Free green audits help tourism businesses in Northamptonshire

The regional scheme launched six months ago by Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, a partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors, and the University of Northampton, has to date helped 20 tourism businesses.

The audits analyse how businesses use energy and water as well as monitoring the amount of waste produced. It highlights opportunities where companies can save money and improve their carbon footprint.

The scheme has proved particularly successful for Rockingham Castle, a privately owned Grade I listed Norman attraction that has managed to slash its electricity bill by as much as 90 per cent year on year since signing up to a green audit.

"We replaced all of the light bulbs in the castle to LED versions, which amounts to 670 bulbs," said operations manager at Rockingham Castle, Andrew Norman. "This created a staggering saving; in the last year alone the electricity bill for Walkers House, which we use for wedding receptions, has been reduced by over £400. We have seen a reduction in our electricity bills from £480 a year to just £42, which of course we are delighted with. It’s also great to know that we are being more environmentally friendly."

Kate Dent, head of Tourism at Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, said: "The green audits are a great way to show businesses across Northamptonshire that being green and adopting sustainable practices doesn’t have to be a costly or complicated exercise. By making small changes within the industry, tourism businesses across the county can reduce their impact on the environment."