Visitor Information Centre takes Gold for being Green

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Visitor Information Centre takes Gold for being Green

Burford Visitor Information Centre (VIC) has received the top Gold Award for being eco-friendly and for encouraging visitors to �be green� during their stay in West Oxfordshire.
The award follows an assessment by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), the largest sustainable tourism certification in the world with over 2,400 certified businesses in Britain and Ireland.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member responsible for tourism said: �Everything was assessed from the fabric of the building, our energy usage, visitor feedback, right down to the way we recycle and reuse materials such as inks and paper. Above all, I am very proud of the recognition this Gold award gives to the staff; they are extremely committed to achieving a high standard of sustainability through their everyday activities as well as all through their promotional work. Achieving a Gold award is no mean feat; it is a fantastic accolade that is very well deserved.�

Staff promote sustainability by encouraging visitors to behave in an environmentally-friendly way, such as leaving their car behind to explore the local area on foot, by bike or using public transport, to buy local products during their stay, take care of the local environment while out and about, and minimise energy consumption in their hotel or accommodation room.

Cllr Langridge adds: �With more than four million visitors coming here every year, it is extremely important that we consider the impact of tourism on the District. By encouraging visitors to act in an environmentally-friendly way during their stay, we are helping to safeguard the beautiful environment that we are so fortunate to live and work in.�

Three years ago the VIC moved from Sheep Street to Burford High Street. As part of that move its new location and adjoining toilets, were refurbished by West Oxfordshire District Council.
The assessment reports that the new Centre compliments the local street and shops and has been renovated with good accessibility.
Also noted in the assessment report are the excellent and outstanding environmentally-friendly features, such as sensor systems for lighting and hot water and the use of LED lighting throughout.

In previous years Burford VIC has been recognised with Bronze and Silver level GTBS awards.


Posted : 11/04/2014 11:52:30

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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