HF Holidays sets out sustainability vision after becoming B Corp Certified

HF Holidays’ assessment saw it set detail its work with carbon consultancy ecollective to measure its carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of its product by 5% a year, which includes transitioning to renewable energy at all 16 of its UK country houses – saving 113,000kg of CO2 emissions per annum – installing electric car charging points and removing single-use plastics.

It has also committed to ensuring all menus at its UK country houses are seasonal and focus on dishes using fresh ingredients which are either home-grown or UK-sourced.

Elsewhere, it has expanded its Rail Adventures product and added more opportunities to travel by rail for 2025, pledged to increase its use of local guides to reduce transport to overseas destinations. HF currently offers walking holidays in 260 destinations worldwide.

It has also ceased producing print brochures and sending direct mail and is guiding guests to online information sources instead.

Meanwhile, HF’s pledges to achieve "systemic change" include:

• Continuing to reduce the carbon intensity of its product by 5% each year with the aim of achieving net zero by 2040, or earlier
• Reducing waste and increasing recycling by 50% before 2025
• Working with supply chain partners across food, drink, linen and waste who have made commitments to net zero
• Helping members and guests make more informed choices by including CO2 emissions on representative trips available online

David Harrington, HF Holidays chief executive, said everyone at the operator was "immensely proud" of its score, adding certification reflected "a long-term commitment" to ensuring the business operates ethically and to high social and environmental standards

"Run as a co-operative, we have 48,000 members who are part owners of a business powered by its people and values. Walking holidays are by their nature, a low-carbon choice, and responsible travel has always been a part of our DNA. But it has been a huge effort from everyone across the business to ensure our holidays positively impact communities, people and the planet in the places we travel to.

"As a certified B Corp in the travel and hospitality industry, we’re now a business that is helping lead a global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy."