RSSOfficial Green Hotel Scheme Launches In UK
April 29, 2008 · Written by Joel
VisitBritain, Britain’s National Tourist Board has launched a new program to help accommodation providers and visitor attractions in England take the first steps toward becoming sustainable businesses.
The Green Start project aims to encourage a “rapid, widespread and significant increase in the adoption of sustainable tourism principles” by offering a validated sustainable accreditation scheme.
Jason Freezer, VisitBritain’s sustainable tourism project manager, said: “VisitBritain is committed to encouraging sustainable businesses. However, nearly two-thirds tell us they need more guidance on developing their business in that way.
“Green Start is an initial step in helping more of our tourism businesses improve their existing practices and signal to visitors that they recognize the increasing importance and value of sustainable good practice.”
Benefits to businesses are listed as including:
- Cost savings, e.g. on utility bills
- Improved quality profile and market edge
- Increased business, e.g. from green conscious consumers
- Improved management efficiency and skills
- A feel-good factor for you and your staff
Using an online self-assessment tool, participants must meet a code of conduct, commit to four fundamental sustainability requirements and, over a period of two years, meet or work towards at least 23 relevant ‘good practices’ from a total menu of 50. These could include insulating buildings and water tanks, using low-energy lighting, collecting rainwater, using locally-sourced produce or promoting eco-friendly travel such as cycling. More details can be found on the Green Start site.
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Thanks for sharing this announcement — Having worked in Hotels first hand for most of my career, I can confirm that they are a wonderful place to introduce people to green ideas and make a big green impact. The last place I worked we had free newspapers delivered every day to the guests. We finally talked the head house keeper into recycling the newspapers instead of tossing them in the trash (she thought recycling would be too much work), so we gave it a one month trial run. Much to her surprise the house keepers found it easier to recycle than fill their trash bags with paper, and thus our hotel wide recycling program was born. There is also a hotel in our area that is trying to go zero waste and do other green things. If you or any of your readers are ever in the Boulder, CO area you should check out the Boulder Outlook Hotel.
Thanks great, thanks for sharing!
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We booked a Deluxe room for 2 nights at the Splendid Star 2 hotel in Oc. I think that this is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in. The room was huge and clean. The Bed was very comfortable. The room comes with a PC with internet. You’ve also got a nice TV with cable, a safe, mini bar, etc. The bathroom is of a decent size with a powerful shower and a tub. The staff at the hotel is really what makes the difference. They are friendly, helpful and courteous and they really are the main reason why I like this hotel more than any other place. Its great. The location of the hotel is also great for sightseeing. Its in the middle of the Old Quarter which in itself is a tourist attraction. Hoan Kiem Lake is literally 3 mins walk from the hotel. Plenty of eateries and cafes and shops nearby.
A highly recommended hotel.