Howe Keld has been awarded a bronze environmental award by the Cumbria Business Environmental Network. Howe Keld is has also signed up to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership. Guests at Howe Keld can, if they wish, make a donation of £1 per person per stay to the causes to which Howe Keld is making a contribution, namely ospreys and the endangered red squirrels of Lakeland.

Whilst wishing to encourage visitors to Howe Keld, we appreciate the impact increased tourism has on a delicate environment. We recognise that we have a responsibility to manage and minimise the contribution that our activities and services make without compromising the quality of our guests’ stay. We aim to do this through the following environmental policy:-

·      To identify and monitor the significant impacts of our activities

·      To set targets and objectives in order to reduce these environmental impacts and develop procedures to achieve them.

·      To comply with relevant legislation and regulations relating to our environmental impact.

·      To prevent pollution and minimise our consumption of utilities and resources. We endeavour to reduce carbon emissions, effluents and waste to disposal facilities and aim to recycle where possible

·      To ensure that our environmental policy is communicated to all involved in Howe Keld. That contractors and suppliers are encouraged with responsible approaches to the environment, staff are trained and guests given appropriate information.

·      To develop a responsible approach to sourcing food by supporting local, seasonal, organic and fairtrade overseas communities where practical.

·      To work with national and local bodies in promoting issues with regards to the environment.

·      To strive for continual improvement in our environmental performance.

During our recent refurbishment, we have made every effort to install measures which reduce our environmental impacts.

Energy and water-saving

• The new extension is a timber frame construction which is highly insulated. Insulation in the refurbished existing building has been improved.
• A new gas condenser boiler has been installed offering much improved energy consumption.
• Keycards are fitted to 80% of our rooms to extinguish lights on exit.
• Energy saving light bulbs, spotlights and corridor lights have been installed in most fittings.
• New kitchen appliances have been selected with energy efficiency in mind.
• Individual thermostatic controls are fitted to all radiators.
• We have a “use and hang” system regarding changing guest’s towels and use dryer balls in tumble dryers.
• 90% of our toilets are dual flush.
• Showers use thermostatic mixer valves and most are supplied by a newly installed pressure feed system. A secondary circulation system prevents water wastage caused by running taps unnecessarily while awaiting hot water.
• Curtains are fully interfaced and lined.
• Windows are either double glazed or traditional sash, refurbished and draft proofed to reduce heat loss.

Sourcing

• We bulk buy where possible to reduce deliveries and packaging.
• We purchase fairtrade tea, coffee etc. from a specialist food supplier.
• We support local farms and businesses with high ethical practices regarding free range eggs, bacon, flour.
• Much of our furniture is hand made by a local craftsman using only naturally felled local hardwoods.
•  Herdwick Carpets have been chosen because of their use of wool from the local Lakeland sheep breed.
• Some bathrooms and public areas are tiled with local Kirkstone slate.

Waste and Pollution

• We do not use aerosol sprays.
• We do not use individually wrapped portions in the dining room, e.g. cereals, jams, butters etc.
• All bathrooms are fitted with quality refillable shower gel, handcream and shampoo dispensers.
• We recycle all cartons, plastic, glass, paper and card.
• Paints are clay based, ammonia and formaldehyde free and low in volatile organic compounds.

• Keswick Fairtrade Initiative.
• CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network)
• Tourism and Conservation Partnership
• Keswick Mountain Rescue Groups