changes in the industry can help Devon protect its assets for future generations to enjoy and create a more sustainable approach.

"We have more tourism businesses belonging to the Green Tourism Business Scheme than anywhere else in the country, but we must encourage more organisations to join this valuable initiative. By committing to sustainable tourism, buying local seasonal produce, reducing waste and energy consumption we have a vital part to play in making Devon the greenest county."

The event is aimed at key decision makers in the hospitality sector, from procurement to management. For more information about the event, please contact Sonia Lowe: sonialowe@michaelcaines.com or call 01392 233625.

Notes to Editors:

For more information please contact the media and PR office on 01392 383262 or Liz Waugh on 01752 847135.