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Ardencote Manor Hotel, Country Club & Spa has won praise from Warwickshire County Council for its efforts in going green. They have become the first company in Warwickshire to win one of the County Council's new Environmental Certificates.

The hotel contacted the County Council some months ago expressing an interest in reducing their environmental impact.

Stephen Lewington, a Business Environmental Advisor with the County Council, immediately started work with the hotel as part of his role to help businesses understand environmental legislation, provide advice on waste minimisation and recycling and offer assistance with reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Stephen said: "Initially, as a result of their interest in recycling I introduced them to recyclers who would collect their waste. We have also guided them through several projects that have ranged from assessing how they use their facilities to rainwater harvesting; from energy and water conservation to use of their waste cooking oil; and they have also discovered that these projects enabled them to gain a positive financial benefit as well as reducing their Environmental impact.

"In addition, when they purchased additional land, I introduced them to a county arborist who advised on tree planting to facilitate their carbon off-set aspirations."

Cllr Martin Heatley, the County Council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "I'm delighted with this shift in Warwickshire where we are seeing businesses coming to us for environmental help. Ardencote Manor Hotel is one of a growing number of companies recognising the importance of responding to the environmental agenda.

"One of the council's key objectives is pursuing a sustainable environment, and I'm extremely pleased that Ardencote has secured the WCC Environmental Certificate."