A historic hotel in the Midlands has proved its commitment to a more sustainable future after receiving a national recognised seal of approval.
Coombe Abbey Hotel, the 12th Century hotel near Brinklow, Warwickshire, operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM), has achieved the Greengage ECOsmart accreditation for the second year running.
The hotel achieved the bronze award after assessors looked at a range of areas and initiatives including energy and water conservation; waste, recycling, and plastics; rooms, consumables, and facilities management; sustainable food & beverage management; and corporate and social responsibility.
The accreditation recognises organisations which demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business and who promote a green approach with their clients.
The original report highlighted the hotel’s energy-saving laundry system, refillable soap dispensers, motion sensor lighting, meeting supplies made from recycled materials, hybrid meeting facilities, vegan, eco-friendly and fairtrade options, and an onsite dedicated wildlife conservation area within the grounds of Coombe Abbey Park.
Coombe Abbey’s chefs’ choice menu, which is available as an alternative to corporate buffets to cut down on food waste, was also praised, with plans to update menus as much as weekly – making use of seasonal produce from local suppliers.
The business is also on a drive to become even more ‘paperless’ in its office functions to further enhance its green credentials.
Ron Terry, Group Operations Director at NOHM. said: “We’re very pleased to have achieved the Greengage ECOsmart accreditation for the second year running as it proves, once again, our commitment to being an environmentally-friendly, sustainable venue.
“We are very fortunate to be situated at the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, surrounded by the wonderful parkland that is enjoyed by thousands of people each year, including our hotel guests.
“It means we can see day-to-day how important it is to be as sustainable as we possibly can in order to protect not only our global environment but the one on our doorstep too.
“We will be taking further measures in the coming weeks, months and years in order to ensure we become a more sustainable venue because it’s something we, as a business, our team and our customers take very seriously.”
Greengage ECOsmart operates within the framework of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, guidelines for which are determined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.