Going Green

Business Support

Going Green

Why 'Go Green'?

We are all being encouraged, both at home and in business, to adopt energy saving and recycling measures that will contribute to a sustainable environment and reduce worldwide consumption.

Research shows that there’s a growing trend for visitors to seek out tourism businesses that take an ethical approach to the environment, and many of these visitors are prepared to pay more for ‘greener’ products and services.

And tempting your visitors with locally sourced food and drink supports sustainability within the region as well as adding value to your business.

Commercial benefits for ‘going green’:

• increased efficiency - water, electricity and gas are some of the biggest costs for tourism businesses.  Saving in these areas will have the biggest impact on your costs as well as on the environment.
• reduced waste - reducing and recycling waste saves money and helps the environment.  Tougher regulations to cut waste and increase recycling are being imposed all the time and they will only get tougher.
• ‘green’ appeal - visitors are actively seeking out destinations and tourism businesses that contribute to sustainability and adopt ‘greener’ measures, however small. 
• supporting the region - by offering products and produce that are sourced locally you are supporting the local economy and environment, helping to reduce your business carbon footprint, and adding visitor appeal.  Read more on our Local Food & Drink pages.
• staying resilient - by taking action now you will be better prepared for tougher legislation to come and the future impact of changes in climate change.

Where to start?

The Toolkit document library

The document library's Going Green section is full of helpful documents to read and download including How to....Go Green, as well as a number of VisitBritain Sustainable Tourism Management Good Practice Guides.  Go to the Toolkit's document library

View live case studies

View live case studies of North East England tourism businesses who have already embraced 'going green'

Talk to your Area Tourism Partnership co-ordinator

They will be able to advise on local schemes and organisations committed to helping businesses become more sustainable as well as point you in the direction of tourism businesses that have already made ‘green’ inroads.

Use VisitBritain’s Green Start Tool

Green Start is available, free, to all tourism businesses interested in understanding how they can save money, encourage greater efficiency, add appeal to their business and begin a journey of doing business even better.  It has been designed to help businesses review their performance and illustrate how sustainable practice can be part of normal business.

Use VisitEngland’s online ‘Keep it Real’ Toolkit

Keep it real is a toolkit for those businesses who have already taken action to be more sustainable and want to maximise the marketing opportunities that may exist.  By illustrating the 'Who, Why, Where, When and What' is involved, Keep it real is designed to give businesses the confidence to talk about sustainability. 

Further Support

The Green Tourism Business Scheme

'Green tourism' is a term used to describe best environmental practice within the tourism sector.  By joining the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and undergoing regular assessment, members are making a commitment to significantly reduce their impact on the environment.

The scheme can evaluate and reward your 'green' credentials so that visitors are aware of the commitment you are making to sustainable practices.

Green Tourism Awards

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence offer a Sustainable Tourism Award category celebrating tourism businesses that have made an extra special effort towards sustainability.  

Find out more about the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

David Bellamy Conservation Awards

Operated by the British Home and Holiday Park Association these awards are designed to promote and applaud conservation and environmental efforts by holiday parks.  The scheme focuses on efficient use of energy, water and waste; plant and animal habitats; visitor interpretation and events.