Our Sustainability Statement
At Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion Restaurant, our commitment to sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our mission is to provide the perfect space to eat, drink, sleep, and celebrate right on the edge of the glorious Peak District. Our four-star independent property is here to provide a genuine escape, a retreat from the everyday for those seeking indulgence and a taste of laid-back luxury. We exceed the desires and expectations of every guest and visitor. Put simply, we are the perfect rural retreat.
While we deliver luxury and quality to our guests, we uphold strong values. Our dedication to responsible business practices is unwavering. We do not have a “win at all costs” attitude and believe in looking after our employees, guests, suppliers, neighbours and the planet.
Our owner, Steve Perez, accepts that “This is a journey and a balancing act but if we make as many steps as we can – in every decision we make – towards building a sustainable business, we will continue to do what we can to be the best we can. You can’t ignore the hotel and hospitality industry’s impact on both people and the planet, particularly around water usage and energy consumption, so we cannot ignore our role in helping to build a more sustainable future. Our employees play a crucial role in this journey, and we value their contributions immensely”.
At Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion Restaurant, we take a comprehensive approach to sustainability. For us, sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s about people and doing good business. We firmly believe that ethical business practices are not only the right thing to do but also the most profitable in the long term.
Environmental Initiatives
- Energy Efficiency: We are actively reducing our energy consumption through the use of energy-saving technologies such as LED lighting, key card energy savers, and motion sensors in public areas. At our Walton Lodge Farm Estate, we have a Biomass boiler, further reducing our carbon footprint.
- Water Conservation: Our hotel features water-saving fixtures like aerated showerheads and dual flush toilets. We also educate our guests and staff on the importance of water conservation, promoting the reuse of towels and only replacing linen every other day during any extended stay.
- Waste Reduction: We aim to eliminate single-use plastics and have introduced compostable alternatives for items like straws and cups. We have also introduced Noble Isle bulk toiletries to reduce our plastic consumption further. Our waste management practices focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling. All our bottled water (still and sparkling) is 100% sustainable, eco-friendly, and provided through an award-winning Peak District supplier, Crag Spring Water.
Sustainable Sourcing
- Local and Seasonal Produce: Our chefs design menus to use seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers, including our own 360-acre Walton Lodge Farm Estate, and reducing food miles and our carbon footprint. Over 90% of our produce comes from the UK, with the vast majority coming from local suppliers like The Bakewell Bakery, Peak Ales and The Mushroom Emporium.
- Eco-friendly Products: We choose suppliers who demonstrate high standards of sustainability, from cleaning products to food items. Our housekeeping team has reduced the use of harmful cleaning products on site. We source ingredients whose provenance and sustainable credentials can be displayed on the menu. Our water at Peak Edge comes from a local borehole, treated at the source in a water treatment plant, and then simply piped to Peak Edge, where it is UV treated in our cold water storage tank, reducing infrastructure requirements and costs of transporting water.
Supporting People
- Supporting Local Communities: We actively engage with and support local community initiatives, ensuring that our presence benefits the surrounding area. This includes working with local Charities and associations and supporting schools with work placements. We are active members of the local visitor economy and Visit Peak District Derbyshire and are featured on the new Northeast Derbyshire Food and Drink Trail.
- Supporting Employees: Our staff is at the heart of our business. We provide 200* jobs locally and ensure our teams are well-trained and supported and have a good work-life balance. With a recent increase in holiday allowance (+ 5 days annually) and an increase in discounted food and drink rates (to 50%), we reward and acknowledge our team’s efforts. In addition, all contacted team members have access to Westfield Health and all employees are paid above the National Living Wage.
Future Goals
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: We are committed to further reducing our carbon footprint through continuous improvements in energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources, including installing a biomass plant.
- Sustainability Certifications: By 2026, we aim to achieve recognised sustainability certificates, starting with the Environmental Quality Mark, to validate our efforts and guide our future initiatives.
Conclusion
At Peak Edge Hotel, doing business sustainably is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to positively impacting the environment and our community, ensuring that our guests can enjoy a responsible stay in laid-back luxury.
*Our teams are flexible and work across both Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel.