Leading visitor attraction wins Powys Excellence in Sustainability Award

One of Wales’ premier visitor attractions, which is doing its bit to tackle climate change, added another accolade to its bulging trophy cabinet at the Powys Business Awards.

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Dan-yr-Ogof, Abercraf won the Excellence in Sustainability Award, sponsored by Welsh Government, at the annual awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

Geraint Jones, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales manager, said: “We are very excited and thankful to win this award which means a lot to the business. Investing in sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are very important, especially at a time of high energy costs.”

Following the designation of The National Showcaves Centre for Wales as a National Nature Reserve, the company reviewed its entire environmental commitment and has cut costs by producing its own green energy.

Established in 1912, the business now employs 11 full-time and 60 part-time staff and has a turnover over £1.2 million.

The company’s first environmental project involved planting more than 80,000 broadleaf trees to increase water retention in the Upper Swansea Valley and consequently reduce the risk of local flooding.

In addition to providing a wildlife habitat, the forest will absorb 80,000 tons of CO2 during their 100-year life span.

Installation of a second water turbine produced more than 60 KW of green energy for the caves, with the excess fed into the National Grid.

Solar panels make the coffee shop, self-catering cottages, caravan park and dinosaur park, one of the world’s largest, energy self-sufficient and a new heat pump has saved money when heating a swimming pool.

The attraction’s museum features interactive elements for visitors, including schools, to inform them about climate change and environmental issues.

Dan-yr-Ogof Farm now also hosts a breeding programme for shire horses, an endangered species, which has become a popular attraction.

“Staff feel part of an attraction that is really helping Mother Nature by not adding to the present global warming scenario,” said The National Showcaves Centre for Wales chairman, Ashford Price.

“Another major advantage of our green energy policy is that previously we had huge costs in buying electricity from the National Grid. However, these savings can now be used for new tourism projects within the complex.”

Congratulating the winners, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans said: “We’re proud to sponsor an award that recognises and celebrates how companies across Powys are leading the way to a more sustainable future.

“Dan-yr-Ogof’s commitment to sustainability demonstrates how the greener economy we are building in Wales brings with it a wealth of opportunities. Well done to them, and to all the winners at Friday’s ceremony.”

The judges said the company’s commitment to sustainability will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy one of Wales’ most impressive natural wonders.

“The vast array of measures taken over the past few years have had a positive impact on the global warming crisis – from planting over 80,000 trees, breeding shire horses to becoming energy efficient through hydro and solar power,” they added.

Runners-up were Wipak UK Ltd, Welshpool and Heartwood Saunas, Pantperthog, Machynlleth.