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easyHotel Ipswich completes £450,000 low-carbon energy upgrade

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easyHotel has finished a major low-carbon energy upgrade at its Ipswich hotel, part of a wider £6.4 million investment to cut the group's CO2 emissions by 25%.

The big picture: Hotels contribute around 1% of global carbon emissions. easyHotel aims to lead the way in affordable, low-carbon accommodation by significantly reducing its environmental impact while keeping costs down for guests.

Why it matters: The Ipswich hotel upgrade is expected to cut its annual CO2 emissions by 38 tonnes – equivalent to taking 17 cars off the road for a year.

By the numbers:

  • £450,000: The cost of the Ipswich hotel upgrade

  • 25%: The group's target for overall CO2 emission reduction

  • 38 tonnes: Expected annual CO2 savings at the Ipswich hotel

What they're saying: Karim Malak, CEO of easyHotel: "Finishing the low-carbon upgrade at our Ipswich hotel is a great milestone on our journey to offering sustainable and affordable stays. By cutting our carbon emissions, we also cut our costs and pass those savings on to our guests."

Heather Giddens, easyHotel Ipswich Hotel Manager: "We're thrilled to introduce these new low-carbon initiatives at our hotel. Not only do we provide comfort and great value to our guests, but now we also offer a more sustainable stay."

The detail: The upgrade replaced the gas boiler with electric air source heat pumps, upgraded mechanical units, and installed solar panels on the roof. easyHotel has also removed single-use plastics from guest areas across its properties.

Plumbing for the new hear pumps
The £450,000 revamp includes low-carbon heatingeasyHotel

What's next: Similar upgrades have been completed at easyHotel's Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Liverpool and Sheffield locations. The company plans to expand these initiatives to more hotels in the future.

The bottom line: While any effort to reduce carbon emissions is commendable,

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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