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, advice and grading - Bronze, Silver or Gold
- Plaque, certificate and digital logo
- Access to technical resources and monthly technical newsletter
- Access to discounts and special offers
- An entry on the GTBS and Sustrans website
- Listed in numerous green searches including Expedia and VisitBritain's UK and International marketing websites
- National recognition
- Joining fee £71 + Annual fee from £98
GTBS is currently the only National validated sustainability scheme under the VisitEngland's National accreditation scheme. read more
CBEN - Cumbria Business Environment Network
This scheme is run by the award-winning Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency. The scheme has been split into two different awards. One award has CBEN advisers paying businesses a series of visits to develop an environmental management system based on ISO14001 and support them in working towards the accreditation. The scheme helps businesses to meet supply chain requirements and provides all the information and assistance to progress onto the ISO standard.
The second award focuses on what a business is doing rather than processes and documents. The award is called Green at Heart and gives you confidence knowing that the business is taking positive steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
CBEN also delivers free ENWORKS Resource Efficiency support for SMEs across Cumbria, including telephone advice, news bulletins, events, on-site audits and practical support with energy and water usage, waste management, climate change risk, transport planning, biodiversity and corporate responsibility.
· Free environmental audits and support
· Free training and networking events
· Recognised by Cumbria Tourism
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
