Staff at a luxury hotel in Gloucestershire are celebrating after being awarded the prestigious 'Environmental Initiative' accolade at the Bespoke Hotels BeFactor Awards 2022.

Stonehouse Court, an independently owned hotel nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, near Stroud, was rewarded with the much-prized eco-award for continuing to implement sustainable procedures despite the unprecedented challenges the hospitality sector has faced over the past two years.

Judges acting on behalf of Bespoke Hotels awarded Stonehouse Court the coveted prize for the array of "excellent green initiatives" in place at the 17th century manor house - with the procurement choices and waste minimisation efforts of the business also being singled out.

To date, the 36-bed hotel has committed to installing new energy-efficient boilers, using 100 per cent renewable electricity through its provider SSE Business Energy.

In addition, it uses 95 per cent LED lighting throughout the building and has implemented efficient recycling and waste minimisation schemes, as well as a flagship on-site bottling system for its water needs.

On top of this, a range of local produce is both stocked in the bar and served via the restaurant, with the management looking to increase the proportion of regional items on each menu.

Maz Jurko, general manager at Stonehouse Court, said: "We are fully committed to the continued development of our sustainability-focussed policy here at Stonehouse Court and introducing further eco-friendly initiatives as we work towards a greener future.

"The team have worked extremely hard and demonstrated their passion for creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for both the local community and the wider world.

"The team at Stonehouse Court will continue improving on this front as we aim to make a difference, both as a business and individually, in the fight against climate change."

Thomas Greenall, chief executive officer at Bespoke Hotels, said: "We're delighted to see the hard work and commitment the team at Stonehouse Court have been making to run an eco-friendly operation, from energy-saving initiatives to sourcing local suppliers.

"It seems the challenges the hospitality sector has faced over the previous few years have only spurred the hotel on to implement and champion its green schemes - and it rightly deserves to be applauded."