Lodge claims silver for green drive

In recognition of their clean and green efforts, Oamaru's historic Pen-y-bryn Lodge has received an Enviro-Silver award from New Zealand's official tourism rating agency.

Since taking over ownership in 2010, Pen-y-bryn Lodge owners James Glucksman and James Boussy said they had been dedicated to reducing their property's impact on the "pristine" environment of North Otago.

The pair have undertaken several environmentally friendly measures including installing insulation throughout the property, significantly reducing their heating costs.

Mr Glucksman said finding a company to insulate the 123-year-old building proved very difficult.

"Most of the companies wouldn't touch it because they were worried they would damage it," he said. "There is only so much we can do while maintaining the historical integrity of the house ... We can't change the exterior."

Mr Glucksman said it had been a goal to eventually qualify for a Qualmark Enviro award.

"It is something that we take very seriously," he said.

Mr Boussy, who is responsible for maintaining the house and its gardens, said he wanted to avoid the use of chemicals.

He has developed a composting programme that turns the lodge's kitchen waste into fertiliser which is used on the extensive gardens.

"I prefer to use natural fertilisers whenever possible," he said. "The guests appreciate that most of the food we serve them is grown on the property."

Both owners hope to continue to hone Pen-y-bryn's environmental credentials, with plans to add solar heating panels and collect rain water for garden use.

"We want to do whatever we can to reduce our impact on the environment," Mr Glucksman said.

The Qualmark Green initiative was introduced to the tourism industry in 2008, and was a world first in assessing the environmental performance of businesses.

Tourism businesses could apply for the award, which has a bronze, silver and gold level.

Alpine Motel, Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park and AAA Thames Court Motel are the only other Oamaru accommodation providers to have achieved a silver award, while the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony boasts a gold award.