Save Money - Go Green

Why should I consider making my business more sustainable? 

There are several good reasons why going green is a better way to operate as a tourism business:

• Increased efficiency - Water, electricity and gas are some of the biggest costs for tourism businesses. With prices high, becoming more efficient will help reduce your bottom line.
• Reduced waste - Waste is a double cost - wasted money on purchasing and wasted money on disposal.
• Added appeal - Customers increasingly expect businesses to operate in a responsible way and will respond positively to those able to demonstrate that they have taken action.
• Added value - Many actions that you may take to become a responsible business, such as using local products, will also add to the quality being offered.
• More resilience - Taking action now will make you better prepared for the higher costs and tougher legislation predicted for the future, as well as the impacts of a changing climate.

How do I get started?

The menu on the right of this page shows a range of resources to help inspire you and get you started going green.

Further Support

The Green Tourism Business Scheme can evaluate and award your green credentials to help you prove to potential customers that you are a making a minimum impact on the environment. They also offer advice and support. Read More.

To view a PDF containing information on where you can find sustainability training, events and further support in the South West, click here.

For information on adapting to climate change and minimising the risks of flooding, click here.

Green Downloads

Click on the topic titles below to access a wealth of sustainability related resources in our document library:

Saving Energy Downloads
Energy bills make up around 40% of the average business' day to day running costs. Discover a range of resources - fact sheets, case studies, room cards, training resources, discounts - to help you save energy, choose a greener supplier, or even generate it yourself!

Saving Water Downloads
The South West has some the highest prices for water in the country, and hot water adds to your energy bill too. Use the fact sheets, towel agreement cards, case studies, discounts and training resources in this folder to identify and address the key issues.

Communicating Green Credentials Downloads
Effective communications help increase your appeal to customers, and the chances of them (and any staff you have) joining in with your efforts. View presentations and resources to help you get the message across.
Some of the documents in this folder are produced by Futerra, a leading sustainability communications agency. www.futerra.co.uk

Other Green Topic Downloads
In this folder you will find resources looking at:

• How your business can adapt to the impacts of climate change
• How to combine indulgence & romance with going green
• How to Run an Event in a Green Way
• Training, Events & Further Support

Many of the initiatives listed above have been developed with funding support from the South West Regional Development Agency

If you are looking for information on what South West Tourism is doing to support the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the South West, click here.