A Cheltenham hotel has hit its green targets after preventing 100 per cent of its waste from going to landfill over the past year.

The Greenway Hotel & Spa is now taking its next steps to become Green Tourism accredited.

The hotel recycled 88 tonnes of waste in 2022 through direct recycling, conversion into renewable energy through incineration, and anaerobically digesting food waste - a process in which bacteria break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

It is now kick-starting the year with the launch of new 'Green Champions' as part of plans to become Green Tourism accredited in 2023 - an industry respected award which recognises the commitment of tourism businesses working to become more sustainable.

Deputy general manager Colleen Young has volunteered to become the hotel's first Green Champion and is responsible for leading on sustainability initiatives which make positive changes at work.

Some of the changes already introduced include using more energy-efficient light bulbs, prioritising local produce, and re-using items or produce such as coffee granules in the garden for composting and egg boxes for growing plants.

Colleen said: "These are only small changes but collectively they can help to make a big difference in how we operate as a hotel, so it's something I'm really pleased to be involved in.

"To see us recycle so much over the past year as well is a tremendous reflection of our progress.

"We've all read about plans for the UK to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 but it's only through making these changes now that we can achieve this."

The four-star boutique hotel is based on Shurdington Road in Shurdington and is owned by The Eden Hotel Collection.

The Eden Hotel Collection has also established a partnership with The Carbon Trust in collaboration with 1st Waste Management Consultants Ltd, investing in tree planting and wind turbine projects in the UK.

Jayne O'Malley, group operations manager, who is leading on its green initiatives, said: "We are so proud of the work that has taken place across the group over the past 12 months and we're really looking to build on that in 2023.

"The launch of our Green Champions is an important next step as we work towards achieving Green Tourism accreditation, and - by working with our team, suppliers, and guests - this will help to improve our practices and fully integrate our environmental targets into our day-to-day operation."