Sustainability Policy at The Signet Collection

At the Signet, we are committed to operating our collection of hotels, resorts and houses with the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. Our sustainability mission outlines our dedication to minimising our environmental impact whilst enhancing the well-being of our guests, our team and supporting our community. We hope to make small changes where possible and prioritising a cleaner and healthier world for the now and the future.

1. Energy Conservation

• Energy Consumption Reduction: We have implemented energy-saving technologies, including LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and automated energy management systems where possible. In all cases LED lighting is being utilised in our project developments and sensor lighting in areas in which this is safe to do so.
• Implementation of a team, ‘switch it off’ campaign; if its not in use and safe to do so, please switch it off, from lighting to equipment.

2. Water Conservation

• Refill stations for our guests and our own water bottles are available, either self service or from our food and beverage teams.
• Cleaning Chemicals are diluted at each of our sites, reducing our CO2 emissions by not unnecessarily transporting water.
• Our Housekeeping team use microfibre cloths reducing the need for high chemical volume to be utilised when making our guest bedrooms sparkle.
• Our Laundry company is committed to its own environmental impact, and is a member of the Guild of Cleaners and Launders (GCL), which is dedicated to promoting environmentally sound practices and reduction.

3. Waste Management

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: We have implemented recycling programs across all properties, focusing on reducing waste sent to landfill, the separation of glass, plastic and cardboard waste enables our main refuse supplier to continue to meet its waste management target of 98% waste diverted from landfill.
• Single-Use Plastics: We have eliminated the purchasing of all single-use plastics from our business and have used alternatives such as reusable containers, biodegradable packaging, Bamboo composite and refillable amenities.

4. Our Eco-Friendly Initiatives

As a collection
- Paper free check-ins and welcome, giving our guests the opportunity to check-in via mobile tablet and ahead of arrival.
- Electronic Car charging points, available for electric car users
- Gaia spa products are handmade in the English countryside, all of which are free from parabens and sulphates and each containing at least 95% natural ingredients
- Toiletries within all guest rooms and public areas are refillable, reducing our plastic wastage and filled with a British made brand, reducing air/sea miles in its delivery to us

The Retreat
- Turning lawns to meadows, great for bees and native wildlife
- Compost bins for leaf waste, used to fertilise our ground for coming years
- home-grown garden flowers to decorate our suites and restaurant tables
- Beehives in the grounds, active pollinators securing our future and making some great honey for our kitchens and guests
- E-bikes available to hire

- Aluminium water bottles for guests to refill and take home.

The Barnsdale
- Highland cattle, reared for the national trust grounds

- 20% of food supply within a 5 mile radius of the property, Furred/Feathered Game, local trout
- Brewery and distillery on the doorstep, keeping quality high and delivery miles low
- Team carpooling from local villages and area
- Own vegetable garden where, select in season produce is used to craft our menus

The Mitre
- Hampton Court vegetables garden, direct to our guest’s plate, working with this historic building and its traditional methods of growing.

- All Electric boats for our guests to travel the Thames, docking at the Mitre’s jetty

- Royal historic palaces corporate partner, ensuring the future of our community and protecting the history of our nation

- Coppernose café, a hub for the community taken on from an expired lease, re-establishing as a further reason to visit Hampton Court

The Alfriston Coming Soon
- Appointed works contractor from village, a sustainability conscious refurbishment and development

5. Sustainable Food Practices

• Our used cooking oil is recycled by our partner Olleco and recycled into high quality bio fuel for the transport industry
• Reduction in delivery days keeping deliveries off the road and ordering in positive cycles
• Use of local suppliers, keeping food miles low and quality high
• Sustainable Partnerships: We partner with suppliers and vendors who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices

6. Community Engagement

• Local Employment: We always look to recruit individuals local to the area. We train and engage with these team members to encourage career development and to also reduce the turnover of the team.
• Community Support: Signet engage in community projects and support local charities where possible and participate in local events to strengthen our community ties.
• Cultural Preservation: We aim to preserve local culture and heritage by collaborating with local artisans, craftspeople, and cultural organisations
• We are more than hotels, and are seen as a community hub for events locally, with always something going on showcasing the best of our hospitality to resident guests and local communities alike.

7. Team Welfare, Training and Engagement

• Fair Wages and Benefits: At Signet we firmly believe that we offer generous wages, benefits, and create a safe and healthy working environment for our teams
• Diversity and Inclusion: We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected
• Training and Development: We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help employees grow and succeed
• Sustainability Awareness: We aim to educate guests about our sustainability initiatives and encourage their participation through in-room information, digital communication, and interactive programs
• Transparency: At Signet we want to be transparent by sharing our progress and challenges with stakeholders, including guests, employees, and the local community
• A green committee across the collection, a way to generate fresh ideas and keep our team members views at the heart of our sustainability goal
• Recruiting team from the local area, benefits in terms of local knowledge and drives our sense of community and pride

8. Green Building Practices

• As Hotel collection focussing on its development and growth, sustainable building practices are a priority. Development of physical assets in our growth stage, relies on working with construction, design and completion all of which are reviewed in terms of green credentials and environmental impact. From preserving historic fabric of buildings with traditional methods, to upcycling original furniture and bringing house back alive with antique and sustainable furniture and design solutions. All completed by our sister business, Ross & Ross consulting

9. Environmental Education and review

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Guests are provided with options to engage in eco-friendly practices during their stay, such as bike rentals, electric vehicle charging stations, and guided tours
• Feedback Mechanism: Guests are encouraged to provide feedback on our sustainability efforts, allowing us to continually improve and adapt our practices

10. Monitoring & Reporting

• Regular Audits and tracking: We conduct regular energy audits to identify further energy-saving opportunities
• Our ‘Green team’ monitors guest and team feedback and is actively involved in shaping the future.

The Future at Signet Collection

1. Sustainable Innovation: We want to continue investing in innovative technologies and practices that enhance our sustainability efforts.
2. Industry Collaboration: We are constantly looking to collaborate with industry peers, sustainability experts, and organisations to share knowledge and drive collective progress towards a more sustainable hospitality industry.
3. Guest and Team Involvement: At our hotels we are looking to encourage both guests and staff to contribute ideas and initiatives to further our sustainability goals.