As a small business, we are confident in doing our bit towards slowing down climate change, This is not just about being green, most of what we have done makes good business sense too.
Starting our business in 2006 we converted part of our farmhouse into guest accommodation to encourage more people to experience our idyllic rural lifestyle.
In February 2007 we planted an orchard with 30 trees and established the perimeter hedge. Looking back this has provided a natural habitat for wildlife, pollinators and a lovely backdrop to our farm entrance.
Our green projects have included installing solar panels, dropping oil for a biomass district heating system for all of our holiday accommodation, rainwater harvesting, and on-site battery storage for grid independence.
We strive to source locally, this has economies of scale in transportation and enables growth within our region, as those businesses are also the employers within our local community.
We have committed to net Zero through Climate Essentials and have implemented many measures to reduce our waste streams and make the best use of our natural resources.
With some confidence, I can say that we are doing something towards creating a green travel destination that does not cost the earth. I do however have some thoughts on where we as a Country, could be doing more:
Food Security
Following both the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, food Security has never been more important, Our reliance on imports has a large carbon footprint and food prices will continue to rise unless we invest significantly in our own food industry “Farming”. I agree with planting trees, but this should not be done instead of food production, this is simply insane.
HS2
I never asked for HS2, and I have heard only this week, that there are currently difficulties in getting it to safely stop at Euston. Despite green washing efforts, you can not remove trees and farmland, and put this amount of concrete and steel into the ground, without a significant carbon impact. The path of progress is established, and the project is funded in the name of the people, so the debt and overspend will be the legacy for our children. Sold on the concept of bridging the north-south divide, current spending indicates that Birmingham will be the most northerly point attainable. I believe our travel dependency has changed post Covid, however this seems to be the elephant in the room when it comes to progress.
Electric Cars
Electric cars with a limited life span, in turn they will have a legacy of pollution yet to be fully realised.
If this is to truly work all new homes should have solar panels and an EV chargepoint, and there should be continued efforts to support existing housing stock to become energy neutral.
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture has hit the headlines this week and I am not an expert but is underground storage a problem, really a good idea? Read more on carbon capture here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_capture_and_storage: Climate Change – Creating A Legacy Within Our GraspThis is not the only plan for our future find out about Geological Disposal plans here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/geological-disposal?gclid=CjwKCAjwt52mBhB5EiwA05YKo1hmmf0RFKKv0G1ZFo6CGlvW5uBxl_pTeL8kQsTEtt_NvS42IOV0-hoCkjsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds: Climate Change – Creating A Legacy Within Our GraspJust Stop Oil
We will always have a need for Oil, Just Stop Oil is not a coherent solution, our solution as both a Nation and a World lies in an achievable balance.
Concluding Thoughts
Change lies in the grasp of each and every one of us, every simple change we make towards a better environment is the best type of savings account for the future.
Whether a Government Minister or factory worker, we all have the chance to create the change necessary for a sustaining thriving tomorrow and a legacy we can be proud of.
However small it may seem, do your bit.
