Our Green Story
Hand Picked Hotels
At Hand Picked Hotels, we believe in preserving the beauty and heritage of the places we call home - not just for today, but for generations to come. With a collection of unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats set in some of the UK’s most picturesque landscapes, we understand the importance of protecting our environment and acting with purpose.
We are proud to have achieved Green Tourism accreditation across all 21 of our hotels, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. Green Tourism is the world-leading sustainability accreditation partner, assessing properties against rigorous criteria covering People, Places and Planet.
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Energy with Intention
At Hand Picked Hotels, we believe that the little things - when done consistently - can lead to big change. From the moment you arrive, we’ve made conscious choices about how energy is used - and just as importantly, how it isn’t.
Across our mainland UK hotels, we purchase 100% renewable electricity through a verified green tariff provided by SmartestEnergy, a UK-based supplier specialising in certified renewable energy. For our Channel Islands properties, electricity is supplied via imports from France, where the grid is predominantly low-carbon.
We continue to roll out improvements across our estate to reduce energy use and improve efficiency. This includes upgrading outdated lighting, installing motion sensors, and maximising natural light wherever possible. It’s not about compromise - it’s about creating comfort that feels just as good for the planet as it does for our guests.
Our teams are part of that story too. From flicking off lights to spotting everyday opportunities to use less, it’s a culture of care that’s growing with every stay.
Less Waste, More Thought
At Hand Picked Hotels, we’re working behind the scenes to change the way we deal with waste - and it starts with asking better questions. Do we need it? Can it be reused? What happens to it when we're finished?
Across our hotels, we’ve been replacing single-use items with refillable alternatives, cutting down on packaging, and shifting printed materials to digital where possible. These small steps help us reduce what we throw away - without taking away from the guest experience.
In our kitchens, teams plan carefully to minimise food waste, using thoughtful ordering and preparation to make sure less goes in the bin. We’re continually learning and improving, having trialled digital food waste tracking tools and currently evaluating a wide range of options. We also use an internal system to manage purchasing, plan menus, and calculate nutritional and allergen information - supporting smarter, lower-impact decisions. We work closely with our waste partners to ensure as much as possible is recycled, including glass, paper, and kitchen materials.
It’s progress that may not always be visible, but deeply important. And it's one more way we’re making responsible choices part of everyday hospitality.
Sourcing with Care
From the food on your plate to the products we clean with, we’re thoughtful about what we buy and who we buy it from.
Our chefs focus on seasonal menus made with ingredients sourced, wherever possible, from UK-based and regional suppliers. This supports local producers, reduces food miles, and ensures our dishes are fresh, flavourful, and responsibly made.
Our in-room toiletries partner, Noble Isle, provides vegan-friendly products in 50% recycled bottles and works with Clean Conscience, a charity that redistributes leftover toiletries to people in need - reducing waste and supporting vulnerable communities.
A Greener Journey for Everyone
We’re making it easier for guests to choose lower-impact ways to travel to and from our hotels. We offer electric vehicle charging at many locations and provide guests with information about walking routes to nearby attractions that are easily accessible without a car, helping them enjoy the local area in a more sustainable way. Our team members can also take advantage of a Cycle to Work scheme, supporting greener commuting options.
Working Together for a Better Future
Real change starts with people - and we’re proud of the efforts being led by our teams across the business. Every hotel has a Green Champion leading local sustainability initiatives, and our colleagues are regularly trained on energy saving, waste reduction, and environmental best practices.
We demonstrate our progress through our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, guided by recognised accreditations and continuous improvement. For us, sustainability isn’t a checklist - it’s a mindset.
At Hand Picked Hotels, we know there’s still more to do. But we’re proud of how far we’ve come - and committed to doing more. Together, we’re hand picking a greener path.
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