Sustainability Case Studies
Tourism businesses are already benefiting from resource efficiency - take a look at some Northwest region and national case studies e.g. key achievements, actions taken, costs/savings and business benefits
Southwaite Green, Self-catering cottages, Cockermouth
'The business concept for Southwaite Green was deep green and 5 star, to get people thinking about climate change but in a way that made them see it was possible to live well and still be eco friendly. So throughout the design, build and fit out of the properties, the choice was determined by green principles. Orientation, insulation, build materials, technologies, all work together to minimize use of resources. Has this worked from a business point of view? It looks like it has. A new Rough Guide on Clean Breaks lists Southwaite Green in the 500 chosen places in the world to visit. In the first year occupancy was an average of 15 weeks per property; in the second year turnover has doubled.
The third year has just started and looks better still. Press coverage has been excellent and free, the internet gives fantastic access to people from all over the world, and there is a growing band of visitors who want a green experience. This is surely going to grow over the next few years. Things are starting to move so quickly now that not offering green credentials is going to put people at a serious disadvantage in the near future. Southwaite Green has the advantage of being among the first in the field, which is clearly beneficial, but what was once a minority concern is now mainstream.' Marna Houlsby, Southwaite Green
