WHATLEY MANOR

Certified by EarthCheck

Category:

Size:

Medium

Protected areas nearby:

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Certifying body:

Earthcheck

Outstanding contributions

Whatley Manor is a former C18th manor house in the heart of the historic Cotswolds landscape in the west of England. It is now a luxury 23 bedroom hotel and spa, offering a fine dining experience in its Michelin starred restaurant. Energy, water and waste have been measured since 2017 and in 2019 its owners embarked on a sustainability journey, with a commitment to Net-Zero emissions by 2028.  Obtaining sustainability certification from Earthcheck, with additional awards and recognition for an eco-friendly spa and  green gastronomy, has encouraged and supported them on this journey.

In 2019 the electricity supply was changed to 100% certified renewable energy. Emissions have reduced from 73kg CO₂-e per guest night in 2019 to 43kg in 2020.  Removing plastic and packaging from deliveries reduced the hotel’s bin requirements from 14 to 4 per week, saving GBP 7k per year. General  waste has been reduced by 49%, with zero going to landfill.  Rather, it is treated in an OCO Plant which captures all the carbon from the combustion process, with the residual waste of ash and lime made into carbon neutral building blocks – an example of the circular economy. Water-saving shower heads are estimated to lead to a saving of 4.5 tonnes of CO₂ and 0.5m litres of water.

Biodiversity is encouraged in the five hectare garden. Actions have included the re-wilding of some areas, the introduction of four colonies of bees, enhanced composting including the use of wormeries, the introduction of little ladders to prevent hedgehogs from drowning in the ponds, and the planting of a new orchard.  The hotel monitors the cleanliness of the River Avon, which runs through the grounds, taking measures to ensure that it is not polluted and removing litter and vegetation to aid its flow.

Whatley Manor has its own Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Of the 109 staff, 13 are under the age of 18 and 67 are women (including 50% of the management team). Career development is assisted by a 12- month hospitality training and apprenticeship programme. Staff are encouraged to embrace sustainability: a cycle to work scheme is in place and staff journeys are measured and tracked.

A key aspect of their approach is to influence others. The hotel raises awareness of employees, guests and the local community by running trainings, information sessions and speaking at public events. In 2021 it held its first sustainability workshop for its ten main food suppliers, highlighting the need for data transparency and measurement and sharing best practice. Some contracts have been renegotiated in favour of local businesses committed to sustainability. The General Manager is also playing a leading role in promoting and advising on sustainability within the hospitality sector as a whole.

Key SDGs related to this action

See: Tourism for SDGs - Recommendations for Companies