Green Accommodation: The Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Properties
Environmental damage has become a much talked about topic with organisations, public bodies and individuals striving to live a greener lifestyle. Pollution not only destroys the Earths natural resources, it also has a massive impact on people’s lives. Due to the mass concern, people are now looking for alternative ways to live their lives. This, in turn, has led to a rise in demand for eco-friendly holiday homes that can be let out for getaways.
Currently, there are eco-friendly holiday homes that can be rented but it’s still a relatively niche market. Those established in it could be starting the trend that many holidaymakers choose to jump onto.
In 2014 study by TripAdvisor found that 25% of people surveyed would make eco-friendly decisions before booking a holiday. Whilst TUI (the worlds largest travel agency) found that 40% of people who participated in their survey are very concerned about the sustainability of the environment.
After such results, TripAdvisor launched the GreenLeader program. This rates just how green hotels and establishments are. There are four rankings, bronze, silver, gold and platinum that are given, depending on the eco-friendly performance.
Even luxury travel is doing its bit for the environment. EcoLuxury is a site that endorses luxurious accommodation in a bid to promote environmentally friendly travel.
The environmental concerns and actions are fast moving on from the niche sector and towards a nation-wide priority. Travel is an amazing experience that allows each of us to experience a new place, culture, cuisines and take a break from life, work, home etc. But, it’s also one that’s crippling the environment, TUI found that 54% of people believe that the travel industry shoulders the responsibility for the eco-movement.
Environmentalism has gone from being a hippy trend to a priority as the pollution starts to destroy the planet. With that being the case, being greener might not be a selling point for homeowners but a normal request.
Some homeowners have taken this into account and solely focus on giving holidaymakers a holiday experience that preserves the environment.
7 Eco-Friendly Holiday Lets in the UK
Tom’s Eco Lodges provides a unique glamping experience. There are an array of lodgings including Safari Tents, Wood Cabins, Modulogs and Pods. Each has been specifically designed to protect the environment and natural resources of Tapnell Farm in the Isle of Wight.
The Retreat is a cosy and eco-friendly cottage in North Cornwall near Boscastle. The cottage is surrounded by countryside and sea views. The property itself comes with one double bedroom and en-suite. It’s advertised as a perfect romantic getaway with luxury furnishing and a natural surrounding.
Forest Holidays provide luxury cabins in ten forests across Britain. The primary focus is to protect and preserve British forests. Which is why each cabin is built to fit with the ecosystem it’s placed in. The cabins are elegantly designed both inside and out, making the eco-retreat a luxurious one also.
Log House Holidays in Cotswold is a family run business on a 130-acre nature reserve. They host a range of authentic Scandinavian log cabins with a mixture of luxury features including swimming pools and hot tubs that look onto the glorious lake. There are eight cabins to hire meaning there is total seclusion that doesn’t cause too much damage to nature.
Dale Farm Holidays in North Yorkshire offers a range of services from cottages to treehouses. They are in the heart of nature with North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Coastline just on the doorstep. The surrounding area is heavily protected meaning holidaymakers can enjoy the nature reserve.
Just Us Retreats in Devon offers a secluded and relaxing retreat. Oak trees and green fields are situated all around that house hares and owls. Many enjoy family/friend and romantic getaways as they bask in the peace and occasional hoot. There are two properties that holidaymakers can choose to rest up in, Shepherds Hut and Bell Tent are both available to rent but they have been known to fill up quick!
Rest on the Hill is a luxury self-catering cottage in Shropshire. The Mediterranean styled architecture boasts a contemporary holiday home on the board of England and Wales. The property has the highest energy efficiency standards due to the solar panels, air-source heat pump, under-floor heating, rainwater harvesting and heat recovery ventilation system. Holidaymakers can still indulge in the luxury spa whilst knowing that it’s all eco-friendly.
Being environmentally conscious is becoming less of a restriction and more of a way of life. Whilst travel is a major contributor to pollution, airlines, hotels, holiday homes and B & B’s are continuously striving for more eco-friendly experiences. Ultimately making green travelling and accommodation more feasible and accessible.
Katie Hetherington, Content & Social Media Executive at Schofields Insurance. Primarily writes about lifestyle, travel, holiday home improvements, design, marketing and news. If you have anything to add to the article tweet me @Schofields or @KatieeH13
