Fifty of the most environmentally friendly places to stay and use for conferences and events in Britain have been identified by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
A range of independently owned and corporate establishments from the south coast of England to the Highlands of Scotland share the honours in the first register of its kind.
The establishments are all holders of the coveted Gold Award as presented by the Green Tourism Business Scheme to those companies across the country that have demonstrated a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable tourism.
The Gold List was compiled by a team of independent assessors, who individually verified each establishment’s green credentials before granting it the highest possible grading.
Recipients of the award have to achieve a minimum standard from more than 120 separate measures, ranging from best management practice and energy saving to buying local produce and caring for wildlife and the landscape.
“This is more than just a list; it is a sign of the future as more people are demanding that hotels have to be environmentally aware,” said Andrea Nicholas, director of The Green Tourism Business Scheme. “Our assessors visited every hotel on the list and verified their claims to be green. We are delighted that so many places want to win the highest accolade – a Gold Award. Many others have achieved Bronze or Silver. These hotels are pioneering the way.”