A Cumbrian glamping site is hoping it can lead the way in sustainable tourism with the installation of the first 36 of its planned 192 solar PV panels.

The award-winning Quiet Site, near Ullswater, has been a carbon-neutral business for four years and produces 48 per cent of its own energy.

With the addition of the latest development, the ‘Gingerbread Houses’, they hope to push themselves to produce 80 per cent of their own energy.

“We’ve found that sustainable business is actually also good business,” said Quiet Site Owner, Daniel Holder.

“Using renewable energy that is low or no cost makes great business sense.

“We judge every new project against embedded carbon, operational carbon, effect on community, waste production and how profitable it will be.”

The Quiet site provides glamping, camping and luxury cottage site also has a zero waste shop and encourages guests to explore the surrounding area by foot or bike.

Daniel said that as well as being conscious of the need to help the planet as a business, consumers are increasingly beginning to demand sustainability.

He added: “It’s certainly become a factor in people's decision making. More so with every year that passes.

“When we first started, it was very much low on the radar, but now I would definitely say that it is changing and that people are starting to look at more than just the price, in the same way that companies are starting to look at more than just profit.”

Cumbria Tourism has praised the Quiet Site for its most recent efforts and has urged other hospitality and tourism businesses to consider sustainability.

Managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “Sustainability is becoming a more important issue, not only to help protect our unique landscapes and wider planet, but also as motivation for visitors when booking their upcoming trips.

“The Quiet Site has long been a leader in this field and the installation of these solar panels is the latest in a long line of innovative investment from the most recent winner in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism category in the Cumbria Tourism Awards.

“We have also been grateful for Daniel’s sharing his expertise in this field to the wider visitor economy, most recently as part of the ‘Low Carbon Lake District’ grant scheme administered by the Lake District Foundation.

“By working together and sharing knowledge we can make Cumbria a leader in sustainable tourism together.”