green accreditation schemes...

Many of our hotels, B&B's, self-catering providers and holiday parks are fully committed to preserving and enhancing the world-class environment that makes the Lake District and Cumbria such a special destination; from sourcing only local ingredients for menus, minimising energy consumption and waste and donating money to local conservation organisations, to offering discounts for guests that arrive by public transport or hand in their car keys for the duration of the stay.

Look out for accommodation providers that are members of recognised green accreditation schemes such as the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), Cumbria Business Environment Network (CBEN), or the David Bellamy Conservation Awards for holiday parks and help to make a difference whilst holidaying in the Lake District.

GTBS

The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas including energy and water efficiency, waste management, and biodiversity to name a few, and subsequently receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold award based on their level of achievement. All of the tourism businesses accredited under the GTBS have demonstrated that they are taking positive actions to reduce their impact on the environment, which will only add to the comfort and overall experience of you stay. For more information and a full list of accredited Cumbrian businesses, visit www.green-business.co.uk

CBEN

CBEN is a local accreditation scheme, which also offers Gold, Silver and Bronze awards and is aimed at reducing organisational/business impact on the environment. Bronze awards are given to organisations starting along the pathway of assessing their environmental impact and committing to an improvement in environmental performance through the development of an Environmental Management System (EMS). Silver awards are given to those who are prepared to make significant progress along the road of environmental management and Gold awards are for organisations that have a fully implemented EMS and are demonstrating continual improvement of their environmental performance. CBEN provides a good base for businesses looking to achieve the national GTBS accreditation. For more information, visit www.cumbriaben.com

David Bellamy

David Bellamy Conservation Awards are made each year to holiday parks that can demonstrate policies showing active concern for the environment. Assisted by local nature groups and holidaymakers, the awards look at almost every aspect of park management - from the protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy and recycling. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards can be achieved. For more information, visit www.ukparks.com

TCP

The Tourism & Conservation Partnership is a not for profit organisation that works throughout Cumbria with tourism and related businesses to encourage fundraising for landscape conservation and the development of environmentally sustainable practises within the industry. The partnership is a unique organisation, which along with its members and through the visitor payback scheme has raised over £1 million for conservation work in Cumbria. For more information, visit www.ourstolookafter.co.uk

CGBF

The Cumbria Green Business Forum is a new organisation made up of local businesspeople championing environmental best practice through looking at ecological, social, and corporate responsibilities. For more information and example case studies, visit www.cgbf.co.uk