At Caer Llan, caring for our environment has always been part of who we are. The foundations of our eco policy were laid back in 1988 with the construction of our earth-sheltered eco building — the Berm House.

Designed by my dad, Peter, the Berm House was decades ahead of its time. In 1995 it was officially recognised as the second lowest-energy building in Europe, an incredible achievement in an era when “low energy” design was still a new concept. Peter’s goal wasn’t to make a statement about sustainability — it was simply to create an accommodation building that blended naturally into its countryside surroundings, with minimal running costs and maximum efficiency.

That same philosophy became the blueprint for our wider eco policy, which we’ve since applied throughout Caer Llan.

Our Energy Efficiency Measures

We’ve taken many steps over the years to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact, including:

• 20kW photovoltaic generator with battery storage on top of the Berm House — providing power for the entire premises during daylight hours when unoccupied.

• Reed bed sewage system, taking advantage of our natural hillside slope for gravity-based filtration — completely power-free and fully compliant with Environment Agency permits – photo above.

• Cold room preheat system, recycling heat from refrigeration compressors to preheat water, reducing boiler demand and fuel consumption.

• High-efficiency “tank-in-tank” boiler system.

• LED lighting throughout all buildings.

• Underfloor heating in the bar area for efficient heat distribution.

• Occupancy sensors for corridor and hallway lighting.

• Electrical usage survey to identify high-consumption areas and manage energy through timers and smart controls.

• Modern kitchen equipment, replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models.

• Removal of the oil-fired Aga, replaced with a six-burner gas range — used only when required.

• Enhanced insulation across main house roof areas.

These measures have significantly reduced our energy consumption and emissions — a change that not only benefits our business but also plays a small part in the wider goal of tackling climate change.

Sustainability in Practice

Sustainability remains at the heart of every decision we make. During refurbishments, we prioritise natural, durable materials — the function room’s solid oak floors and stone fireplaces, and the Piano Bar’s Welsh slate floor with underfloor heating, all reflect this commitment.

We’re also proud to support our local economy, working closely with local suppliers for everything from building materials to award-winning meats and produce. Our kitchen garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables for many of our dishes, reducing food miles and connecting us to the land around us.

Our team, all locally based, share our ethos — creating a welcoming, professional environment while caring for this beautiful place we’re fortunate to call home.

Looking Ahead

We continue to evolve our eco practices in ways that benefit both our guests and the planet — always guided by the same simple principle my dad began with:
to live and work in harmony with the landscape we love.

Jake Carpenter