At Congham Hall, we are dedicated to putting Environmental and CSR initiatives at the heart of what we do.
Our mission, “striving for a greener future,” drives us to implement various initiatives aimed at preserving wildlife, conserving resources, supporting local communities, and reducing our carbon footprint.
Situated within 50 acres of parkland, our commitment to sustainability begins with preserving local biodiversity. Our dedication to wildlife preservation is evident through our ongoing rewilding project. Our ancient hedgerows provide vital sustenance for the butterfly population, to enhance this we’ve planted wildflowers in the meadow adjacent to the ancient oak tree. Additionally, we’ve established fruit trees, new hedges, and a biodiverse pond that serves as a habitat for great crested newts, waterfowl, and other indigenous species. Guests can often spot Canada geese, ducks, moorhens, and even the occasional muntjac deer. To further encourage biodiversity, we’ve installed bat boxes and birdhouses throughout our grounds.
Water conservation and recycling are integral components of our sustainability efforts. We recycle all cardboard and glass bottles through Baco, and we actively seek opportunities to upcycle materials by refurbishing furniture and repairing soft furnishings. Moreover, we’ve embraced digital solutions such as tablet-based wine lists to reduce paper consumption, while energy-saving light bulbs are standard throughout the hotel. Single-use plastics are minimised wherever possible to reduce environmental impact.
In support of sustainable transportation, we currently offer two Tesla chargers, with plans to expand to eight EV chargers by the end of 2024. Additionally, we’re exploring the implementation of solar power and battery energy storage systems in collaboration with local suppliers.
Our executive chef is deeply committed to reducing food miles and supporting local producers. By prioritising using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, supplemented by herbs from our own garden, we minimise our carbon footprint whilst delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Used cooking oil is recycled to further reduce waste.
Focusing on people, community engagement and employee wellbeing are essential elements of our CSR initiatives. For the community, we actively support local events and charities, including the growth of Grimston Cricket Club, which utilises our neighbouring field. For our employees, we provide all team members with access to an Employee Assistance Programme administered by Hospitality Action, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
In line with our commitment to digital sustainability and our dedication to put environmental and CSR concerns at the heart of our decision making, when redesigning our website, we ensured it would be hosted on servers powered by 100% renewable energy.
To enrich the guest experience and promote environmental awareness, we offer binoculars and a selection of bird, wildlife, and plant identification books. Guests are encouraged to explore our natural surroundings and share their sightings, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
While we acknowledge that there is always more to be done, we are proud to be recognised as a member of Green Tourism, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to combating climate change and advancing sustainability initiatives within our industry and beyond.