In recent years, the term 'Net Zero' has gained significant traction in the environmental and sustainability sphere. With the UK government's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, businesses across various industries have been diligently working to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.

Among these industries, the hospitality sector stands out as one of the highest consumers of energy and water, as well as a significant contributor to landfill waste, per square foot.

This summer, a unique initiative called mission: net zero launched its inaugural Hotel Bug Competition. It's a competition that not only promotes sustainability but also encourages biodiversity across hotel sites.

The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, a well-known establishment, participated in this competition with enthusiasm, and their efforts paid off in a big way.

The Importance of Biodiversity

Before delving into the success story of Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, it's crucial to understand the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the incredible variety of life on Earth in all its forms, from plants and animals to microorganisms.

It plays a critical role in sustaining life on our planet. Biodiversity is responsible for the food we eat, the water we drink, the weather patterns we experience, and even the air we breathe.

The Hotel Bug Competition

The Hotel Bug Competition organised by mission: net zero aimed to promote biodiversity in the hospitality sector through the creation of bug hotels.

These bug hotels are essentially shelter and nesting places for various insects, promoting a thriving ecosystem within the hotel's grounds. It's a creative and sustainable way for hotels to contribute to the environment and enhance their sustainability efforts.

Many hotel operators, including Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, enthusiastically embraced this competition as part of their commitment to a more sustainable future.

Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa Takes First Place

In a thrilling turn of events, Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa emerged as the winner of the mission: net zero Hotel Bug Competition. Their bug hotel creation showcased exceptional dedication to sustainability and biodiversity.

Graham Fisher, a judge from Urban Planters, provided valuable feedback on their entry, highlighting several key factors that contributed to their win:

Location: The bug hotel was strategically placed away from high human traffic areas, reducing the chances of disturbance for the bugs.

Versatility: Last Drop Village's bug hotel was designed to accommodate a variety of insect species. It utilised multiple materials, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

Foraging: The hotel's team went the extra mile by foraging for natural products used in constructing the bug hotel. This not only showcased clever resourcefulness but also got people out in nature, actively engaging with their environment.

Size Matters: The bug hotel's size was another winning aspect of their entry, providing ample space for insects to thrive.

The Reward: 100 Trees Planted in Nepal

In recognition of Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa's outstanding achievement, mission: net zero planted 100 trees on behalf of the hotel. These trees were planted as part of a tree planting project in Nepal.

This act of reforestation will have a significant impact, sequestering an estimated 30.00 tonnes of CO2. To put this into perspective, it's equivalent to driving 73,290 miles in a standard car.

But the benefits don't stop there. Reforestation projects like this also contribute to poverty alleviation, support biodiversity, and strengthen local communities. It's a win-win for the environment and the people.

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

The victory of Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa in the mission: net zero Hotel Bug Competition serves as a shining example of how the hospitality industry can take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future.

By actively promoting biodiversity and sustainability, hotels can make a significant impact on the environment while also engaging their communities in eco-friendly initiatives.

As the world moves closer to the goal of net-zero carbon emissions, it's heartening to see businesses like Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa leading the way with innovative and eco-conscious efforts.

Their bug hotel is not just a place for insects; it's a symbol of their commitment to a greener and more sustainable future for all.

To learn more about Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, click here.