TOURISM businesses across the Malvern Hills are being given a helping hand to reduce their carbon footprint.

The district council has launched a new online system that helps businesses monitor their carbon emissions and adopt greener practices.

The first of its kind in the United Kingdom, The Malverns Green Tracker is a free system available for local tourism and hospitality businesses from across The Malverns to use.

The online toolkit has been developed in partnership with sustainability experts RHP Ltd, and includes an area to monitor and benchmark energy, water, and waste.

It also includes a step-by-step guide for attractions, hotels, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, campsites, retail and eateries to adopt greener practices.

The council is offering free business support via RHP Ltd to help businesses get set up and use the new online system. 

Malvern Hills District Council is encouraging local tourism and hospitality businesses to be serious about sustainability and to be part of the council’s journey to net zero. 

And the launch of the Green Tracker is a step towards achieving the council’s vision for The Malverns to become a recognised green tourism destination.

This is part of ‘The Malvern Hills District Council Tourism Strategy – the Visit The Malverns Tourism Action Plan’.

Other projects include a Sustainable Tourism Grant scheme and the local Green Mark Accreditation Scheme.

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The launch of The Malverns Green Tracker is an exciting opportunity for tourism businesses to embrace greener practises and to also help them to save money by reducing their energy usage.

“A big well done to the Economic Development Team at MHDC for working hard to create this pioneering project which will have a long-term positive impact on local businesses in the Malvern Hills District.”

Victoria Carman, visitor economy manager at the council, said: “Malvern Hills District Council is very excited to launch this new online toolkit which will help local tourism and hospitality businesses adopt greener practices enabling The Malverns to be one step closer to becoming a recognised green tourism destination.”

Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/sustainability for more information about how to sign up and receive free business support.