Sustainability

Environmentally aware organisations

We are committed to delivering truly sustainable tourism in Devon, encouraging responsible visitors to the county in a way that supports our local communities and enhances our world class natural environment. Visit Devon is currently updating its sustainable tourism action plan through its delivery partner, Devon County Council. If you would like to find out more, or become involved in our sustainable tourism action group please contact rachel.mildon@devon.gov.uk

Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation

The GTBS accreditation scheme is for tourism businesses and is based on improving environmental best practice. It has been recognised as providing practical environmental measures to enable businesses to reduce their environmental impact, improve the management of any resources they use, such as energy and water, and increase their marketing potential for a marketplace with an ever-growing environmental conscience. There are also commercial benefits to reap in the form of reduced energy bills (up to 30%) and an enchanced public image.

If you would like further information on the GTBS scheme please visit their website at www.green-business.co.uk 

David Bellamy Conservation Awards

The David Bellamy Conservation Awards are for holiday parks who demonstrate policies showing active concern for the environment. David Bellamy takes a holistic look at the management of a park - from the protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy and recycling. Helping visitors to understand conservation is also considered an important qualifying feature. Three levels of excellence can be achieved: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

If you would like further information on the David Bellamy Conservation Awards please visit www.ukparks.com/bellamy

Environmentally related organisations and useful links

Green Business (operate the GTBS service): www.green-business.co.uk 

David Bellamy Conservation Awards: www.ukparks.com/bellamy.asp 

Futerra's Green Marketing Masterclass: Communicating your green credentials

Devon Tourism Advice: www.devontourismadvice.co.uk/sustainability  

RE4D - www.re4d.org  

Devon Environmental Business Initiative: www.debi-online.org.uk 

Greener events checklists: www.oursouthwest.com/SusBus/gevents.html  and www.oursouthwest.com/SusBus/outdoor-events%20companion-guide.pdf  

Visit Devon supports the work and services of the Devon Environmental Business Initiative.

If you are a tourism business seeking to adopt or further develop a more sustainable management approach look no further than www.devontourismadvice.co.uk/sustainability . Here you will find 67 case studies of award winning businesses in Devon with Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) accreditation. Environmental best practice examples give practical steps, resulting benefits and top tips of advice from green champion businesses.

www.devontourismadvice.co.uk is part of a wider sustainable tourism initiative led by Devon County Council to improve sustainability in tourism businesses in Devon.

The pioneering businesses with GTBS accreditation play a vital role in continued success. Each has a story to tell - the motives for going green, steps taken, resulting outcomes and useful tips and advice. On this website, these stories are shared. The businesses are keen that more do likewise.By joining GTBS, you can also help care for Devon's superb environment by reducing your operational impacts and planning for sustained business growth and profitability. For further information please contact: rachel.mildon@devon.gov.uk