Staff at a luxury Rutland hotel are in a celebratory mood after being officially accredited for their efforts in making the resort more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Rutland Hall Hotel, which can be found on the banks of Rutland Water near Oakham, has been awarded a Silver accreditation from ECOsmart for its significant changes throughout 2023 to make the venue and its surroundings greener.

Greengage ECOsmart is a business travel and events industry certification recognising organisations that can demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business, and who promote a green approach with their customers. 

The luxury resort hotel received the accreditation for its efforts in changing from single use plastics to paper straws and wooden stirrers, using locally sourced toiletries that can be refilled rather than replaced, fitting wall mounted pictures in rooms which double up as energy efficient heat sources, and using its own water filtering system on site to supply all rooms, lodges, and the restaurant and bar.

Rutland Hall also has its own 'Sustainability Team', which meets monthly to discuss eco-friendly and sustainable improvements across the resort. Additional initiatives the team have helped to set up include electric car charging points, moving from light switches to motion sensors in most areas to reduce the amount of time lights are left on, becoming a digital workplace – anything that needs to be printed must be done on recyclable materials – and placing recycling bins across the entire resort.

Yatin Kotak, Director of Corporate Strategy at Rutland Hall Hotel, said: "I'm thrilled that our dedication and collective efforts have secured us a Silver accreditation with ECO smart. This milestone reflects our commitment to a sustainable future and our proactive stance in the hospitality, business travel, and events industries. 

"This achievement is a testament to the dedication and contribution of our team, which has allowed us to make significant strides towards environmental sustainability over the past 18 months. We will, of course, continue to build on this success; with Gold accreditation firmly in our sights."

Set within 70 acres of mature parkland in the UK's smallest county, Rutland Hall Hotel offers breathtaking views and an array of facilities to suit every guest's preference, from weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.  

Find out more about the ECOsmart initiative online.