By looking at the successful ways in which our existing accommodation members operate we’ve drawn up a set of guidelines so that you can benefit from their experience and manage your own business in a greener way, and help you save money on energy bills! Because many of these ideas are already being used by our members we know that you can make lots of inexpensive and easy changes to the way you work - changes that will benefit you, your customers and the world in which you live. We hope that these examples of best practice can be used by you as guidelines for change.
So if you’re interested in making your business greener while saving money on your energy bills, here are some ways to get started. Whether it’s recycling, using alternative energy supplies or working with your local community we hope some of the following ideas will inspire you.
Energy Efficiency:
Energy savings are one of the most important environmental actions to help improve the environment. By taking a few steps towards energy efficieny in the home not only will you be reducing your own costs, but you will also help reduce the carbon footprint of you home or business. For more information on measures that can be taken and governenment grants, see our
best practice guide to energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources
Recycling:
The huge amounts of waste produced by businesses are detrimental to the environment. A large part of the waste goes into landfill, which uses up large areas of land and also leads to pollution from methane production, which is a greenhouse gas. The best solution is to reduce, re-use and recycle.
For more information see our
best practice guide to recycling
Water Conservation:
Water is our most precious resource, and conserving it proprerly is vital for sustainable business practice and a shortage of clean water is one of the most serious challenges facing the world this millennium, according to the United Nations. From reusing greywater to fixing leaking pipes, our guide will help you save water and money easily.
For more information see our
best practice guide to water conservation
Social practices:
Working with local people benefits the community but is also an advantage for guest who can learn about the people and place they are visiting. It's also a good way for your business to bring benefits to the community within which it is placed and create work for local people and share the advantages of responsible tourism.
For more information see our
best practice guide for local communities and social responsibility
Wildlife conservation:
Enjoyment of the countryside, the landscape and the plants and animals that live there are all factors of great interest to many visitors. Businesses should take active measures to preserve, conserve and enhance their habitats, aiming to increase diversity and attract more wildlife.
For more information see our
best practice guide to wildlife conservation
Building Practices:
To achieve sustainable building we need to consider the environmental impact of materials we're using to reduce energy consumption in the home. From using recycled materials to building with Straw Bale, our guide will help you towards sustainable building and rennovation.
For more information see our
best practice guide to building and rennovation
Purchasing policy:
Buying and using products that have minimal impact on the environment is to be encouraged. Think about where you source any products you purchase such as food, office supplies and cleaning products, but also consider other types of purchases such as services from sub-contractors, utility suppliers and investments. The use of local or organic food, even growing your own, or local crafts such as pottery, furniture etc. benefits the guest but also contributes to the local community.
For more information see our
best practice purchasing policy guide
