The Hotel & Catering International Management Association yesterday launched its free-of-charge Hospitable Climates energy efficiency advisory programme to the UK catering and restaurant sectors.

The scheme has previously been launched to UK hotels – in February 2000 – and pubs and licensed retail outlets – in January 2003.

Yesterday’s launch took place at Hotelympia 2004 at the ExCeL venue in Docklands.

HCIMA chief executive, Philippe Rossiter, said: “The launch marks the fourth anniversary of Hospitable Climates and is proof of the importance and success of close collaboration between the government and the UK hospitality industry. Indeed, the Prime Minister has sent a letter of support for Hospitable Climates, describing the programme as ‘a good example of the kind of focused action needed to deliver the UK’s energy efficiency goals’.

“A partnership between the HCIMA and the Carbon Trust’s Action Energy programme, Hospitable Climates offers UK accommodation operators, publicans, contract caterers and restaurateurs – regardless of size – a free advisory service to help reduce energy consumption in the hospitality and leisure industry by between 20 and 40 per cent.

“Since it was launched in 2000, the programme has saved nearly 4,000 participating organisations well over £14m on their energy bills and has proved to be one of the most cost-effective programmes in the Action Energy portfolio – costing the taxpayer less than £1 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide emission saved.”

Yesterday’s launch was supported by contract catering companies, Sodexho and Compass Group UK & Ireland. Details: www.hospitableclimates.org.uk