Silver Award for Green Woodhorn - April 9th 2010
9 April 2010.
Staff at Woodhorn were thrilled recently to receive notification that the Northumberland visitor attraction had been granted a Silver award by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
The Scheme accredits a variety of tourism operators and businesses which are striving to reduce their environmental impact. Assessments take place every two years against rigorous criteria, and cover areas including energy efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling, and use of local produce.
Assistant Director at Woodhorn Jo Raw, was delighted with the award. “This is the first time we have taken part in the scheme, and we feel it’s a real achievement to gain Silver. The criterion was quite daunting with the inspection looking at so many aspects of our buildings, systems and operations, but it is great to know that Woodhorn and the staff are really doing their bit for the environment.”
Jo was keen to point out a couple of features of the site. “Visitors to the museum and archive may not be aware but the design of the new Cutter building has a number of efficient features built in. We have solar panels on the roof and water used to flush the toilets is captured through a rainwater harvesting system. Our entrance sign is powered by a wind turbine too. Of course we do our bit in lots of other ways as well including recycling and using environmentally friendly products.”
As far as the Green Tourism Business Scheme is concerned, there are benefits for the general public too. Users and visitors to the businesses can be sure that they are committed to sustainable tourism and minimising its damage to the environment. They can also rest in the knowledge that they are operating in accordance with the relevant environmental regulations.
Details of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and the various businesses with awards can be found at