Ecotricity in team-up to help UK holidays go green

British green energy company Ecotricity has launched a new partnership with Green Tourism to help the UK’s tourism industry become more sustainable.

Global tourism is growing at a rate of five per cent every year and is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions – with everything from air travel to poorly energy efficient accommodation and cheap souvenirs contributing to the significant emissions.

Through their partnership, Ecotricity and Green Tourism aim to clean up the UK’s tourist industry – focusing principally on tourist accommodation and attractions.

They will develop a stock of content and practical advice, using video, blogs and newsletters to showcase best practice and encourage providers of accommodation and attractions to reduce their carbon footprint in every way possible.

Green Tourism’s managing director Andrea Nicholas, said: “Green Tourism are delighted to be working with Ecotricity to further enhance the contributions our members make to people, places, and our planet.

“Through our sector leading partnership, we will increase the number of tourism businesses powered by green energy.”

Dale Vince, Ecotricity’s founder, said: “The UN says we have just 12 years to save the planet – to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

“Where to start? The biggest single step we can all take, and actually the easiest – is to choose green energy to power your home and your business. Energy from fossil fuels is the biggest single cause of climate change and green energy is the simple answer.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Green Tourism to fight climate change – and we’ll be working together to inspire change for a sustainable future.”

Throughout the year, UK-based Ecotricity will also be giving businesses who sign up to their green energy the opportunity to enter into prize draws to win up to £1,000 worth of prizes.

Green Tourism is the world’s largest sustainable certification programme for the tourism industry with over 2,750 eco-friendly accommodation and attraction providers across the UK.

Established for over 20 years, Green Tourism support their members to become eco-friendly through investment in staff training and local communities, conservation of the local environment and lowering carbon emissions.