South West Lakes Trust is committed to environmental and recreational sustainability.
The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the leading green tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses choosing to be assessed are done so by a qualified assessor against a rigourous set of criteria. This criteria includes energy, water, waste and biodiversity plus much more.
Businesses meeting the standards are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold based on their level of achievement.
In 2008 the Trust entered four sites into the scheme and gained accreditation from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, with Lakeside, Roadford Lake, Wimbleball Lake and Stithians Lake achieving the much coveted Gold Award and Tamar Lakes achieving Silver.
By achieving this high standard we have demonstrated that every aspect of our operation is undertaken with an awareness of the environment around us, other local industries and global resources.
In consideration of some of the bigger environmental issues, South West Lakes Trust has been monitoring and reducing fuel consumption, water usage and waste. Looking closer to home we have been working with local food producers to reduce our food miles and by buying locally we help to strengthen the regional economy.
Not content with this, South West Lakes Trust is looking to lead the charge and become regional leaders in the field of sustainable tourism. The Climate Impact Action Group was set up in early 2009 and is made up of staff from all areas of the organisation. The group's aim is to dramatically reduce emissions through innovative thinking, and it is hoped that 2010 will show a marked reduction in the size of the Trust's carbon footprint.
This year (2010) the four sites will be re-assessed for the award and we have been working very hard behind the scenes to ensure we meet the high standards expected by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. GTBS have introduced a new grade for 2010 and we hope that at least one of our sites may meet Gold Star requirements.
Throughout our website you can read more about the work we do to ensure environmental and recreational sustainability and easy ways for you to be more green.
