Green guide for pubs released

Tourism body VisitEngland has released a free guide to help small and medium firms save money by going green.

Called Green Start, the guide suggests simple steps businesses can take to reduce their energy waste and water costs by at least 10% and up to 40%. The guide is available on-line and in DVD format.

A separate guide called Keep it Real offers advice on how firms can market their green credentials, including dealing with the press and using social networking.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: "It's important for the industry to realise that becoming sustainable has multiple benefits, not least improving the bottom line.

"The future success of the tourism industry must be underpinned by a sustainable approach, both in terms of protecting the natural environment that makes England such an attractive destination, and ensuring long-term economic success. Green Start will help businesess make those first vital steps towards reaching that goal."

Green Start is available from www.better-tourism.org and Keep it Real can be found at www.visitengland.com/keepitreal.