SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Environmental and sustainability issues have long been reflected in the hotels we manage, so it’s important to us that they are also embedded in the way we operate and run the Countrywide Hotels.

We recognise the importance of managing our business and the hotels we represent and manage. Who are contributing towards a healthier planet while also achieving sustainable growth. It is also important as part of building trust with our partners and society.

That’s why in 2015 we launched a sustainability initiative. In 2021, we reinvigorated our approach to sustainability across all the Countrywide portfolio as part of our environment and sustainability program to restore our awards and in many cases moving from a bronze standard to silver and gold standards in order to deliver long-term sustainability.

Our key points of focus are:

Organisational commitment to sustainability
Operational sustainability best practice
Corporate and social responsibility
Staff engagement and welfare
Supply chain management
Industry support

COMMITMENT  AND OPERATIONAL

Countrywide Hotels has the objective of taking a sustainable approach in everything that we do. Operationally this includes finding ways to minimize energy and water use, reduce waste, recycle and avoid single use plastic. These measures help to reduce our impact on the environment.

We aim to take practical measures to reduce our carbon footprint, including a business policy of taking public transport and car sharing wherever possible.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT AND WELFARE

Our staff are highly valued and we aim to ensure not only that we comply with human resource best practice but also that staff understand the principles of sustainability and that these principles are a applied in their work practices.

We are an employer committed to dignity at work, anti-slavery, equal opportunities, diversity, health & safety, anti-bribery and corruption and provide benefits such as a staff discount scheme across all

properties, career development from one property to another and training to recognised qualifications.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Consistent with our ethical approach we require that suppliers must not engage in human / labour rights breaches or cause environmental damage through their activities and that they are committed to equal opportunities and support diversity. It is important that suppliers can sign up to our values and demonstrate their commitment to  sustainability.

We expect our suppliers and representatives to comply with and seek to develop relationships with their own supply chains, consistent with our principles and should be compliant with all local laws and the following:

Employment is freely chosen
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
Child labour shall not be used
Living wages are paid
Working hours comply with industry standards and national laws
No discrimination is practised
Regular employment is provided
Confidentiality of information during business
No bribery or corruption

CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We aim to be good corporate citizens contributing to our local community with donations, food and supplies and supporting charitable causes including ‘Rooms to Reward’, a gifted break for inspirational heroes.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

We aim to support our industry sector by sharing best practice and pro-actively participating in industry forums and events that support a sustainable approach.