The Bluestone holiday resort in Pembrokeshire is investing in its own solar farm that could generate up to 30% of its annual electricity needs. The investment is being backed with a multi-million-pound syndicated loan from Barclays and the Development Bank Wales.
The facility, the exact value of which is not being disclosed, will able enable Bluestone Resorts, which operates the Bluestone National Park Resort, to continue with a major sustainable investment programme, which includes a five hectare solar farm that will generate 3.2 megawatts of electricity a year.
The partnership approach will see Barclays take the role of sustainability coordinator, overseeing the key performance indicators (KPIs) that have been agreed for further sustainable development at Bluestone.
These include improving biodiversity net gain, reducing emissions intensity and annually achieving their green key eco-accreditation – an international label awarded to accommodation and hospitality facilities that commit to sustainable business practices.
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Bluestone’s chief executive, William McNamara, said: “We’re working hard to create a more sustainable future for Pembrokeshire while reducing our carbon emissions.
“We employ more than 850 people and support Welsh businesses by contributing over £7m in annual expenditure into the local supply chain. Our business performance extends beyond profits, and this is a testament to our commitment to social and environmental responsibilities.”
Located within 500 acres in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the resort has more than 400 luxury lodges.
Simon Vittle, director of large corporates for Barclays said: “Our partnership with the Development Bank is a reflection of our approach to sustainable finance, providing the capital required to transform the economies that we serve.
“As the call for higher sustainability standards in businesses increases, we are leading the way together with Bluestone as they continue to invest in Pembrokeshire. In fact, we believe this to be one of the first deals in Wales with biodiversity-linked KPI’s.
“Our role as sustainability coordinator means that we will be monitoring the agreed KPIs as part of our investment management processes to demonstrate how sustainable practices can contribute to robust financial performance. It’s a really exciting opportunity that we’re delighted to be partnering with the Development Bank on.”
Fund manager Nick Stork led the deal for the Development Bank of Wales alongside Clare Sullivan, regional manager for West Wales.
Mr Stork said: “This is a major strategic investment for the Welsh tourism industry that has been made possible by us working together with Barclays to form a syndicate that leverages our collective strength and commitment to fostering social and sustainable development.
” It’s the first of its kind for us and it’s particularly pleasing that our combined firepower will be used to fund investment in sustainable green energy generation and unlock growth for Bluestone as a well-established year round tourist destination.
“Our ability to deliver this funding has been due to a fantastic team effort and making the most of our scale to back a strategic project of this size. By combining the range of funds at our disposal, we’ve been able to support the business’ aims that also benefits the long-term sustainable future of tourism in Wales.”
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