A Force for Good
Our pledge:
In 2019, we pledged to achieve 95% reduction to net zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 & 2 (our energy use) by 2028 and to achieve 90% emissions reduction for Scope 3 (our supply chain) by 2035, following instruction from the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
We are proud to announce that we met our Scope 1&2 goal in 2023, five years ahead of target. We are now working hard to fulfil our pledge to reduce our supply chain emissions.
Our vision:
To be an environmentally responsible hotel, restaurant and spa. To achieve a net positive effect on the planet and its ecosystems. To help achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier world for ourselves, our families and for future generations.
Our strategy:
Working with our team, suppliers and guests, we will improve our procedures and fully integrate environmental best practices and decarbonisation strategies into our day to day operations.
Our commitment:
To decarbonise our operation we will:
- Transparently and accurately measure our environmental impact against EarthCheck’s key performance areas via an annual audit
- Continually review our supply chain, both upstream and downstream, and source our purchased products and services responsibly
- Train, educate and build awareness amongst our team, suppliers and guests
- Embrace the circular economy model – Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle
- Improve our energy efficiency through both new technologies and better business practices accordingly
- Engage and share knowledge with our local and industry communities to continue developing initiatives co-creatively
Our passion:
In early 2019, Whatley’s owners committed to embark on a journey that would transform how the hotel operates, creating a sustainable hotel business that delivered a luxury guest experience whilst reducing its negative impact on the planet. Since beginning the journey, we have established a robust Environmental Policy and a strong team culture to support our goals.
Our success:
The Whatley team are driven and focused on reducing our environmental impact, and as a result have achieved many significant goals. Under the direction of former General Manager and now Sustainability Advisor, Sue Williams, Whatley gained Silver accreditation by EarthCheck in September 2022, and has retained it for 3 years running, aiming for Gold 2026. There have also been key industry sustainability awards: Sustainable Business Catey, Condé Nast Johansens – Most sustainable Hotel 2019 – 2024. Since 2020, Whatley has been among the first few UK properties to be awarded a Green Michelin Star, recognising sustainable gastronomy. Our most recent accolade was the Sustainable Independent Hotel Award in The Hoteliers Guild’s Sirius Academy Awards 2023.
Our journey:
There are ambitious plans, commitments, and pledges in place to drive the business forward whilst always doing more to mitigate our negative impact on the planet, both now and in the future. This is and will always be a team effort, and education along the way will be an essential part of what we do.
The greatest risk to our planet is doing nothing – NOW is the time to take action.
Click here to read our environmental and social sustainability policy
Accreditation & Partners
NOW Transforming Hospitality GmbH
Whatley Manor was one of the first UK luxury hotels to be accepted in the NOW Force for Good Alliance in 2019. Working in partnership with Now we can ensure that our sustainability goals are clear and achievable.
EarthCheck
Whatley have been committed to transparent reporting from the beginning of our journey. We partnered with EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental certification and benchmarking program for the travel and tourism industry. We are extremely proud to have received Silver Accreditation from EarthCheck.
UN GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK UK PARTNER
UN Global Compact Network UK Partner
We are proud to be members of the UN Global Compact Network UK, working with other organisations that share our commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts and scaling up impact. This membership allowed us to send three of our staff to the UNGC SDG Accelerator Programme, enabling them to develop skills in climate resiliency and project management, and creating a new intervention for use in the hotel.
Sustainability news
It must be NOW – Transforming Travel.
NOW Transforming Hospitality GmbH
Whatley Manor was one of the first UK luxury hotels to be accepted in the NOW Force for Good Alliance in 2019.
Members of the NOW Force for Good Alliance are part of an inspiring shift in the hosptality industry to raise the bar on accountability and transparency around sustainability and decarbonisation. These inspiring properties advances the wellbeing of people and planet by taking responsibility for their impacts on communities and the environment; and they do more than just sustain, they replenish, regenerate and respect limits with sustainability at its core.
The NOW Sustainability Reporting Tool is a tool to communicate our sustainability and decarbonization performance, to inform our stakeholders and engage their support and feedback, and to avoid accusations of greenwashing.
Advancing sustainability is about preserving, protecting, and regenerating the places we love the most.
Be informed, inspired and empowered to use your spending power to help save our world.
Good for business. Good for the planet.
EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. Established in 1987 they have developed accreditation, certification and benchmarking for the travel and tourism industry. Using a science-based approach they help hotels increase efficiencies, maximise the guest experience and minimise their environmental footprint.
Whatley Manor underwent accreditation with EarthCheck to be accepted on the Now program in 2019 and were awarded a four globe rating. This was reviewed again in early 2021 and we are delighted to receive a bronze rating. In 2022 following our assessment were awarded Silver Accreditation, this was retained after the 2023 audit.
