GILPIN HOTEL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
Here at Gilpin, looking after our world and our people is incredibly important to us. We are on a mission to make a difference and sustainability is at the forefront. We are proud members of Earth Check, the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism, and are conscious of what we do and how we do it, and how we can minimise any negative effects on our people and planet.
Employment
40% of employees reside 3 miles away from Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, with many living in staff accommodation on site or in nearby Windermere. We are advocates for development and growth, and support apprenticeships and management training. Regular training takes place in all departments, and additional opportunities to advance experience and knowledge is available on our dedicated development programme where team members can help direct their progression by working through different skill development levels. We are also proud to partner with several local colleges and schools, notably Lancaster & Morecambe College, and support their Bay School of Hospitality.
Energy
Biomass
We have a biomass plant on site, where local, seasoned and sustainably sourced woodchip is burned to create energy with minimal environmental impact.
Insulation
All new build constructions at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House have the highest insulation levels with triple glazed windows.
LED Lighting
All lights at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House now utilise LED technology.
Lithium Batteries
At Gilpin Lake House, lithium batteries have been installed to power the site off-grid.
Water Source Heat Pump
Again, at Gilpin Lake House, we have a water source heat pump installed, absorbing water from our lake.
Laundry
We have an on-site laundry facility which has top-of-the-range energy efficient machines, saving both electricity use and water. Having this facility based at Gilpin means that no transportation costs are incurred moving bedding, linen, towels and more to and from the hotel to an external company.
Guests are also given the option with regards to whether they want their towels refreshed in the evening, with many opting to reuse.
Produce & Suppliers
We are proud to work with some incredible suppliers, many of which are on our doorstep and all sharing the same ethos and values as us.
Some of our suppliers include:
Our Michelin-starred restaurant, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, is committed to sustainability and taking local produce to the next level. By working closely with Lake District farmers, and artisanal producers, we ensure that our ingredients are responsibly sourced and support the local economy. Our menus evolve with the seasons, reducing reliance on imports and embracing a zero-waste approach. We practise whole-ingredient cooking, creatively repurposing by-products to minimise waste. Composting initiatives and the elimination of single-use plastics further reduce our environmental footprint. With a strong focus on regenerative tourism, we continue to enhance our sustainable practices, ensuring that every dish we serve is not only exceptional in flavour but also kind to the planet.
Recycling & Waste
We have an on-site recycling facility and try our utmost to reduce waste wherever possible. At our Michelin Starred restaurant, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, the ethos is to use as much of each ingredient as we possibly can, minimising food waste.
Also, as part of our recent Spa Space development, we wanted to create a dedicated garden area. Following the tragic Storm Arwen which hit our region in late 2021, we decided to utilise the fallen trees from across the estate and created our Arwen Garden as a place for the reflect and relax.
Transport
We are advocates for electric cars and have a Jaguar I-PACE and Porsche Macan for staff to use and chauffeur guests between Gilpin Hotel and Gilpin Lake House. Our guest buggies and housekeeping buggies are also all electric too. As many of our team live locally, we organise a shared transport service to pick-up and drop-off staff daily.
Hotel for Trees
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is deepening its commitment to sustainability by partnering with Hotel for Trees, a global reforestation initiative dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the hospitality industry. Through this programme, we contribute to tree planting efforts, helping to offset our carbon footprint and support a greener future. This aligns with our wider sustainability initiatives, including sourcing local produce, reducing food waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices across the hotel. By integrating responsible hospitality at every level, we aim to make a meaningful difference to the environment while ensuring that our guests enjoy a luxurious and sustainable stay in the heart of the Lake District.