Green Accreditation
Save money...Improve your reputation...Look after our environment
As businesses face an uncertain future with spiralling costs across the board, more and more businesses are looking at improving their Green performance if only to save themselves money.
However the impact of going green can be wide reaching for even a small business as more consumers make conscious decisions about where to stay and eat and a green accreditation can bring added value as a marketing tool.
As part of the continuing drive to raise standards within Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism will recognise a range of accreditations so that each operator can find a scheme to suit them.
Whether you are pale green or dark green, there is an accreditation to suit.
Green Tourism Business Scheme, GTBS
Many businesses realise that "being sustainable" is not a one off exercise and once they see the benefits want to do more. They also need ongoing practical advice on how to make improvements and achieve accreditation for their good practice. Northwest tourism businesses are increasingly joining the GTBS scheme - why not consider it, it will be good for your business.
A GTBS audit entails an on site visit by a qualified assessor with specialist experience, followed by a report with tailored advice and recommendations.
- Full audit and accreditation - Bronze, Silver or Gold
- Plaque, certificate and digital logo
- Access to technical resources
- Access to discounts and special offers
- An entry on the GTBS website
- National recognition
- Joining fee £60 + Annual fee from £75.00
GTBS is currently the only validated sustainability scheme under the VisitBritain National accreditation scheme. read more
Green Start is an introductory scheme run by VisitBritain for businesses thinking about taking the first steps towards a full accreditation; n.b. this is NOT an accreditation scheme.
CBEN - Cumbria Business Environment Network
This scheme is run by the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency on behalf of EnWorks . The advisors pay each business a series of visits and support the business through the process of accreditation and help the business to improve performance and cut costs and attain higher award levels if appropriate.
The scheme is free and includes constructive advice on savings in energy consumption and waste disposal, to improvements in biodiversity.
Training workshops are available.
- Free audit and support
- Three levels of award - Bronze, Silver or Gold
- Recognised by Cumbria Tourism find out more
David Bellamy Conservation Awards
The David Bellamy Conservation Awards are designed to promote and applaud conservation and environmental efforts by holiday parks.
By their nature holiday parks tend to occupy large areas of space and are more open and less constructed - making them ideal for conservation efforts.
Parks which not only sympathetically tackle waste, water and energy issues but that go a step further to encourage biodiversity can achieve a Gold, Silver or Bronze award.
They are then promoted through a wide range of marketing activities and of course the David Bellamy name - inextricably linked with bona fide conservationism - is a ringing endorsement itself.
Holiday parks of all types - camping, caravanning, chalets, touring, lodges, park homes and cottages - can participate in the scheme and you don't need to be a peaceful, get away from it all park. Family complexes that make special environmental efforts can attain awards too.
The scheme focuses on all aspects of park management including:
- efficient use of energy, water and waste
- plant and animal habitats
- visitor interpretation and events
The scheme is operated by the British Home and Holiday Park Association. more information
