You can’t hide from sustainability – but you can REST

As upcoming UK climate legislation grows closer, BWH Hotels GB is offering critical support for hotels trying to keep up with evolving sustainability standards.
 
With UK hotel room emissions averaging 7.5 tonnes CO2e per room, the ramifications of the Climate Change Act and Environmental Bill will no doubt be of some concern to many independent hoteliers.
 
Now, BWH Hotels is providing vital assistance to independent hotels looking to improve and demonstrate their environmental responsibility, efficiency and profitability.
 
BWH Hotels, which represents Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels, including Best Western and WorldHotels, is focusing on a comprehensive, evidence-based sustainability framework that directly impacts hoteliers’ bottom lines.
 
Central to this approach is the REST (Responsible, Environmental, Sustainable Tourism) accreditation, developed in partnership with Quality in Tourism, which sets a new standard for environmental certification.
 
Unlike some sustainability initiatives, REST is an evidence-based scheme and involves rigorous external assessments with ongoing monitoring. This certification is crucial for securing corporate bookings with B Corps and meeting emerging travel management company criteria.
 
Nicola Wood, head of sales at BWH Hotels, said: “Sustainability credentials are now no longer optional for many corporate clients. Hotels which do not have a relevant accreditation are starting to see it impact their bottom line.”
 
A key differentiator is BWH’s Carbon Calculator, developed in collaboration with the Zero Carbon Forum. This bespoke tool, set to launch later this month, will be available for all hotels in 2025.

 
It goes beyond simple emissions tracking, covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, considering comprehensive factors including food and beverage contributions like red meat consumption and will be regularly updated to reflect the latest environmental insights.
 
Tracy Wilkins, operations director at BWH Hotels, is one of the driving forces behind the group’s push for sustainability for both BWH and its partner hotels.
 
Tracy said: “We know sustainability is a priority for our hoteliers. But we understand how daunting it can feel to implement compliant sustainable changes, especially for independent hotels.
 
“That’s why we are doing everything we can to make the process of hotels becoming more sustainable businesses as painless and smooth as possible, and the Carbon Calculator is a central pillar of this work.
 
“In an effort to simplify all the elements of sustainability for busy hoteliers, we are giving them practical, cost-effective solutions, whether it’s sourcing locally or adjusting energy usage to reduce carbon emissions. 
 

Tracy Wilkins

“This is where the Power of Two comes into play. Our independent hoteliers bring individuality, inspiration and intimacy, and we provide the expertise, tools and global reach to make it work seamlessly.
 
“It’s vital for the planet that we all address sustainability, but these changes can also bring commercial benefits to the hospitality industry. I would encourage any hoteliers concerned about their environmental impact and those who are hoping to increase their levels of bookings to get in touch with us.”
 
The Castle Green hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, is one example of a BWH Hotel actively delivering its sustainability strategy through a variety of community and environmental initiatives. The hotel received Silver REST accreditation in 2024.
 
The head chef uses local suppliers for the F&B offering. The hotel also grows its own produce, such as apples, plums and herbs, for use in the kitchen and restaurant.
 
A significant percentage of their employees live locally, with 94.7% residing within 10 miles of the hotel and therefore reducing the carbon footprint of staff. Environmentally, the hotel maintains four large compost areas, using garden and kitchen waste to create compost and leaf mulch. Plastic bedroom keys have been replaced with bamboo keys and pesticides or herbicides are avoided on the 25 acres of gardens and ancient woodland.
 
Additionally, wildlife are provided with habitats, with specific boxes for bats, owls and birds in the grounds and woodland.
 
By offering practical support and cutting-edge tools, BWH is empowering independent hoteliers to transform environmental challenges into competitive advantages.
 
As the hospitality sector faces unprecedented environmental pressures, BWH Hotels is proving that sustainability isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating genuine, measurable value.
 
For help making your hotel more sustainable and more profitable contact
joinbwhhotels.co.uk