Devon's Bovey Castle celebrates Green Tourism accreditation

A Devon hotel has been recognised for its green credentials after achieving a coveted Green Tourism award.

Bovey Castle has been awarded ‘Silver’ in the Green Tourism awards, which recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are working to become more sustainable and are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of strong environmentally-friendly practices.

The 5 AA Red Star hotel, which is based in Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, appointed its first ‘Green Champion’ earlier in the year to lead on driving sustainability initiatives which make a difference across all areas of the hotel.

Some of the changes introduced include switching all of its diesel vehicles to run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel, changing its bottled water supplier to Devonia - a natural and local spring water which has a recycle and reuse policy – and developing its own kitchen garden along with wildflower meadows.

The hotel’s Green Champion and Revenue Manager Sally Lemar said: “It is a great accomplishment for Bovey Castle to have achieved Silver accreditation with Green Tourism.

“The whole team has taken on board the challenge and have been focused on looking at all of our processes and amending or enhancing what they do. It has been a real team effort.

“It is so important we do this to make our business more sustainable as we move forward. I am proud we have achieved Silver in our first year.”

Bovey Castle is owned by the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection, and is one of five of its hotels to achieve Green Tourism honours this year.

Jayne O’Malley, Group Operations Director, said: “For our five hotels to achieve these awards within our first year of increased focus is extremely commendable, and a recognition of our Green Champion’s extensive efforts, along with their teams within their hotels.

“They should all be very proud of what they have achieved so far.

“We look forward as a group to enhancing our green practices and evolving procedures, while contributing to providing a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for all.”