East Yorkshire Glampsite Reduces Carbon Footprint with Green Heating Solution

Wold Escapes, an award-winning glamping destination in East Yorkshire, has made a significant investment in sustainable energy by installing seven air-source heat pumps from Ideal Heating. 

The move is expected to reduce the site’s carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency and cutting electricity costs.

The project was carried out in partnership with Hull-based Ideal Heating and Finesse Plumbing & Heating Engineers, who designed a tailored heating solution to meet the needs of Wold Escapes. 

The installation underscores the growing trend among outdoor hospitality businesses to integrate eco-friendly technologies, not only to meet sustainability goals but also to enhance the guest experience.

“As a company, we’re always looked for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. We’ve already installed solar panels on the roof of our main building, so adding heat pumps is another step forward to becoming a more sustainable business,” said Georgina Renfrew, manager of Wold Escapes.

Wold Escapes’ transition to heat pumps has yielded operational benefits, particularly for its glamping cabins, each of which now has an air-source heat pump that powers both the cabin and its private hot tub. 

Previously, hot tubs were heated using built-in electric elements, a process that often resulted in delays when preparing accommodations for new guests. The new system allows for faster heating, improving turnaround times and ensuring a seamless guest experience.

Industry professionals seeking to improve energy efficiency may see this installation as a case study in balancing sustainability with profitability. 

With many travelers becoming more environmentally conscious, investing in green energy solutions can be a key differentiator in a competitive market. 

For business owners, heat pumps not only provide long-term energy savings but also align with the shifting expectations of eco-minded guests.

“The installation at Wold Escapes demonstrates a remarkable application of heat pump technology to provide low carbon energy for hot tubs,” said Jon Hudson, senior sales manager at Ideal Heating. 

“Our heat pumps have delivered efficiency and sustainability benefits for the customer while transforming the visitor experience.”

The glamping sector is witnessing a shift toward sustainability, and Wold Escapes’ approach reflects broader industry trends. 

Operators are increasingly turning to alternative energy solutions, recognizing their potential to lower operational costs while meeting guest demand for eco-conscious accommodations. 

For those considering similar investments, partnerships with experienced suppliers and installers are crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to greener infrastructure.

In a report by HULL IS THIS, Murray Shanley, managing director of Finesse Plumbing & Heating Engineers, noted the efficiency of the new system. 

“The heat pumps consume roughly a third of the electricity of the previous system, cutting costs significantly while delivering exceptional performance,” he said. “The dual functionality of Logic Air – providing heat for both the cabins and the hot tubs – has addressed all of Wold Escapes’ challenges.”

As sustainability becomes a key focus in the outdoor hospitality industry, projects like this highlight the benefits of adopting renewable energy technologies. 

With lower emissions, reduced energy costs, and improved guest experiences, heat pumps and similar innovations may become standard across the sector in the years ahead.