Greenstep Sustainable Tourism– Platinum Certification

Elmhirst’s Resort Achieves Platinum Certification with Greenstep Sustainable Tourism
We are thrilled to announce that Elmhirst’s Resort has officially achieved platinum certification with Greenstep Sustainable Tourism. This recognition highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable business practices. We are excited to share this milestone with our valued customers who have supported our journey towards a greener future.

Evaluating Sustainability:
To obtain this certification, Elmhirst’s underwent a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Greenstep Sustainable Tourism. They assessed various aspects of our business, including resource management, waste reduction, community involvement, and environmental impact mitigation. Elmhirst’s also will be reassessed every 2 years to maintain this certification. This comprehensive evaluation is designed to ensure that we meet the highest sustainability standards in tourism.

EcoFund Verified:
Through the EcoFund Verified program, we are held accountable for measuring and reducing our carbon footprint following international standards and best practices.

Rather than simply offsetting emissions, we are actively working to lower our consumption of fossil fuels, waste, and water by investing in efficient technologies and carefully tracking our progress over time. We are working to measure and improve our environmental sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint.

To support these ongoing efforts, we have introduced a nominal EcoFee of $5 per cottage, per night, which goes into a dedicated EcoFund. With your help, we can accelerate our climate action initiatives and make a positive environmental impact.

Our Sustainability Initiatives:
At Elmhirst’s Resort, we firmly believe in the power of sustainable practices to protect and preserve our natural environment. Here are some key initiatives and actions from our sustainability plan:

Optimal Resource Efficiency: We strive for optimal efficiency in the consumption of water and energy inputs while reducing waste outputs. Through regular audits, we gather baseline data on inputs and outputs, such as bio-mass, propane, electricity, water, and more.
Waste Management: We are committed to minimizing waste generation and diverting it from landfills. Our dedicated team ensures proper composting and recycling while monitoring waste-to-landfill quantities.
Sustainable Purchasing: We actively engage with suppliers who share our sustainability values. Using the Sustainable Tourism 2030 guidelines, we have developed a sustainability questionnaire for current and future suppliers. By prioritizing sustainable suppliers and seeking third-party certified options, we aim to influence the entire supply chain.
Stakeholder Engagement: We recognize the importance of engaging our stakeholders in sustainability. We are working closely with travel trade tour operators to encourage sustainability metrics in their operations, such as carbon offsets. Additionally, we offer a seasonally appropriate sustainability kit for guests to purchase, which includes sustainably sourced beverage containers and environmentally friendly insect repellent and sunscreen.
Guest Education: To empower our guests to contribute to sustainability efforts during their stay, we have produced a video outlining tips for efficient water and energy use, waste reduction, recycling, and other sustainability considerations. Each cottage has a laminated sheet featuring a QR code linked to the video for easy viewing.
Team Commitment: All Elmhirst’s Resort team members adhere to a Sustainability Code of Conduct, which ensures a shared commitment to sustainable practices. We ensure that our staff actively contributes to our sustainability efforts through mandatory verbal briefings and sign-offs.
Benefits for Our Customers:
Achieving Platinum certification with Greenstep Sustainable Tourism is not just a badge of honour; it directly benefits our customers. By choosing Elmhirst’s Resort for your travel and accommodation needs, you can:

Experience Sustainable Hospitality: Our commitment to sustainability means that you can enjoy a guilt-free vacation, knowing that your stay aligns with eco-friendly practices.
Support a Responsible Business: Your choice to stay with us contributes to the growth of a responsible tourism industry. Together, we are positively impacting the environment and local communities.
Success Stories and Future Outlook:
We are proud to share some success stories demonstrating our sustainability efforts. For instance, our water and energy conservation initiatives have led to significant reductions in consumption. Our collaboration with sustainable suppliers has also enabled us to provide high-quality products and services while minimizing our environmental footprint.

Looking ahead, we have exciting initiatives planned, including an interactive nature conservation program for our guests. By offering educational opportunities and hands-on experiences, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for our natural surroundings.

Elmhirst’s Resort is proud to have achieved platinum certification with Greenstep Sustainable Tourism. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and responsible tourism. We invite you to join us in our commitment to a greener future by choosing Elmhirst’s for your next memorable getaway.