Unique National Park resort commits itself to operating sustainably, helping to make Wales Net Zero
WE CAUGHT UP WITH MARTEN FROM BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT TO FIND OUT WHAT LENGTHS THE BUSINESS GOES TO TO ENSURE MAXIMUM SUSTAINABILITY
BUSINESS Wales, the Welsh Governments’ business support service is driving forward its initiative to support Welsh businesses within the tourism sector to make changes in five key areas, to improve their overall sustainability and help Wales become Net Zero. The businesses involved are aiming to improve sustainability by making simple changes in the way they use water and energy, the way they deal with waste, their supply chain, and the travel taken by both staff and guests.
One of the businesses that has committed to realising its green ambition is Bluestone National Park Resort, which is based in Pembrokeshire’s famous national park, and is one of the biggest tourism businesses in Wales.
Even though it welcomes 150,000 guests a year, with 750 staff on its books, and earns a turnover of over £30 million, it still holds the impressive title of being one of the country’s most progressive businesses when it comes to sustainability.
Marten Lewis, head of corporate responsibility at Bluestone National Park Resort, has been named one of the 100 people changing the face of Wales. We spoke with him to find out more about what the popular tourism destination is doing to combat climate issues and be a sustainable business.
He explained: “Sustainability runs through all that we do. The business is committed to building a brand with sustainability as a core value. We seek guests that share our values around family, fun, and sustainability.”
“We are members of the Zero Carbon Forum, which is a non-profit organisation made up of leading hospitality businesses working together to reach Net Zero. Our progress and commitments are continually scrutinised to ensure compliance with the ZCF goals.”
“Additionally, we are members of Business in The Community’s Responsible Business Network and work closely with them on current thinking and sharing best practice. We are also Green Key Eco Award accredited - which comes with a multifaceted annual audit and progressive action plan for sustainable development as part of the continuous improvement criteria.”
The resort consistently reflects on sustainability initiatives and has a dedicated team of 12 staff that make up ‘Team Planet’, which meets monthly to discuss sustainability-related developments, ideas, and the delivery of initiatives. Marten also delivers monthly sustainability reports to the Operational Board.
The organisation acknowledges its massive responsibility to take care of the planet as sustainably as possible. Come rain or shine, summer or winter, the company is dedicated to providing a stunning green space in which people can get out into nature.
From exploring the Serendome, visiting the Blue Lagoon Water Park, and dining at the range of restaurants stocked with local produce, to gallivanting through the 500 acres of woodlands, meadows, lakes and nature trails, there are so many ways for visitors to make cherished memories at the park.
CONSERVING WATER
Boasting an impressive 340 guest lodges across the resort, a family water park, a spa, and a waterplay attraction, Bluestone National Park Resort creates a significant demand for water. So, to help conserve water, the business has developed a network of smart sub-meters to keep close track of water use and identify potential savings, and has fitted aerators to almost 500 showers, helping to cut water usage in half in the accommodation.
Additionally, the company designed and created the roof of its Serendome to capture rainwater for irrigation, and the site even has its own water treatment works.
RECYCLING, REUSING AND REPURPOSING
Leading the charge in sustainable solutions, the tourist destination was the first business in the world to recycle nappies, as well as being the first resort in the UK to cease the sale of water in plastic bottles.
Committed to recycling, reusing and repurposing wherever it can find an opportunity, Bluestone National Park Resort has even been diverting its black bag waste away from landfill since 2017, with 80 tonnes of food waste being taken to a nearby anaerobic digestion facility, where it is turned into green energy and organic fertiliser for local farmers.
Additionally, every year the business sends around 8,000 litres of used cooking oil to be made into biodiesel.
ENERGY SOLUTIONS
The Blue Lagoon Water Park, the Hive, and 60 lodges within the resort are all heated with locally-sourced biomass rather than oil, saving well over 1,000 tonnes of CO² emissions a year.
Additionally, the company pays a substantial premium for carbon-free REGO-backed electricity, and, in 2022, Bluestone National Park Resort became the first hospitality business in Wales to switch its gas supply to 100% biopropane, made from plant waste.
The company continues to work on its energy initiatives, and chooses to use green energy where possible, such as its aim to electrify its entire 25-vehicle fleet by the end of 2024.
TRAVEL
The resort is car-free, with electric buggies available for guests to hire. Ten new electric car chargers have just been installed, with ten more planned for 2023.
Situated in a beautiful part of the Welsh countryside, there’s unfortunately not a lot of access to public transport. To resolve this issue, it has partnered with Narberth Travel to operate a fleet of buses, providing free staff transport to and from work, and reducing the need for them each to drive cars separately.
Another way that staff at Bluestone National Park are able to cut down on car emissions is via the staff car-sharing group on its company app.
The company is working with Pembrokeshire County Council to trial the extension of an existing bus service which, now stops at the resort twice a day, with a view to securing more services. It has also committed a whopping £42,000 to the Narberth to Slebech multiuser path, a project led by Pembrokeshire County Council.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Bluestone National Park Resort spends approximately £3 million with local suppliers every year, and it even works closely with them to help analyse and reduce the carbon emissions associated with the provision of goods and services.
The company has also developed partnerships with a range of community organisations in order to give items like furniture, white goods, and clothing a new lease of useful life. To find out more about how Business Wales is supporting the tourism sector in wales to become more sustainable, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/ tourism/ sustainable-tourism- wales To discover more about Bluestone National Park Resort, or to plan a visit, https://www.bluestonewales.com/