A NORTH Tyne hotel and restaurant has reduced its carbon footprint in a bid to become the most sustainable hotel in the country.

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark has cemented its status as one of the country’s most sustainable hotels by massively reducing its carbon footprint.

Well-known for its ‘green’ credentials, Battlesteads’ carbon footprint report reveals its CO2 emissions have decreased by 77.5 per cent since 2012 to just 5.23kg per room per night in 2015.

Despite the hotel’s increased occupancy following the addition of five new eco-lodges, Battlesteads is continuing to set the standards for sustainable hotels across the country.

Whilst the hotel’s carbon footprint is already lower than the industry average of 31.1kg per room per night, it isn’t stopping there.

Owners Richard and Dee Slade’s key objective is to reduce their carbon footprint even further, with the aim to achieve less than 4.5kg of CO2 per room per night by the end of the year.

One of the biggest factors in the reduction of Battlesteads’ carbon footprint has been the switch to green energy provider Ecotricity.

Battlesteads generates its own solar energy, 50 per cent of which is used by on site and 50 per cent which is sold to Ecotricity.

Recognised for its commitment to environmental practices, Battlesteads has been shortlisted for Eco Hotel of the Year in the AA Hospitality Awards.

Richard said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Eco Hotel of the Year. Sustainability is something we pride ourselves on and the award reflects our commitment to environmental practises.

“Since extending the hotel, it was always going to be tough to keep up with our commitments, so it’s great to see we’ve been able to sustain our eco principles and reduce our carbon footprint.”

l The award winner will be announced on September 26.