cottages4you launches green grading system
Holiday letting agency, cottages4you, has introduced a green grading system on its portfolio, encouraging UK holidaymakers to do their bit when taking a staycation this year.
The initiative, in partnership with the Green Tourism Business Scheme, will allow customers to choose properties which have been rated on their green credentials.
The Green Tourism Business Scheme, the only certification scheme validated by Visit England assesses properties on a range of criteria including water efficiency and waste management. Depending on how well they meet these criteria, the cottages are then awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.
In the next 12 months, cottages4you aims to increase the numbers of green graded properties by more than 250 per cent. The company already implements the Visit England star grading system, providing quality reassurance for holidaymakers and the new green grading system will give the increasingly environmentally conscious traveller the option to be more environmentally friendly on their next cottage break.
Nick Rudge, director at cottages4you said: “So many of us make the effort to be green at home, it seems strange not to continue the good work when we go on holiday. We hope by introducing green graded properties, we can offer our customers the chance to give something back when they go away.
“Some of the properties available simply use energy efficient appliances, have recycling and composting facilities, whereas others have solar panels, use underground thermal systems and state-of-the-art air source heat pumps. There are three levels for the grading and so our owners don’t have to go to extremes to make a difference. As a business we are delighted to have achieved a silver award and are constantly working towards reducing our carbon footprint.”
Andrea Nicholas, managing director of The Green Tourism Business Scheme said: “We are pleased to be working with cottages4you on promoting green graded businesses. Visit England research found that more than 50 per cent of English holidaymakers would opt for a green cottage if given the choice* and this initiative makes it possible.”
The website for the green graded properties has a full explanation of the grading system as well as hints and tips to help make your holiday as green as possible.
To find out more about booking a green graded cottages4you holiday, visit: cottages4you.co.uk
