AN iconic Newquay hotel has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability.

The Headland Hotel has been awarded its EarthCheck Silver accreditation following a two-day long audit process that took place earlier this year.

The five-star hotel had to meet the EarthCheck Certified standard across a selection of key areas, including energy use, water use, carbon emissions, chemicals, community and employee impact, paper use and waste to achieve the certification. Veryan Palmer, family director at The Headland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have our sustainability efforts recognised by EarthCheck.

“As a team, we have put a huge amount of work into ensuring The Headland is a place we can be proud of when it comes to taking care of the environment for future generations so achieving the Silver certification is a great way to celebrate that.”

Bethany Branigan, The Headland Hotel’s sustainability lead, added: “In just two years since partnering with EarthCheck, we have come a very long way and this latest achievement means a huge amount for the work that has been done in that time.

“We are so determined to keep improving and innovating to make a tangible difference to our business and its impact on the planet, we are really excited for the future and how we can keep growing.”

The Headland has made big strides in sustainability since partnering with EarthCheck in 2023, which includes cutting energy use by more than 4.5 per cent per guest night, switching 95 per cent of its lighting to LED and reducing water consumption by five per cent.

The most recent waste report showed recycling stood at 77 per cent. Plastic bottles have been eliminated and food waste per cover has been more than halved.

Beyond operations, the hotel supports local suppliers, invests in young people and drives conservation projects, from rainwater harvesting to providing a nesting site for Cornish choughs and has introduced an innovative lobster release scheme with the National Lobster Hatchery.

The Headland states the initiatives underline its commitment to a more sustainable and community-focused future.

André Russ, EarthCheck vice president of business development and sales, said: “The Headland has shown outstanding leadership by putting sustainability at the heart of how they operate. With EarthCheck Certification, their efforts are independently recognized. By measuring their footprint, putting plans into action, and delivering results such as cutting waste and saving energy, this much-loved Cornish hotel is showing how hospitality can protect the environment and support people while ensuring its legacy for future generations.”

EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism.

The certification supports compliance with global best practice standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.