best examples of independent sustainable hotels UK — biofilico wellness interiors
A review of some of the most sustainable independently owned hotels in the UK focusing on these sustainable concepts:
energy efficiency & renewable energy
local sourcing & responsible supply chains
eco-friendly products & materials
enhanced biodiversity & biophilic design
waste reduction & recycling
circular economy principles
health & wellness
ethical business practices
The Scarlet Hotel - a sustainable hotel concept UK
eco sanctuary hotel
Located on the cliffs of Cornwall, the 37-key Scarlet is an eco sanctuary that overlooks the Atlantic, offering guests a chance to reconnect with a natural lifestyle.
circular design hotel
The building was constructed using Circular Economy principles, meaning reclaimed materials that can be reused or recycled at their end of life, such as the wooden frame, copper cladding and aluminium roof structure.
hotel energy efficiency
Rather than air conditioning, natural ventilation strategies are used to cool the interiors in summer, rooftops are lined with sea thrift to stimulate biodiversity and electricity is from 100% renewable sources.
Low-energy LED lights with motion sensors reduce unnecessary energy expenditure, the indoor pool is heated by a solar system, heating is courtesy of a biomass boiler and grey or waste water is collected from showers and baths to flush the toilets.
sustainable hotel waste management
Bathroom amenities are sourced from local artisans, the wasteful packaging of an in-room tea tray is done away with in favor of room service upon request and each room booking includes a £5 donation to Surfers Against Sewage to help protect the British coastline (a cause that Biofilico also supports).
sustainable hotel food menu
There is a tangible sense of authenticity to this hotel’s commitment to the environment. So it’s no surprise to find a food concept that is based around seasonal ingredients, sustainable seafood and wines, slow-aged steaks.. it aligns perfectly with the overall stance on sustainability here.
sustainable hotel wellness
In terms of wellbeing, there is an eco spa inspired by Ayurvedic treatments with an outdoor natural reed pool, a clifftop wooden sauna, a meditation space and endless ‘blue nature’ views of the Atlantic.
Spa therapies happen in lantern-lit tented spaces, concluding in a cocoon pod for a moment of contemplative relaxation. Mind-body wellness classes on offer include various forms of yoga and tai chi; with surfing available out front when the waves are doing their thing!
The Green House Hotel - a sustainable hotel UK
sustainable hotel certifications
Billed as the greenest hotel in the UK, The Green House knew where it was headed right from the start and was able to line itself up for BREEAM green building accreditation as well as integrating an ISO 14001 compliant environmental management system and joining the Considerate Hoteliers association. In other words, they meant business from Day 1!
sustainable hotel renewable energy
This boutique hotel of just 32-rooms harnesses the power of the sun to heat its water, reduces energy consumption with energy-efficient lighting throughout, EV charging points, and generates electricity onsite via a Combined Heat and Power (What is CHP?) unit. The thermal envelope of the building was improved with additional cavity wall insulation, roofing insulation, double glazing windows, and high-performance window seals to prevent heat loss / cool air drafts.
sustainable hotel supply chain
Their procurement policy and approach to materials use is impressively considered, from local craftsmen making their furniture from storm-felled timber, to naturally fire retardant (chemical-free) wool carpets in the bedrooms, FSC certified wallpaper made using vegetable inks and eco-friendly, metal-free mattresses.
sustainable hotel waste policy
Waste oil from the kitchen is made into biofuel, coffee beans and food waste are composted for use in gardens, and coffee grounds are repurposed to grow mushrooms, showcasing a commitment to reducing waste and sustainable practices. The restaurant menu is based around seasonal, local, and organic ingredients while alcohol is locally sourced from around the UK.
sustainable hotel operations
Sustainable hotel operations focus around aligning staff behind the environmental policy with ongoing training and rewards for new ideas, recycled toilet roll, eco cleaning products that are free from toxic substances, pesticide free landscaping and a comprehensive waste management system that starts with the procurement process - by asking questions before purchasing products, they team are able to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
The Green House Hotel's sustainable operations contribute to the global effort towards responsible tourism.
Saorsa 1875 - a sustainable vegan hotel concept in scotland
a vegan hotel concept
This 11-room property in Pitlochry, Scotland was established in 2018 in a building constructed in 1875 and set out to become the UK's first 100% vegan hotel, “designed for vegans, vegetarians and the plant-curious” to be precise.
Interiors play off a bohemian, eclectic vibe with individually styled rooms created more of a home from home atmosphere than a formal chain hotel.
Toiletries, cleaning products and furnishings are 100% vegan, avoiding leathers and. animal-testing in particular.
The food menu is completely plant-based focusing on not just local and seasonal but foraged ingredients too, combined with craft beers and a wine list ‘inspired by the region'.
an ethical. hotel with values
As a business they are aligned with the Good Business Charter (see the small business version here) meaning they are assessed for paying staff a real. living wage fair hours and contracts, employee wellbeing and representation, diversity and inclusion, environmental responsibility, paying fair tax, commitment to customers, ethical. sourcing and prompt payment.
Whatley Manor a sustainable cotswolds hotel
Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint and reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2028, equating to a reduction of 90% from their 2019 data, as well as Net Zero emissions from their supply chain by 2035. Commitments made publicly in this way help to keep a business on track and increase accountability, so are to be commended. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable future by supporting eco-friendly practices and initiatives.
sustainable hotel accreditations awards
Set amongst 12-acres of gardens, the hotel has a Bronze certification from Earthcheck, has a Green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy in its renowned dining room, and regularly picks up awards as one of the UK’s most eco-friendly luxury hotels.
sustainable hotel energy efficiency
The hotel. runs on 100% renewable energy and removed gas from its kitchens to cook on induction heat only (more. efficient), a new Boiler Management System helps with optimum energy efficiency for heating and hot water needs, LED lighting uses 75% less energy than. the previous lighting set-up and six EV charging stations are offered to guests in the parking area.
sustainable hotel guest rooms
Eliminating single-use plastic is now an established first step for most environmentally conscious hotels, at least in the front of house operations - doing so in the kitchens is far more of a challenge. As part of their eco-friendly practices to reduce waste and promote sustainability, Whatley Manor only change bed linens and towels upon request, have opted for ceramic amenity bottles, compostable coffee pods, in-room recycling bins, digital newspapers for guest use and reusable water bottles.
‘reuse recycle repair' in a sustainable hotel
Not ones to do things by halves, Whatley Manor established their own on-site recycling centre with a glass crusher as part of their commitment to sustainable practices. All food waste is segregated and turned into compost whenever possible, while general waste was reduced by 30% after benchmarking took place in 2019.
nature, organic and biodiversity at a sustainable hotel
Organically grown fruit and vegetables dominate in the hotel kitchen, with a kitchen garden and on-site greenhouses, four beehives, minimal pesticide use, planting schemes to encourage biodiverse natural habits for insects and birds, bio char is used to enhance the soil and organic manure serves as fertilizer. These sustainable initiatives significantly reduce the hotel's environmental impact.