First green award to Rotorua motel

Steve and Gillian Osbourne have tapped into the geothermal resources available in Rotorua. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A Rotorua business which uses geothermal energy to heat its water is the first in the country to receive a Qualmark environmental verification.

Alpin Motel owners Steve and Gillian Osbourne were awarded a Qualmark Enviro-silver logo for their green approach to business.

Mr Osbourne initiated a joint venture with Environment Bay of Plenty to tap into the vast energy store in the underground water of Rotorua's geothermal system.

For the past year the Osbournes have been developing a "down bore heat exchange", a system using geothermal energy from water in a shallow bore to sustainably heat the motel's water, rooms and plunge pools.

"What we've done is just good business practice," Mr Osbourne said. "It's a reflection of this that it is good for the environment at the same time."

He said the idea was from "old theories and technology" which he was just taking to another stage. "It's tragic there's not more research going into this. This energy is being totally under-utilised. We are setting the precedent here and now we've got lots of people who want to contribute."

Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research were collecting and analysing data to ensure there were no adverse effects on the geothermal system, Mr Osbourne said.

The couple have spent around $150,000 on the project and will have to wait six years to get a return.

Mr Osbourne puts the wait down to "energy companies not playing their part. Our consumption has gone right down but our costs haven't gone down a lot."

The Enviro-logo is a world first and has been incorporated as an extension of Qualmark's star rating.

Qualmark communications manager Carolyn Gibson said the Osbournes' commitment to the environment went beyond the limits of their business, extending to activities in the community and in communication with their guests.

Mr Osbourne said refurbishing the motel's bathrooms with tiles had cut down on cleaning products. He and Mrs Osbourne also supply mountain bikes for guests to use, and are vigilant recyclers.

Tourism Minister Damien O'Conner launched the Enviro-logo in May. The initiative is in keeping with the 100% Pure New Zealand brand and is part of the vision of tourism leading the way in sustainability, as outlined in the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015.

The minister's press secretary, Kelly Gunn, said the Government had put $2.83 million into implementing the Tourism Strategy.