Who the Sustainable Giants are and how they operate:
Purpose:
The AND Sustainable Giants are a collaborative group of tourism businesses and organisations that demonstrate commitment to providing a sustainable choice to visitors to Ards and North Down, helping to make it climate-ready*. They work together to encourage visitors to come to the area more often, stay longer and spend more, whilst helping to enrich communities, improve the environment and see our businesses flourish.
*Climate-ready (minimal greenhouse gas emissions and resilient to severe weather events)
What they are working towards:
Vision:
Ards and North Down becomes recognised as a sustainable destination, to live, work and play.
The principles they commit to:
1. Nourishing the Landscape
They actively participate in protecting and enhancing our natural environment, helping it to thrive.
2. Collaboration
They collaborate and support each other to collectively contribute to the development of Ards and North Down, as a sustainable destination.
3. Vibrant Communities
They work to ensure that sustainability makes a positive social contribution so that their business and joint working benefits all communities.
4. Telling their story
They seek to tell the authentic stories of Ards and North Down, connecting visitors to our culture, heritage, communities and businesses.
5. Economic Development
They support the local economy by employing local people, sourcing local, ethical products and services wherever possible.
6. Environmental Management
They commit to produce and work to an Environmental Action Plan, which includes targets for improvement that are reviewed annually. They have effective systems for monitoring and adequately managing their waste, water, energy and action on climate change.
