The Strand Hotel - Blackpool Hotel of the Year 2010

As a family company offering holidays in the Blackpool, we are very aware how precious our environment is to both us and our guests. It is fragile and we must all do our bit to preserve it.

This goes beyond just land, sea and air but extends to communities, history and culture. Our business can harm all of these or help them. We want to minimise the harm and maximise the benefit so we have looked hard at every aspect of our business.

The environment

Our hotel has been thoroughly audited – within the confines of our 1890’s built property– and we have done all we can to reduce energy usage and recycling is now second nature for everything from cardboard, paper, kitchen waste and computers. Cars are significant polluters and offer 10% discount to guests arriving by public transport. We also use local suppliers and local produce to cut down on delivery miles. However careful we are, it is inevitable that we will have an impact and we offset this with donations to Cool Earth (www.coolearth.org) to help preserve the rainforests and a four year rolling programme of donations to the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)

Our greatest impact is by helping and inspiring our guests to consider environmental issues and help us make a difference.

Community

We like to become involved in local events and charities where we think that we can make a difference. Sponsorships include Donna’s Dream House and RNLI.

Keep it local

Over the last few years the North West has edged the image of takeaway and fast food to one side and forged a reputation for good food. That is not just in the pubs and restaurants, but through dedicated local producers displaying their goods in a host of farm shops and markets. So please ask for details when you visit to enjoy that special something that you get from food that has never seen a motorway and bask in the satisfaction that you are also putting something back into the local economy. Visit Lancashire website (www.visitlancashire.com/site/food-and-drink) provides you with excellent ideas on places to visit.

Our environmental policy

The following summarises our commitment.

o         We will monitor and minimise our waste production and reuse as much as possible.

o         We will recycle as much as possible.

o         Our biggest resource is paper and we will use Forestry Stewardship Council 100% recycled paper internally and in our publications wherever that is technically possible.

o         We will ensure that we use energy responsibly in our business operations, buildings and vehicles.

o         Fuel economy and emissions will be an important consideration in the choice of vehicles for our fleet and we encourage travel by public transport where possible.

o         We will carbon offset by directly contributing to initiatives like National Trust and Cool Earth.

o         We will promote best practice to guests staying at our hotel through our through our Green Guide.

o         We will support initiatives aimed at raising the profile of environmental issues, for example, GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).

o         We will use local suppliers wherever practicable.

o         We will encourage our visitors to consider their environmental impact when on holiday.

o         We will give our guests information to help them to support local producers and to reduce road miles by visiting local places and attractions.

What can you do?

o         Keeping it local is a great start and we think it will actually add to your holiday.

o         Recycle. Follow our guides for recycling facilities in the hotel bedrooms, please tell us in your feedback on the holiday questionnaire.

o         Close windows and turn off heating and appliances when you are out. It is good for the environment and will delight your hosts.

o         Leave the car at the hotel, catch the bus or tram or enjoy a walk along our promenade.

o         Follow the Country and Seaside Code.

o         Please leave only your footprints and, if you see a particularly nasty piece of litter and are feeling brave, pick it up and put it in the bin.