Generation B: Pioneering a Better Future in Luxury Travel

Cornish Gems. March 13, 2025

At Cornish Gems, sustainability is more than a buzzword – it is woven into everything we do. As a luxury B Corp travel brand, we recognise our responsibility to protect Cornwall’s unique landscapes, support local communities and set a benchmark for responsible tourism. We gained our B Corp accreditation in January 2024, and over the past year, this has fuelled our efforts to take significant steps in enhancing our sustainability efforts, ensuring that every stay and everything we do behind the scenes contributes to a brighter, greener future.

Our Achievements Over The Past Year

  • With a 25% growth in our Eco-Conscious Gems collection, we’re able to offer more mindful holiday options without compromising on the luxury we pride ourselves on. From renewable heating systems and electric vehicle charging stations, to native landscaping that enhances biodiversity, these properties set the standard for sustainable stays.
  • We’re strengthening our community support with local collaborations with charities and trusts, contributing to vital services and supporting the wellbeing of our neighbours. Through the help of our owners Nadia and Tom Macer-Wright, we have recently installed an Echo Point at The Royal Cornwall Hospital, which encourages staff, patients and visitors to spend a few minutes decompressing and focusing on their wellbeing.
  • We’ve reduced the impact on the environment through comprehensive data collection and analysis, and implementing strategies to minimise our carbon footprint, aiming for net-zero emissions. Our efforts include waste reduction programmes and promoting sustainable practices among our guests and partners. More than 30% of our properties now work with a local contractor, which sends zero waste to landfills.

Our Commitment To The Community

  • We’re enhancing employment opportunities, as 90% of our staff are employed from the local area and we commit to paying all employees Real Living Wage. More recently, we’ve celebrated our contribution in helping Cornwall become the first Real Living Wage region.
  • We’re committed to championing local producers, by promoting local products and experiences, and ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are felt throughout the community. Our welcome gifts, bookable extras and Gems Shop promote locally, sustainably produced products and experiences. Additionally, with the help of Cornish Food Box, we support over 15 local growers and producers, through our Welcome Gift Scheme.
  • Our community welfare engagements including partnerships with local charities and trusts enable us to contribute to essential services, enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the natural beauty of Cornwall. Each year, we select a Charity Of The Year – in 2024, we gave our support to Truro Food Bank and, as of 31st January 2025, have raised £1900! We look forward to supporting more charities and initiatives in 2025.

How You Can Travel More Sustainably: 5 Ways to Have a Mindful Holiday

As a top holiday destination in the UK, every visitor to Cornwall plays a vital role in preserving the beauty and environment of the county. By making small, conscious choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for our coastline, communities and countryside. Here are 5 simple ways to make your holiday more eco-friendly:

  1. Choose Eco-Conscious Accommodation: Selecting properties designed with sustainability in mind can reduce the impact of your holiday, as many of our Eco-Conscious Gems feature ground or air source heating, locally sourced building materials, energy efficient design, and more.
  2. Support Local Businesses: From farm shops to artisan markets, engaging with local producers ensures that tourism benefits the entire community.
  3. Reduce Waste and Travel Light: Bring reusable bags, bottles and containers for the essentials, opt for low-waste alternatives when shopping, or even join a local beach clean.
  4. Respect Cornwall’s Natural Habitats: Staying on marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife and staying away from wild animals such as seals can keep them safe.
  5. Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Travel smarter using public transport – such as the Lizard Coaster open top bus route for family days out with scenic routes and plenty of beautiful places to visit.

Eco-Conscious Gems

Discover our carefully hand-picked and green-graded selection of Eco-Conscious holiday properties, where luxury design meets sustainable living:

Killifreth Stamps, near Chacewater (Sleeps 4, 1 Dog)

An original engine house turned eco-conscious retreat featuring a rewilded garden and hot tub powered by renewable energy.

Shangri La, St Agnes (Sleeps 12, 2 Dogs)

Set within a biodiverse rewilded landscape, this luxury home is perfect for wellbeing-focused, low carbon, adventure-filled stays.

Boslagen, St Kew (Sleeps 2)

A secluded haven inspired by low-carbon living, featuring an outdoor Japanese bath for two, floating romantically on its own pond attracting an abundance of wildlife.

The Carthouse, St Buryan (Sleeps 4, 2 Dogs)

A sensitively restored 18th century barn, blending rustic charm with modern sustainability features.

Trevanion Cottage, Coverack (Sleeps 6, 2 Dogs)

A luxury stay in a classic cottage amongst one of Cornwall’s most charming fishing villages, featuring low carbon design and bio-diverse landscaping.

Polsue Farm House, The Roseland (Sleeps 8)

A secluded eco-conscious retreat, surrounded by calming Cornish countryside, and beautiful botanical gardens.

Driftwood, Gwithian (Sleeps 6, 2 Dogs)

A stylish eco-conscious home, crafted from locally sourced materials, featuring bee bricks and ground-source heating.

Book Your Eco-Conscious Stay

We’re firm believers that responsible travel doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. By choosing an Eco-Conscious Gem, you’re supporting Cornwall’s future while experiencing the very best it has to offer. 

Book your stay today…Browse our full collection of Eco-Conscious Gems, or contact our Guest Experience team on 01872 241241.