Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver
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, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more.
By choosing a GTBS hotel you are guaranteed that it is -
- committed to sustainable tourism
- operating in accordance with the relevant environmental regulations
- meets minimum standards of good practice
- audited by a qualified professional to ensure standards are maintained
St Michael’s Hotel & Spa Environmental Policy
Situated on the beautiful Cornish coast, opposite a Blue Flag beach, the guests of St Michael's Hotel & Spa are able to enjoy the clean beaches and fresh air. It is inevitable that a business concentrates on its economic goals, however, to be sure that our guests are able to continue to enjoy the natural beauty on our doorstep we must not only focus on economic success, but on environmental sustainability as well.
We recognise that our business has a direct impact on the environment and understand that the purpose of this policy is to state the company’s aims & objectives and that it forms the basis of our environmental management system.
We have prioritised our environmental initiatives according to those which have the greatest impact and are working upon new systems and procedures that reduce our negative impact.
Local Sourcing
It is important that our guests benefit from the freshest local & seasonal produce. In taking all reasonable steps to cut down food miles, we achieve not only this but also a reduction in emissions and overcrowding on our roads. Our kitchen team is committed to sustainable fishing selecting species of fish that are not threatened over those that have depleted stocks.
Transport
Staff are encouraged to use alternative means to get to work: public transport, car sharing, cycling or walking. Whilst we understand that most guests will arrive by car, once they are here we encourage use of the network of ferries, boats, buses & trains that link some of Cornwall’s best attractions. Local cycle-hire is also promoted.
Energy Saving
Energy efficiency throughout the business is achieved by actively encouraging reduced consumption; the installation of PIR lighting, improved staff initiatives and the renewal of old equipment with energy efficient equipment.
Double glazing now accounts for 62% of the hotel’s windows and guests self-select to have towels laundered /replaced.
Water Conservation
Measures have been introduced to reduce the amount of water used including the fitting of water efficient toilet cisterns.
Recycling & Waste Management
We actively manage, measure and reduce the amount of waste we produce with the promotion of recycling (glass, cardboard, printer cartridges, batteries, paper, metal & plastic) to guests and staff. In the last eighteen months we have reduced our final waste by two-thirds.
We are members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the CoaST initiative and support Surfers Against Sewage.
As Proprietor, I am fully committed to our Environmental Policy and I am pleased to say, it is not just me! The commitment of the management, staff and dedicated Green Team is vital to the success of our environmental strategy combined with the co-operation of our guests, customers and suppliers.
We are in the early stages of our green journey, but have the conviction to take it forward
This policy will be revised annually by the senior management team.
Signed Nigel Carpenter
Nigel Carpenter, Proprietor
December 2008
Sustainability
Reduce, reuse and recycle
St Michael's Hotel and Spa are committed to a more sustainable future and we try to do everything we can to reduce our negative
impact on the environment, without compromising our visitors' experience. Wherever possible we reduce, recycle and re-use.
To reduce our food miles, our Chef utilises fresh, local, seasonal produce as much as possible. We buy everything from cheese
to free range pork from local producers and support the sustainable fishing initiative.
