Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo has been awarded the Green Key environmental accreditation. The eco-accreditation promotes sustainable tourism and guides businesses towards best environmental practices.

The Pembrokeshire zoo adheres to national and international Green Key criteria that have been designed to be easily understood by visitors, feasible for the tourism industry, and can be clearly verified through control checks.

In recent years, the attraction has strengthened its commitment to sustainability by investing in a quarter of a million pound solar PV system on the roof of the vintage fairground reducing the amount of energy used by 40 per cent. The park also reduced energy consumption by 75 per cent, and saved a staggering £20,000 per year, by switching its 13,000 light bulbs in the fairground to low energy 1w versions. And most recently, energy efficient hand dryers were installed across the park.

Managing director, Chris Ebsworth explained: “As a responsible zoo, sustainability is at the core of the business. It’s increasingly important we adopt a green approach to the way we operate and Green Key offers guidance to implement sustainable changes and support with our goal to become progressively self-efficient. Our guests are increasingly aware of the importance of supporting socially responsible and environmentally sustainable businesses.”

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, added: “I’m delighted that Folly Farm have reached the international Green Key standard. It’s a fantastic reflection of their commitment to being environmentally responsible and provides the public with confidence that they are visiting a sustainable tourist attraction, which is so important to regular visitors, as well as tourists.”

Education and engagement of staff is also a key attribute to the Green Key accreditation and is paramount to improving the park’s sustainability. A staff led ‘Working for the Future’ committee are responsible for introducing and implementing new projects such as the Green Key accreditation to help reduce the park’s carbon footprint.