The Hospitable Climates Champions of the Year 2004 to 2005 - the UK hospitality industry's prestigious annual energy efficiency award - are Ross and Janet Anderson, Proprietors of the award-winning East Lochhead Country House and Cottages, Lochwinnoch, near Glasgow.

The Andersons were presented with the Hospitable Climates trophy at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London by Carbon Trust Director, Dr Garry Felgate,during last week's Annual Lunch of the Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) - the worldwide professional body for managers in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry.  Managed by the HCIMA on behalf of the Carbon Trust, Hospitable Climates offers a free advisory service designed to help reduce energy consumption in the UK hospitality industry by as much as 40 per cent - improving bottom-line profits and customer experience.

Commenting on the award, Ross Anderson said: "We are delighted to have received this honour. What we do with regard to energy efficiency is not rocket science, it is something everyone can do."

At the event, HCIMA (Hotel & Catering International Management Association) Chief Executive Philippe Rossiter FHCIMA, read out the citation for the Anderson' s award: "The Hospitable Climates Champions of the Year 2004 to 2005, Ross and Janet Anderson, are living proof that environmental responsibility makes sound business sense", said the Chief Executive. "Their commitment to the environment has been a cornerstone in everything they have done to create and maintain a very successful small hospitality and tourism business.

"Since joining Hospitable Climates in 2001 they have implemented a range of no and low cost measures which continue to bring financial benefits to their business. They have installed low energy lamps, buy only the most energy efficient equipment and train their staff in energy conservation insisting, for example, that putting a lid on a pan can save up to 25% in energy use.

"Their business has undergone significant development in terms of guest provision and accommodation but they have managed to cap their energy bills to 1% annual growth.  They have a Green File in each cottage and Bed & Breakfast room explaining the green aspects of the business including electricity, water and waste.

"The Andersons source as many materials, both food and building, locally as possible thus cutting down on transport costs They raise their own highland Cattle and Jacob Sheep, are members of the Ayrshire Food Network (and are visiting Sweden shortly with the Network to see at first hand how Swedish B&B's, restaurants and local food producers address the issues of sustainability), and are strong supporters of the International Slow Food Movement. They were fortunate enough to be invited to attend 'Terra Madre' in Turin last October which was a Slow Food gathering of 1,200 food communities from all over the world. It was a truly inspirational event. They are invited to speak at many tourism and environment events and always show the Hospitable Climates information pack and take promotional material encouraging uptake of the programme."

East Lochhead Country House & Cottages hold a Gold award with the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

For further information:

• Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) 01725 552 835
• Hospitable Climates
• East Lochhead Country House & Cottages