Marylands Country House is proud to operate under the AAA Tourism Green Stars classification, which provides the framework for the environmental principals and guidelines of the Marylands Country House Environment Policy.

The Environmental Policy formalises a framework for action and for the setting of environmental objectives and targets.

Marylands Country House is committed in the sustainable preservation of our natural environmental for all future generations and for us to enjoy.

Environmental Committee
Marylands Country House has an active Environmental Committee, where representatives from each hotel department meet to discuss environmental issues relating to the hotel. The meeting provides a forum for environmental issues to be raised, assessed and for action to be taken. Issues such as waste management, new technology and environmental programs are discussed and assessments made regarding the potential for incorporation into the hotel operations.

Hotel initiatives include:
	Shampoos and bath gels are collected by staff and given to the local Opportunity Shop.
	Guests rooms have been fitted with water efficient tap ware.
	Signage is placed in rooms to encourage re use of bed linen and bath towels to save water and reduce the use of detergents in laundering.
	Procedures are in place for lighting and air conditioning in unused public areas to be turned off unless required.
	Signage is placed in rooms to encourage guests to turn off their lighting and turn down their reverse cycle air conditioning units to reduce the use of power.
	Biodegradable cleaning chemicals used throughout the hotel.
	Vegetable garden for hotel use (pesticide free).

Waste Management:
Recycling is undertaken wherever possible throughout the hotel. The following products are currently recycled:
	Office paper is reused wherever possible and then collected for recycling.
	Cardboard is compacted into bales and recycled.
	Glass and plastic are separated from general rubbish for recycling.
	Old towels & linen are reused as rags.
	Partially used toilet rolls are used in staff areas.
	Newspapers are collected by staff to use as garden mulch.
	Corks from restaurants and functions are given to local primary schools for use in craft work.

Voluntary Environmental Audits
Voluntary Environmental Audits are conducted at Marylands Country House. The audits address a broad range of environmental issues throughout the hotel and have the primary aims of assessing compliance and identifying existing or potential environmental risk.

Audits assess performance in the following areas:
	Environmental Management
	Emergency Preparedness and Response
	Water Management
	Waste Management
	Chemical Management
	Environmental Awareness
	Status and adequacy of environmental training – Staff Induction
	Reductions of effluent, emissions and waste
	Due Diligence and Duty of Care

Environmental Accidents, Incidents and Complaints
Procedures are in place to investigate and record all environmental incidents and complaints. The procedures allow for identification of whether the incident, accident or complaint had an environmental impact or the potential to cause an environmental impact. Subsequent follow up measures can then be actioned to rectify the cause and prevent future occurrences.