GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME. Stuart Brain, Senior Grading Assessor GTBS

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1 GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME Stuart Brain, Senior Grading Assessor GTBS

2 Stuart Brain Senior Assessor, Green Tourism Business Scheme Graduated in 1996 with a degree in Environmental Science and Technology from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a PgDip in Information Analysis. After working in many different roles including function and banquet management, I am trained as a white water raft guide and represented Scotland in the 2000 European Championships. Other Outdoor Qualifications Powerboat Instructor, Boatmaster In May 2009 he took up his current role as an assessor for the Green Tourism Business Scheme and to date he has audited more than 400 businesses.

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4 The Principles of Sustainable Tourism It should be profitable for business It should not adversely affect the environment It should be acceptable to the community It should enhance the visitor experience Tourism businesses exceeding customer expectations in a responsible/sustainable manner

5 What is the GTBS? Sustainable Tourism grading programme running since 1997 Open to all types of tourism business in the UK and Ireland (2,400+ businesses) Programme to help businesses be more efficient, save money, improve customer service, provide marketing advantage, inspire staff &engage with local community Operated by private, not-for-profit company Green Business UK Ltd based in Perth, Scotland - not funded by Government / agencies grading visits & criteria is now in its 4th edition 7 full-time assessors Only National Green Tourism programme endorsed by VisitScotland, VisitEngland and VisitWales

6 Membership Scotland 867 South West 441 South East 163 North West 187 North East 112 West Midlands 78 East England 89 East Midlands 52 Yorkshire 100 London 149 Wales 87 Northern Ireland 14 Jersey 13 Ireland 63 Total 2415

7 Funasdalen Hotel Description: Award level: Hotel Potential High Silver/Gold. Main Observations... Local Purchasing: promotion of local products. Energy: Strong energy Performance, good heat recovery. Waste: Very good recycling of all types of waste. Opportunity: Should now look to promote and educate guests/potential guests on what they are actually doing.

8 Sala Silvergruva Description: Award Level: Museum/Exhibition/Visitor Attraction Potential High Silver/Gold... Main Observations... Community: Good use/promotion of local food, schools involvement. Energy: Good Monitoring of consumption...need to set targets. Waste: Good recycling of all types of waste. Information: Good information on the attraction, could expand. Opportunity: Potential to educate visitors on sustainability, comparing old ways with new. Increase sensor controlled lighting Replace high wattage lighting with LED alternatives.

9 Full energy and environmental audit of business Bespoke advice on cost savings appropriate to business (on average 20%) Action plan, recommendations, advice and support on measures to implement Promotion and marketing through GTBS PR & Press campaigns Membership of GTBS and all on-going benefits & support Monthly Technical Newsletter BENEFITS Members area with 60+ technical factsheets Technical advice / helpline / support 20+ Suppliers Discounts e.g. Delphis eco chemicals 30% Nordic eco shower 30% Ecover 20% Gilchrist and Soames 15% Rapanui ethical clothing 10% NET LED lighting 10%

10 Version IV Criteria Criteria & Scoring Flexible, practical measures 10 sections, 145 measures Compulsory & Innovation Sections Eight Technical Sections 60 measures scored 0-5 points 300 points in all 40-65% = Bronze 65-80% = Silver 80%+ = Gold

11 Section 1 Compulsory Legal compliance Minimising risks Green Co-ordinator Annual consumption Environmental Policy Carbon Dioxide per bednight 100 CO2 in kg per overnight bed bed bed bed Low Average N(sample) Hotel type

12 Section 2 & 3 Management & Communication Green management file Setting up a green team Having a green action plan Monitoring Energy/Waste/Water Specialist advice/reports Customer engagement (charter/ towel policy) Community project support CSR Policy/annual statement

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14 Section 4 Energy Efficiency & Renewables Low energy lighting Boiler efficiency and controls Insulation levels Efficient Appliances Renewable energy (Biomass, wind, solar)

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16 Section 5 Water and Effluents Reduced flow taps (8l/min) and showers (12l/min) Aerator fittings/percussion taps Urinal controls and low flush toilets Water efficient appliances Rainwater harvesting and recirculation Eco cleaning products and methods

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18 Section 6 & 7 Purchasing and Waste Recycled products Fair trade & ethical purchasing Food miles & seasonality (local meat etc) Vegetarian choices Supporting stewardship labels Bulk buying and dosing systems Recycling & reuse Eco gadgets/solutions & rechargeable batteries

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20 Section 8 & 9 Travel and Nature/Culture Promotion of public transport, walking and cycling Travel incentives (discounts and special offers) Cycle storage & cycle hire options Travel surveys (staff and guest) Car sharing and eco friendly vehicles Sponsoring animals/habitats/zoos Promotion of local wildlife/cultural attractions Nature diary Tree planting/conservation tasks

21 Thank You Stuart Brain Senior Grading Assessor + 44 (0) Stuart.brain@green-business.co.uk