Since its inception in 1997 the Green Tourism Business Scheme has been championing sustainable tourism in the UK.What is green tourism? Green tourism is a term used to describe best environmental practice within the tourism sector. It covers issues such as business efficiency, environmental management, waste, transport, as well as topics such as social responsibility and biodiversity. The scheme criteria cover over 120 measures of sustainability and there are 3 levels ,Bronze,Silver and Gold.

The main sections are :
Compulsory - compliance with environmental legislation and a commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance
Management - demonstrates good environmental management including staff awareness:specialist training:monitoring and record keeping
Communication - of environmental actions to customers i.e. green policy:email & website:education,community and social products
Energy - efficiency of lighting,heating and appliances;insulation and renewable energy use
Water - efficiency i.e. good maintenance;low consumption appliances;flush offset;rainwater harvesting as well as use of ecocleaners
Purchasing - environmentally friendly goods and services i.e. products made from recycled materials,use and promotion of local food and drink
Waste - minimisation by encouraging,the "eliminate,reduce,reuse,recycle"principle,supplier take-back agreements,dosing systems;composting
Transport - aims to minimise visitors car use by promoting local and national public transport services;cycle hire info;use of alternative fuels
Wildlife - on site measures aimed at increasing biodiversity i.e. wildlife gardening;native species;nesting boxes,as well as providing information for visitors on the wildlife on and around the site .

The Blencathra Centre was selected as one of 15 organisations to pilot the scheme in Cumbria. Two organisations received a Gold and Blencathra was one of these being commended for ' numerous examples of best environmental practice - particularly those issues related to staff awareness and environmental education'.Further details can be found on the website www.green-business.co.uk.

Tim Foster - Head of Blencathra Centre. Email for more info.