Peak District accommodation sleeping 12 in Matlock

Like many people, we have become increasingly aware and concerned with the impact of day-to-day living on the environment. In many respects taking a holiday or short break in the UK can contribute to reduced environmental impact as the impact of travel is reduced. However, we also feel that it is important for us to consider how we can contribute to reducing negative environmental impact. To achieve this we have taken a number of steps to provide guests with a quality place to stay and at the same time make a contribution to sustainability of the environment and the Peak District.

The house was thoughtfully renovated with the aim of providing visitors with high quality self-catering accommodation within the heart of Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park. A central aim of the renovation project was the preservation of the house and its significant importance within the area whilst also protecting the environment and local wildlife.

In recognition of the positive impact we and our guests are making towards the local environment we have been awarded the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark (EQM). The EQM is the first environmental award of its kind in England. As a small business we have applied for this mark, rather than a nationally accredited scheme, to show our commitment to the Peak District. To qualify for the Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) businesses have to achieve high standards of care for the environment in a range of areas.

Social responsibility:

• A range of cleaning products are bought in large quantities to reduce packaging (toilet rolls, dishwasher tablets, washing liquid, surface/kitchen/bathroom cleaner)
• Herbs are provided in the garden to reduce the need to buy these in individual packs
• All furniture and electrical goods bought for the house come from local suppliers
• In addition a range of products (e.g. key cutting, material, torches, garden supplies, and logs) are sourced locally. Work from trades people is also carried out from local service providers (builders, handyman, glazier, decorator, gardener, cleaner)
• We recommend local restaurants to guests and many of these source food locally. For example the Country Restaurant (which guests can walk to) has a range of locally sourced food
• The wooden furniture in the dining room and bedrooms (pine) is sourced from sustainable forests
• A range of products are provided for guest use to reduce packaging and transport costs and where possible sourced from recycled, fair-trade or local sources (cleaning products, dishwasher tablets, cloths, cling film, foil, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, paper and cloth napkins, bin liners)
• Paper, used for letters etc. is recycled
• Carpets are natural fibres (wool, range form 80-100%) to ensure good wear and tear and reduce the need for replacing

Environmental responsibility:

• We use a green energy provider
• A requirement of the EQM is to monitor energy usage over the next year and where possible steps will be taken to reduce energy usage
• All light bulbs that can be altered to low energy versions have been changed (this has reduced usage from approximately 2000 to 300 kwh)
• Additional bedding is provided in each room for guest use to reduce the need for heating over night
• Pipes are lagged to prevent heat loss
• Cooking is via gas. The seals on the ovens are excellent quality and a range of saucepans are provided so guests are able to use appropriately sized pans.
• An appropriate cover is provided to maintain heat in the hot water storage tank
• Guests are encouraged to recycle paper, cardboard, food waste, bottles, tins and plastic. Recycling containers are provided in the utility room and these are well used.
• Refuse sacks are provided for guest use and these are made form 100% recycled material.
• Toilet tissue, kitchen roll and tissues are provided and these are all made form 100% recycled material
• Bed linen is laundered in the local launderette to reduce energy use in the house (which also supports a local business)
• A log burner is provided in the lounge and logs are provided for guest use (this form of heating is carbon neutral). Logs are delivered from a local supplier in bulk to reduce transport emissions.
• At a number of windows blinds and curtains have been fitted. Where there are just blinds blackout lining has been used to reduce heat loss
• Arrangements have been made to increase the amount of loft insulation to reduce heat loft via roof spaces
• A water butt is located in the garden for watering purposes. Over the next year steps will be taken to improve the amount of waste water collected where possible.
• The wooden furniture in the dining room and bedrooms (pine) is sourced from sustainable forests (purchased from Gilbert and Son, Sheffield)
• Low odour (low VOC) Farrow & Ball paints were used in some areas during the renovation
• Reclaimed materials including Derbyshire slate roofing tiles, glass panes, some wood and flagstone paving were used during the recent renovation of the house.

Economic responsibility:

• Logs are delivered from a supplier who sources wood locally and delivers in bulk to reduce transport carbon emissions
• The garden is maintained by a local gardener, who sources plants locally and exchanges plant cuttings between the gardens he manages. This avoids sourcing plants from garden centres, which are often shipped from abroad.
• All furniture and electrical goods bought for the house come from local suppliers. In addition a range of products (e.g. key cutting, material, torches, garden supplies, and logs) are sourced locally. Work from trades people is also carried out from local service providers (builders, handyman, glazier, decorator, gardener, cleaner).
• Local restaurants are recommended to guests and many of these source food locally. For example The Country Restaurant (which guests can walk to) has a range of locally sourced food.