Why Join the Scheme
Achieving the Green Acorn Award isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s a strategic business move. As a member, you unlock tangible benefits that help you stay competitive in a changing market.
To achieve the Green Acorn Award, businesses choose a combination of 25 simple, effective actions that fit their unique operations. To guide you, our framework is organized into 6 core environmental pillars: Energy Conservation, Water Management, Waste Reduction, Local Sourcing, Sustainable Transport, and Biodiversity Protection. However, these criteria are completely non-prescriptive. We know that a rustic campsite, a boutique hotel, and a local café all operate differently. Your own innovative eco-friendly ideas are just as valid as the examples below. During your bespoke annual inspection, we will collaborate with you to ensure your unique green initiatives count fully toward your certification.
Whether you run a holiday cottage in Devon or a boutique hotel in Cornwall, these pillars provide a practical, structured roadmap to reduce your operational overheads while actively preserving the natural beauty of our very special landscape.
Achieving the Award: The 6 Environmental Pillars
Pillar 1: Energy Conservation & Efficiency
- Switch 100% of property and exterior lighting to energy-saving LEDs.
- Install PIR occupancy/motion sensors in low-traffic areas like public corridors, toilets, and staff rooms.
- Implement master key-card power switches or smart thermostats in guest rooms to prevent heating/cooling empty rooms.
- Draft and implement a strict “switch-off policy” for all idle electronic office equipment and kitchen appliances at night.
- Ensure 100% of large replacement appliances carry an A+++ or high-tier energy rating.
- Transition building heating grids to air-source heat pumps, biomass, or solar thermal arrays.
- Switch the business energy supply contract to a verified 100% green renewable tariff.
Pillar 2: Water Management
- Install aerated, low-flow showerheads and tap inserts across all guest and staff facilities.
- Fit dual-flush mechanisms or water-saving displacement devices inside all toilet cisterns.
- Place prominent, friendly guest-facing signage prompting towel and bed linen reuse loops.
- Deploy outdoor rainwater harvesting butts to handle 100% of garden and exterior plant irrigation.
- Establish a routine plumbing maintenance log to trace and repair pipe or tap leaks immediately
Pillar 3: Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
- Provide clear, color-coded recycling hubs in public spaces and guest bedrooms.
- Eliminate single-use plastic toiletry bottles by installing refillable wall-mounted dispensers.
- Ban single-use plastic condiment sachets, plastic straws, and disposable drink stirrers from food operations.
- Launch a dedicated composting system for hospitality kitchen food waste and landscaping clippings.
- Partner with local food banks or redistribution networks to eliminate commercial food waste.
- Shift the business administrative space to a 95% paperless digital check-in and billing pipeline.
- Source 100% recycled or FSC-certified paper products for all essential physical printing.
Pillar 4: Sourcing & Local Supply Chains
- Sourcing at least 40% of food, beverage, or retail inventory from suppliers based within Devon or Cornwall.
- Exclusively utilize eco-certified, non-toxic, and biodegradable commercial cleaning chemicals.
- Commit to purchasing tea, coffee, and textiles from verified Fairtrade or certified ethical trade suppliers.
- Furnish guest accommodations with upcycled, vintage, or FSC-certified sustainably manufactured furniture.
Pillar 5: Sustainable Transport & Access
- Install a secure, covered bicycle rack and provide basic maintenance toolkits for cycling visitors.
- Provide clear, up-to-date public transport timetables and walking/cycling route maps on the company website.
- Install an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging point on-site for guest and staff usage.
- Offer a small booking discount or incentive for guests arriving via foot, bicycle, or public train/bus travel.
- Establish a cycle-to-work incentive or vehicle car-sharing registry for employees.
Pillar 6: Biodiversity & Community Protection
- Dedicate a portion of the property grounds to wild spaces, installing bird boxes, insect hotels, or bat roosts.
- Plant native Southwest shrubs, trees, or wildflower patches to boost local pollinator populations.
- Ensure exterior lighting is down-facing and dark-sky friendly to protect nocturnal wildlife.
- Actively feature and promote independent local heritage sites, wildlife reserves, and artisan craft shops to guests.
- Donate a small percentage of booking revenues or organize staff volunteer days with Southwest environmental charities. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Real Business Benefits
- Slash Operational Costs: Gain full awareness of your fuel and energy usage to identify waste, leading to direct cost savings through high-efficiency measures.
- Streamlined Waste Management: Conserve natural resources and reduce overheads by cutting waste and lowering your pollution footprint.
- Staff Training & Engagement: Improve overall efficiency as your team masters sustainable steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Attract Eco-Conscious Guests: Modern travellers seek eco-friendly providers. Displaying the Green Acorn mark builds immediate trust and appeals to the rapidly growing green tourism market.
- Enhance Your Reputation: Membership signals to customers, guests, and suppliers that your business is a verified leader in conscious travel.
- Support the Local Southwest Economy: Strengthen community ties and lower your carbon footprint by sourcing local goods, dramatically reducing “carbon miles.”
- Expert Sustainability Advice & Knowledge Hub: Navigate the complexities of green business with a regular trend newsletter alongside free, unlimited support from our team and fellow award holders.
Who Can Apply?
The Green Acorn Award is built on the belief that sustainability should be inclusive, not exclusive. Unlike many national schemes that require businesses to hold a specific star rating or formal quality grading to participate, we have removed those barriers to entry. Whether you manage a boutique hotel, a rustic campsite, a local café, or a single holiday cottage, our doors are open to you. We want every business in the region to have the opportunity to showcase their environmental commitment. By making the scheme accessible to everyone, regardless of the size or luxury level of their establishment, we can create a much larger collective impact on the preservation of our local landscape.
What Does it Cost
For just £80 per year, your membership includes a bespoke annual inspection designed specifically for your business. Rather than a standard audit, this session provides tailored, practical advice and realistic suggestions to help you achieve your unique green objectives.
How to Apply
To get started, complete the application form below and press Submit. Once received, a member of our team will be in touch.
Note: It is our responsibility to protect your privacy and we guarantee that your data will be completely confidential.
