ROBIN Jackson is proud to have been first. The general manager of Westfield Lodge Apartments on Penistone Hill near Haworth, was the first accommodation provider in Bronte Country to instal an Electric Vehicle charging point as part of the Government’s commitment to reducing the nation's carbon footprint.

Donated by Zero Carbon World, the installation was funded by a council grant for Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees. It will service the 20 self-catering apartments on the Westfield Lodge site.

Owner of the apartments Dennis Pagdin was delighted to be offered the opportunity to provide guests with the new facility, “especially as there are likely to be more and more arriving with electric vehicle technology in the future.”

The charging point is not the only way in which Robin takes a green approach to business. He has made sure that the apartments are as eco-friendly as possible. “All the buildings are well-lagged and insulated, with modern, energy-efficient boilers,” he says, “And we are currently discussing the possibility of installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings.”

Guests are encouraged to adopt green habits such as turning off lights and heating when they are out for the day.

“We have a waste disposal area and encourage people to deposit plastics, glass and cardboard for recycling,” he adds.

Since the Westfield installation the network of charging points has grown. Now there are 31 businesses in the South Pennines with charging points, including a number of holiday and leisure businesses in the Bradford district including the Dalesgate Hotel in Keighley, Best Western Rombalds Hotel in Ilkley and Pickersgill Manor Farm in Silsden. Haworth Old Hall Inn and the Halfway House in Baildon are also part of the network. This will be promoted on websites and forums nationwide, to encourage tourism. At present there are more than 17,000 electric vehicles in the U and 1200 in Yorkshire.

Green tourism is an area which Bradford Council is keen to promote. “The main area is energy use - heating, lighting, air conditioning, and water consumption,” says Kate Smallwood, environmental awareness officer with Bradford Council. “If premises are undergoing refurbishment they could introduce energy efficient heating and lighting sensors. Some larger hotels operate key cards that trigger a light as you open the door.”

Some give guests the option of reusing towels rather than opting for a new set every day, leading to a potential cut in the amount of laundry being washed and pressed.

“The actual process of washing can be looked at, possibly using a laundry ball instead of a chemical detergent.," says Kate. "And bed linen can be reused rather than changed every day.”

Guests who voluntarily opt to reuse towels and sheets save hotels a large amount of water, energy and money. Voluntary programs that encourage guests to request clean linens when needed also extend the useful life of sheets, towels, and washing machines and dryers.

He adds that wherever possible, the hotel encourages guests to be eco-friendly. “We ask them if they want their towels changing, and if so to put them in the bath.”

Other ways in which hotels can help include using less packaging. “This could mean not giving out individual pots of jam or little boxes of cereal, and people supporting local food producers,” says Kate.

“They could use energy-saving lightbulbs and choose A-rated kettles and other appliances in bedrooms. Simple steps can make a difference."

“I think behaviour is key to energy-saving,” says Bradford Council environment officer James Brass. “People need to get into the habit of doing certain things. Hotel owners can only do so much, and then encourage visitors to do as much as they can. I think most people have a positive attitude and want to do their bit.”

Modes of transport offer tourists opportunities to save. “Hotels could provide information bike hire and information on local cycle routes for days out,” says Kate.

“This is where charging points can be a bonus,” adds James, “They are the way forward, especially in more isolated places like the Yorkshire Dales. You simply plug in and you are away."

Stephen Atha, director of the Dalesgate Hotel in Keighley, says: “I think in due course there will be more electric vehicles on our roads so we are pleased to have a charging point here.”

He adds that wherever possible, the hotel encourages guests to be eco-friendly. “We ask them if they want their towels changing, and if so to put them in the bath.”

Adds Robin Jackson: “You cannot hope to do everything overnight but by following good practice we attempt to reduce energy waste as much as possible. We taken any opportunity we have to be green.”