Landscape photograph of the North Cornish Coast

Our Sustainability Statement

Our Ethos:

As an independently owned local company Cornish Gems recognises the importance of meaningful environmental responsibility and we are committed as a business to operate as sustainably and responsibly as we can. 

We were honoured to be shortlisted for a Cornwall Sustainability Award in 2021 in the Carbon Neutral category.

Additionally, we have been awarded the coveted Silver Green Tourism Award. We were commended for our commitment to protect the Cornish area and landscape, working with the local community as well as the attention given to the health and well being of our staff and guests.

 

Our Impact:

At Cornish Gems we are mindful that the tourism industry within which we operate has an impact on our planet. 

We are undergoing multiple data collection projects across all aspects of the business to better understand our impact and how we can improve it. In line with the integrity that we are known for we intend to be fully transparent throughout our sustainability journey.

We pledge to continually review our business and operations and work towards reducing our impact on Cornwall and the planet in every way that we can.

 

Our Community:

As a passionately local and independent company, Cornish Gems is embedded within the communities of Cornwall.

As such we endeavour to support charities and Trusts that provide vital services to the people and landscapes of our community.

We strive to provide quality, secure jobs for our Cornish Gems team with progression pathways.

We contribute to Cornwalls’ circular economy by championing local producers, makers and businesses. 

We are a part of Cornwalls’ vibrant and unique community and we appreciate and value that.

 

Carbon Footprint:

We have measured our corporate carbon footprint including Scopes 1, 2 and operational 3. The total Scope 2+ footprint is 77.12 tCO2e with the largest contributor being business travel i.e. our fleet of vans. Our scope 2+ intensity is 0.019 (kgCO2e/£). We intend to use this knowledge to strategise and implement policies to reduce the carbon footprint as well as minimising and mitigating our emissions.

Digital Carbon Footprint:

We are collecting data and rolling out strategies with the aim of reducing our digital carbon footprint. These include email and data storage policies as well as reducing the size of our emails by minimising the signature images.

We are assessing the impact of our website and working towards a reduction of carbon emissions.

Single-Use Plastic:

We have campaigned for an end to cheap polystyrene bodyboards in Cornwall, removed plastic toiletry bottles from our properties and produced a Coastal Activity Book for our kids packs that raises awareness about single use plastics and coastal responsibility. 

We only re-use received packaging for our Gems Shop and don’t purchase any.

 

Tree Planting:

Through our various tree planting initiativeswith a non-profit organisation, Tree Nation, including staff rewards, owner gifts and as a welcome gift option for our guests we have now planted more than 630 trees in 26 countries around the world. We can equate this to neutralising approximately 3200 car journeys from across the UK into Cornwall.

 

Responsible Guest Tips:

We ask our guests to be environmentally mindful during their holiday. Please consider: walking or using public transport, saying no to single-use plastics, remembering to turn off lights, appliances and taps when not in use, buy local produce and products and finally please #leaveonlyyourfootprints

 

Reducing Waste:

We have been working towards reducing the amount of holiday generated waste that is destined for landfill. To that end, we now have nearly 40% of our properties working with a local contractor, CTC that sends zero waste to landfill.

 

Our Properties:

We are proud to launch our ‘Eco-Conscious Collection’ showcasing our properties endeavouring to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce waste and be as sustainable as possible. Please ask for a detailed breakdown of the sustainable qualities and facilities that any of our Eco-Conscious Gems possess.

 

Our Welcome Gift:

We have addressed food waste issues associated with Welcome Gifts by offering guests choices.

We have opted for Cornish products that are sustainably packaged for our Welcome Gifts. This reduces the carbon footprint of the Welcome Gift, minimises plastic waste and supports local businesses.

Guests can select to plant trees or support Cornwall Heritage Trust as their welcome gift.

 

Charitable Support:

Since starting in 2018 Cornish Gems’ ‘Charity of the Year’ initiative has raised over £17,500 for worthy causes including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Air Ambulance, the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage. This year the team is supporting Young Minds: their mission is to make sure that all young people get the best possible mental health support.

 

Circular & Local Economy:

Our welcome gifts, bookable extra treats and Gems Shop promote locally, sustainably produced products. We promote products such as the Circular & Co cup created from used coffee cups and fully recyclable at the end of its life

As well as reducing food miles and emissions, the policy of buying locally is an investment in the community. This assists in job creation and giving small businesses the support to flourish.

 

Equality & Diversity:

Cornish Gems is a company committed to positive change. Together we continue to build an inclusive culture for our team, our suppliers, our owners and our guests.

We encourage and celebrate diverse voices and believe our entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by this.

 

Reducing Vehicle Emissions:

We operate a cycle to work scheme assisting employees with a bike purchase. We organise travel routes to eliminate unnecessary journeys and prioritise train travel for business travel.

Working with our owners we are proud to announce we now have electric car chargers at more than 10% of our properties.

 

Our Properties with Electric Vehicle Charge Points: