The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the leading green tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses which choose to join are assessed by a qualified assessor against a rigorous set of criteria covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and much more.  When businesses meet the required standard they are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold based on their level of achievement. We have been awarded the Gold Award demonstrating our strong commitment to sustainable working practices. 

We are Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable

Acorn Tourism's eco-offices are situated in around 20 hectares of mixed broadleaf/conifer and coppice woodland and we are surrounded by beautiful natural forest and nature. We work hard to minimise our impact to preserve the natural environment. We are located in a Dark Skies area with low outdoor light pollution, use eco-friendly cleaning products which are phosphate free and emit low levels of CO₂.

Heating is generated onsite via a solid biomass automated 45kW Arimax boiler which uses woodchips as fuel sourced from the on-site woodland management and chipped at the Centre. This is considered carbon neutral and energy efficient as the boiler serves several premises and has helped us cut down on our heating bills. The building itself is constructed from sustainable, local sweet chestnut timber and clad in Douglas fir.

We Reduce Energy Consumption

Our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is A-rated showing the building is very energy efficient and the office is fully insulated with sheep wool. All our lightbulbs are LED and kitchen appliances A* energy rated. Our energy supplier is Good Energy, one of the original green energy suppliers.

We Support Local Businesses

Wherever possible, we purchase food and beverages from the local farm shop – this includes Fairtrade tea and coffee, local milk, and locally-made sandwiches and homemade soups for lunch. Other suppliers are also local including printers, stationers and cleaners. We also support the local primary school in Stonegate, donating time and money to their fundraising schemes.

We Reduce Waste

All our paper, plastic, cardboard and glass is recycled along with batteries. For internal purposes we print only in black and white, on both sides of the paper (FSC and EU Ecolabel certified), and recycle all printer cartridges. Our toilets are dual flush to reduce water consumption and there are plenty of notices up in the office as reminders to staff and guests turn off taps and lights!

Acorn's Journey to Net Zero

Acorn Tourism takes its responsibilities to the environment, local communities, customers, partners and employees very seriously and we constantly review our policies and strive to make improvements where we can. Our aim is to combine innovative ideas and realistic solutions with the principles of sustainable tourism. We are committed to showing how sustainable tourism can stimulate economic growth whilst conserving and supporting social, cultural and environmental factors. We have worked on community-based tourism development in five continents, and have set up an environmental assessment accommodation scheme in the Falklands Islands.

However, as we provide tourism development consultancy services around the world, we recognise that some of our services and operations do have an effect on the environment. We have therefore pledged to offset our air travel to support grassroots carbon offsetting projects in countries in which we operate.  

Acorn Tourism has worked on several projects in Lesotho in southern Africa and we are committed to giving back to this country by donating to a carbon offsetting scheme which operates in Lesotho. The project, managed by Atmosfair, is a solar home system for local and rural households throughout the country. The local benefits include:

• No more smoke or fire hazards compared to traditional paraffin lamps and candles which are based on fossil fuels and emit CO₂ and carbon monoxide.
• Fewer respiratory diseases.
• Creation of jobs.
• Secure energy supply lamps which can be used during evening hours.
• Expertise and technology transfer.
• A battery that can also be used also for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The CO₂ reduction from the project is approximately 2000t CO₂ / year.

Check out our Green Action Plan that we are continually updating.

Acorn Tourism is committed to all aspects of sustainability as well as environmental, social responsibility and equal opportunity.