At Kilminorth, sustainability has always been part of the bigger picture.

Since taking over in 2012, we’ve been on a mission to restore and reimagine this secluded corner of Cornwall with care – turning 32 acres of wild land and historic buildings into a place where nature, comfort and community can truly coexist.

From the very beginning, we’ve believed that every decision, no matter how small, shapes the bigger story. Whether it’s switching our energy supply, welcoming bees to our site, or rethinking how we handle waste, each step has brought us closer to a more thoughtful and regenerative way of working.

Plastic-Free July gave us a great opportunity to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come on our sustainability journey, and where we’re heading next. But for us, this isn’t about seasonal campaigns or marketing moments. At Kilminorth, sustainability is a living, evolving commitment. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making better choices, every single day. And we’re proud to keep moving forward, one conscious step at a time.

We’ve mapped out our sustainability story in a full timeline – but here’s a closer look at our past milestones, present impact and future ambitions.

The Past: Foundations in Sustainable Thinking (2012–2022)

When we first arrived at Kilminorth, our priority was restoration – of the land, the buildings, and the sense of harmony between people and place. From day one, we began making decisions that reflected our long-term vision for sustainability.

We started by introducing more energy-efficient systems, including air source heating in several of our cottages. This renewable technology allowed us to move away from oil dependency, helping reduce emissions and cut down on fossil fuel use. By 2012, we’d installed air source systems in Saddle, Bridle, Oat and Granary, and by 2016 this has extended to Apple, Ash and Scrumpy.

Waste management quickly became another key focus. In 2013, we began separating waste and recycling across the site – a simple but essential step in reducing our landfill output.

Our lighting was updated to low-energy LED bulbs in 2014, and by 2019, we’d taken a step towards greener transport too, with the installation of an EV charger on site – giving our guests the ability to travel more sustainably.

Throughout this time, we also began making deeper ecological connections – looking at the role Kilminorth could play in nurturing biodiversity. Our land is home to a rich variety of native species, and we knew we had a responsibility to protect and support them.

By 2021, we’d started integrating sustainable cleaning products, including eco-friendly dishwasher and washing tablets in our cottages, helping to reduce the harmful impact of everyday chemical use. And by 2022, Beech Cottage had almost received the installation of air-source heating. 

The Present: Conscious Choices, Everyday Impact (2023–2025)

In the last two years, we’ve really ramped things up. While the early years were about laying foundations, 2023 onwards has seen us make bolder moves with real, measurable impact.

We introduced a circular materials policy, reducing reliance on single-use items and ensuring products used on site can be reused, repurposed, or responsibly recycled. At the same time, we’ve introduced digital tablets across operations to reduce unnecessary paper use.

Water is another key resource we’ve worked hard to manage more sustainably. In 2023, we switched to a stream-fed water supply, reducing reliance on the mains and embracing a more self-sufficient approach. And the pool? That’s now heated by air-source technology, too; a big change from the oil-based system we moved away from in 2024.

Plastic has been a major focus in recent years, and while we’ll be the first to say we’re still on the journey, we’ve already removed single-use plastics from our bars and introduced paper straws. Our efforts to remove plastic sponges, unnecessary packaging, and non-biodegradable products across accommodation and events is well underway.

2024 was also the year our bee colonies arrived – and what a joy that’s been. Not only do they contribute to pollination and biodiversity on site, but they also produce our very own TAS Honey, which you can now purchase in our shop or enjoy as a wedding favour. It’s a delicious and tangible symbol of what sustainability can taste like.

In 2025, we’re focusing on smarter systems and supplier responsibility. Our housekeeping overhaul means we’re using eco-cleaning products, low-impact laundry routines and aiming for zero waste. We’re also committing to only working with suppliers that have strong sustainability credentials, across weddings, events and day-to-day operations.

The Future: Big Goals, Bigger Vision (2026–2035)

Looking ahead, our vision is clear: Kilminorth will be Net Zero by 2035.

Getting there won’t happen overnight, but we’ve got a roadmap – and we’re already on the way. Our sustainability timeline shows exactly what we’re working towards, and the steps we’ll be taking to get there.

2026 is a big milestone year. We’ll be introducing:

• A carbon assessment of the entire site, helping us measure and understand our footprint.
  
• A full biodiversity assessment, focused on how we can better support the wildlife (and bees!) who call Kilminorth home.
  
• A new wedding reward scheme, designed to encourage low-impact choices for couples tying the knot here.
  
• Food waste from weddings to be recycled, closing the loop on celebration sustainability.

By 2027, we’ll be powering our outdoor pool and Bridle hot tub via solar panels and bringing all washing in-house to reduce transport emissions and increase efficiency. We’ll continue our energy transition by switching to a green renewable tariff in 2028, and in 2030, will roll out solar energy across the full site – further cementing our off-grid capabilities.

Meanwhile, we’ve still got plans in motion to recycle food waste from cottages, switch the last few remaining cottages to air source heating, and explore even more ways to tread lighter on the land. 

It’s a Journey – and You’re Part of It

Sustainability at Kilminorth is not a branding exercise. It’s a real, lived commitment that guides how we operate and how we welcome our guests. Whether you’re here for a family staycation, a wedding weekend, or a rejuvenating retreat, you’re stepping into a place that cares deeply about the world around it.

We know we’re not perfect. But we believe in progress over perfection – and in the power of making thoughtful, everyday choices that add up to something much bigger.

Thank you for being part of the story so far – and for joining us on the road ahead.

You can find our full sustainability timeline below – and learn more about our mission, cottages and upcoming events at https://kilminorth.co.uk