At Omahu Lodge we believe in running an eco-friendly business and reducing the impact of our business on the environment where we can.

What was a 1940's bungalow with little insulation was painstakingly and carefully renovated 20 years ago to become the lovely warm character home of the present day. Particular care was taken to use natural light and the sun which warms the terracotta flooring tiles the central focus of the property. The rest of the home is covered with New Zealand pure wool carpets. The exterior of the property is a wonderland of urban vegetation which helps reduce carbon. The pool area uses solar heating and the pool is replenished from catching rain off the natural monier tiled roof that does not require painting.

When you stay with us your car can be secure on our property as it is an easy walk to restaurants, shops and parks.

We continue to carry out environmental procedures, making Omahu Lodge a warm friendly place but we have ensured that our guests are not compromised in any way on the high standard we aim to provide. We believe that it is our duty to help and protect this wonderful country that we have the pleasure to enjoy and live in, not only in our life time but also in the life time of our future grandchildren. To this end we have developed an environmental plan and welcome your support for the initiatives we have put in place. We invite you to partake in our environmental policies; any ideas or suggestions would be warmly welcomed.

Energy
Omahu Lodge is reducing our demand on energy by:

• We offer our guests the option of reusing their towel and linen only replacing on request
• We buy local produce where possible to reduce transport emissions.
• We use energy-efficient appliances eg microwaves, dishwasher and small fridges - all appliances are maintained appropriately.
• We use low energy light bulbs – these being installed as the less efficient light bulbs blow
• Motion sensor light at front door and end of driveway for guests arrival and departure and use sensors for lighting areas occupied intermittently.
• Hibernate our rooms when not in use.
  We offer guests a bicycle for local touring.
• We have an open fire for the comfort of our guests in the winter and we use wood a renewable resource – we light the fire with old newspapers and use used egg cartons and old cardboard as kindling.
• Rooms have fans. We do not need air conditioning.
• Water heating for the pool is re-circulated through solar panels on the roof to increase the temperature.
• Clothes are always dried on our outside line – never use a dryer as we have the use of the Pump room (gas heater area for spa pool) for hanging items if the weather is bad.
• Timers are used for heating the spa pool.
• Internal gas heating is thermostatically controlled.

Waste
Omahu Lodge is reducing our demand on energy by:

• Giving you an opportunity to recycle your rubbish.
• Reducing the amount of waste going into landfill by separating it for recycling – glass paper, plastics, aluminium.
• We compost our vegetable and fruit waste – worm farm and compost.
• Buying only one daily newspaper for guest use and providing free wireless internet.
• Reducing packaging to a minimum by not using single-packaged portions, using dispensers of high-quality and buying quality products in bulk, replacing disposable items with reusable ones including the sewing kit which is a multiple use container.
• Not printing unnecessary emails and reusing non printed side of paper.
• Buying from producers who offer environmentally-friendly packaging and options of returnable containers where possible.
• We reduce waste by not purchasing products with excessive packaging and not accepting plastic bags from retailers.
• Getting groceries in cloth carry bags that are reusable.
• Choose to put paper as a liner in waste bins as opposed to plastic liners.
• Avoid purchasing wasteful products – do not use disposable table napkins.

Water
Omahu Lodge is conserving water by:

• Using a water efficient dishwasher.
• Installing new dual-flush toilets.
• Our showers have reduced water valves thus saving water.
• We have full loads of washing before washing laundry thus reducing water use.
• Regulating garden watering by use of sensible planting practice and use a trigger gun for watering the garden.
• Water for the pool is retrieved from the roof.

Pollution
Omahu Lodge is reducing pollution of waterways/noise/air/light by:

• Using only biodegradable or non-toxic cleaning products.
• Automatic dosing of chemicals for pool water treatment to ensure safe handling, and that the correct amounts of chemicals use used for each task.
• Reducing Pool chemicals with the addition of a Flotron Ironiser, inspired by NASA.
• Regularly tuning our vehicles to help reduce emissions.
• Using only natural/low or non allergenic toiletry products.
• Sourcing products from local sources.
• Using natural air freshening products instead of chemical ones eg fresh flowers.
• Sending batteries and florescent bulbs and all other bulbs for recycling/safe disposal.
• Not running vehicles while waiting for guests.
• Working on emission-reduction techniques – including energy-efficiency practices such as reducing vehicle use, maintaining vehicles regularly and buying locally.

Conservation
Omahu Lodge participates in a wise purchasing programme

• We ensure our furniture is made from natural and renewable sources eg leather and wood – much of our furniture is New Zealand antique.
• Floor coverings renewable sources eg wool carpet.
• Purchasing locally which helps to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
• Using more public transport and walking more to reduce carbon emissions.
• Making available a local map of the area with walking tracks and cycle tracts in and around Remuera/Newmarket.

Community
Omahu Lodge understands that we are part of our local community and participates in it by

• Donating supplementary products to schools such as used magazines.
• Donating products to community initiatives – clothing, used towels, sheets etc.
• Buying locally produced quality art by local artists.
• Buying locally produced quality products such as beds.
  

Carbon Footprint
We are aware that pollution is an everyday concern and we give our guests the option to reduce their carbon footprint throughout their stay with us by:

• We offer an in house taxi service. This means economical use of fuel as we are working from point of pick up.
• Other alternatives from the airport include the Super Shuttle bus and Green Cabs which operate hybrid cars.
• International visitors can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport. Omahu Lodge is situated close to the central city with easy access to buses and trains.

Wise Purchasing

• Eco friendly products.
• Local fruits and vegetables.
• Local manufacturers for bread, cereal, butter and fruit juice.
• Purchase items with reduced packaging and refuse the use of plastic bags as much as possible.
• Using cloth bags to carry goods from the supermarket.
• Use antique shops for purchases.