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At Cote How we are committed to reducing our Carbon Footprint, minimising our impact on the environment and encouraging our customers to do the same and hopefully take some of these ideas home with them.
Conservation of Energy
- We purchase our electricity from ECOTRICITY – New Energy Plus – paying an additional 5% premium for 100% GREEN energy.
- We only heat occupied rooms as and when required. The central heating is usually switched on for a short time during the morning and evening hours. This is supplemented with open fires in the main living areas downstairs.
- Every radiator is fitted with a thermostatic valve for optimum heating levels in each room.
- We have increased all of the loft insulation to 250mm.
- We have a rolling program to upgrade insulation to include doors, windows and ceilings.
- Our kettles are small and will boil a single cup.
- We encourage all occupants to switch off lights when not required.
- All our light bulbs are low energy long life bulbs.
- We are continually monitoring the energy consumption of all appliances in the house.
- Our curtains are all fully lined and floor length to reduce drafts.
- We buy and use only re-chargeable batteries.
- We use wind-up torches and loan these to our guests.
- We make our own candles and burn these in the guest lounge and guest bedrooms.
Conservation of Water and water pollution
- We encourage the use of electric showers opposed to baths.
- Our toilets are fitted with cistern Sava-flush bags.
- We provide tumblers for teeth washing to save on running taps.
- We encourage guests to re-use their towels for as long as possible.
- We only use eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, washing powders and cleaning products.
- We do not use fabric conditioners.
- Each bathroom has refillable dispensers for hand soap, shower gel and bath essence – all of which are made from 100% natural ingredients (no SLS’s) and are made locally.
Sourcing
- All of our food is 100% organic and is locally sourced and seasonal. We have all food and groceries delivered to us on a regular basis, mostly form within Cumbria.
- We adjust our menus seasonally to take account of locally available fresh produce, which has been grown naturally (without additional heat and light) and has traveled least miles.
- We buy only Fairtrade teas, coffees, sugar and hot chocolate which are delivered from a local supplier.
- We bulk buy to reduce packaging and deliveries.
- All office paper is made from re-cycled materials and is 100% recyclable.
- Our brochures are printed locally on recycled paper and using 100% vegetable inks.
Recycling
- We use recycled paper, packaging and envelopes.
- We recycle all recyclable plastics including packaging and carrier bags, glass, aluminium, steel, paper, cardboard, tetra-paks (drinks cartons).
- All organic food waste is composted and re-used in the garden.
- We recycle timbers and other building products for our repairs and maintenance.
- We use only compostable bin liners in the bedrooms
Sustainable Transport
- We promote the use of public transport both en-route and during our guest’s stay.
- We provide up to date bus and train timetables.
- We provide maps and give advice on walks and cycle routes in the area.
- We provide information on local cycle hire centres and offer free use of our bicycles and kayaks for occasional use.
- We challenge our guests to hang up their car keys whilst staying at Cote How in return for a 5% discount off their next visit!
Our Living Space
- Cote How has a very relaxing and quiet atmosphere and we encourage our guests keep noise to a minimum at all times.
- The whole house is TV free.
- We have a STRICT no smoking policy throughout the house and grounds.
Conservation
- As Silver members of the Tourism and Conservation Partnership we are continually raising money to help local conservation projects.
- We have founded a local conservation group – The Rothay Valley Sustainable Environment Group (RVSEG) which includes members of the National Park, National Trust and local environmentalists who have come together to form a co-ordinated approach to fundraise and improve the ecology and bio diversity in the Rothay valley from Grasmere through Rydal to Windermere.
Education
- We are Ambassadors to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership, and help spread the word to other businesses wanting to green up their businesses and get involved in Conservation.
- We encourage our guests to recycle all of their waste.
- We always take time to discuss our policies with our friends, associates and customers, showing them how they can improve their environmental awareness and help reduce their own carbon footprint.
- We are continually reviewing our policies and sourcing better, greener products and services.
- We have co-founded the Cumbria Green Business Forum (CGBF)
Your Forum – Your Voice… Networking and lobbying to improve environmental practices and services for businesses across Cumbria.
- We are one of only 3 Soil Association certified Guest Houses in the UK and have been working with the Soil Association to encourage o ther businesses to do the same.
- We are regularly visited by school groups who are given guided walks and discussions on conservation and environmental issues.
Awards to date:
Jan 2007 Considerate Hoteliers – Highly Commended (top 3)
July 2007 GTBS – Gold (96%)
Sep 2007 Soil Association license for Restaurant & Catering and Processing
Jan 2008 Considerate Hoteliers – Runner Up (sustainable food)
Feb 2008 T&CP Ambassador Business Award – Demonstrating best practice in Sustainable Tourism.
April 2008 Four star grading with Visit Britain
May 2008 winner of Cumbria Tourism's Sustainable Tourism Award.
Now to go forward to the regional North West finals.
July 2009 Won a Gold award with Visit Britain - Now Four star gold
Dec 2009 Won a breakfast award with Enjoy England for our outstanding breakfasts
Green Tourism Business scheme
We were awarded the Gold award GTBS in 2007 which was an in-depth evaluation of all of our business practices. We were very proud to achieve a massive 96% which was only beaten once in the UK, by a purpose built eco building in Norfolk!
For more information on the GTBS Green Tousism Bsusiness scheme and to find other Green accommodation throughout the UK please visit: GTBS WEBSITE
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