When you witness the growing impact of the modern world on ecosystems and wildlife, it highlights the urgent need for meaningful, long-term action. At Headlam Hall, we’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint - making continuous improvements to ensure we operate as a sustainable hotel in the UK.
Reducing Energy Consumption
Over the past several years, we’ve taken significant steps to reduce our energy usage, including:
- Installing LED lighting, which typically uses 80% less electricity than conventional bulbs
- Upgrading to high-efficiency heating systems
- Improving insulation in our buildings to reduce heat loss and minimise energy waste
While many of these changes have also helped lower costs, others require considerable investment. Like many businesses facing rising operational expenses, balancing sustainability with affordability can be challenging—but we remain committed.
Cutting Down on Plastics
The global plastics crisis is deeply concerning, especially given the dramatic rise in usage over just the past 70 years. Ocean pollution has reached catastrophic levels, and while recycling is important, the reality is that much of the plastic we use isn’t actually recycled due to limited processing infrastructure.
That’s why our goal is not just to recycle—but to eliminate single-use plastics altogether wherever possible. Some of the changes we’ve made include:
- Returning to traditional glass milk bottles, which are collected and reused
- Using refillable dispensers for guest toiletries instead of individual plastic bottles
- Replacing plastic pens in guest rooms with sustainable wooden pencils
- Switching to compostable straws and cups made from paper and Vegware
- Introducing eco-friendly Christmas crackers free of plastic trinkets
We’re also reviewing our suppliers to ensure their sustainability practices align with our values.
Supporting Greener Travel
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), we’ve installed a complimentary EV charging point for overnight guests. In line with our commitment to cleaner transport, our next company vehicle will also be an electric model once our current one is due for replacement.
Our Ongoing Sustainability Journey
We understand that becoming a truly sustainable business is a journey, not a destination. While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, we know there’s more to be done—and we’re committed to continuing our work in all areas of energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.
By choosing to stay at Headlam Hall, you’re supporting a business that prioritises people, planet, and long-term sustainability.