The first independently audited green scheme for London’s tourism businesses Green Tourism for London launches this week.

If you are a hotel, guest house, attraction or venue, this scheme will help you to save on your bills, improve your environmental performance and prove your green credentials to the growing number of visitors that care about green issues.

Subsidies are available for the first 150 eligible businesses to apply.

What is Green Tourism for London?

Green Tourism for London has three aims: to help tourism businesses improve their environmental management, to help them cut costs and, by giving a Bronze, Silver or Gold award, to help visitors assess the true green credentials of a business before booking.

The awards, which are only made after a visit from an independent assessor, reward businesses that put in place a range of steps such as reducing energy use and landfill, improving purchasing practices, involving staff and actively promoting public transport, local cultural activities and London’s open spaces.

How much does it cost?

With the subsidy, the scheme costs from £50 for a small B&B to £250 for a large hotel, attraction or venue. This cost should be more than offset by savings in energy bills in the first year alone.

How do businesses join?

Call 0845 863 0770 or email london@green-business.co.uk or download an application pack here.

See our seven steps to becoming a member

For more detail and eligibility, see our colour brochure with details of the scheme and the benefits to businesses. Accommodation must be graded in either the VisitBritain or AA schemes to apply.