Blackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark is first Green Key tourist attraction in England

This week, as Blackpool lights up for the autumn with the switch on of the illuminations, one of the town’s most popular destinations – the Sandcastle Waterpark – is celebrating as it collects a Green Key award from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The Green Key demands high environmental standards and the Sandcastle has demonstrated a commitment to reducing its environmental impact, including taking steps to improve energy efficiency and removing single-use plastic where possible from its operations.

In addition, the attraction, which welcomes, on average, 340,000 guests each year and despite the events of the past 18 months, has continued to work on its sustainability projects.

It is in the process of installing a new air-cooling system, which is at least 35% more efficient than the current system and its catering outlets have sourced more Fair Trade products in 2021 and its cutlery sleeves are now made from 100% recycled paper.

To qualify for a Green Key award, the Sandcastle underwent a rigorous audit.

Commenting after the inspection, the Green Key auditor said: “Sandcastle Waterpark is committed to reducing the impact of their operations on the environment, and has been working to this for many years.

“They have taken on many initiatives such as reducing energy use through the smart use of the building management system, LED lighting, motion sensors, low-flow taps, showers and toilets and switching to biodegradable cutlery.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be awarding the Green Key to Blackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark.

“Our tourism industry has a responsibility to improve its sustainability, like every other sector of our economy, and the Sandcastle are leading the way as a tourist attraction in trying to reduce their environmental impact.”

Sandcastle’s Managing Director John Child said “Our teams, in all departments, have been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint. We have spent the past 15 years looking at every opportunity to lower our use of energy. During the past five years, and in collaboration with Blackpool Council, we have focussed on increasing the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods, and raising sustainability awareness throughout our business.

“Despite the challenges of the past 18 months we have worked hard to continue with these projects. We are delighted to have received this accreditation from Green Key.”