In early 2023, Emma—who owns a holiday flat in Lambeth, South London—felt it was time for a change. Her stylish city space had served travellers well over the years, but her own priorities were evolving.
Like many Londoners, Emma was making more eco-conscious choices in her daily life. At the same time, new UK sustainability guidelines for landlords were on the horizon. It made sense to bring that same mindset into her holiday let.
A report from Sykes Holiday Cottages found that 23% of holiday rental owners in the UK are adding eco-friendly features to their properties. Emma took this as a sign to rethink her approach. She didn’t need to rebuild or redesign her flat – she just needed to make some practical, affordable upgrades that align with what today’s guests want: sustainability, comfort, and modern convenience.
The result? A summer of fully booked weekends, glowing guest reviews, and the quiet satisfaction of doing things differently—for the planet and for her property.
Simple Sustainable Upgrades That Made a Big Difference
Here are the seven simple sustainable upgrades that made a big difference:
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Installed a Smart Thermostat for Efficient Heating Control
Emma improved energy efficiency by replacing her conventional heating system with a smart thermostat and choosing models like Hive or Nest. These devices let guests control their comfort while Emma can check energy use remotely. This change makes it easier to manage temperature settings and reduces waste.
According to Centrica, people in the UK who use Hive smart thermostats reduced their gas usage by 6% in 2025. These savings can add up quickly for a flat in London with high demand.
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Switched to Refillable Toiletries to Reduce Plastic Waste
In her quest to reduce single-use plastics, Emma transformed her flat with stylish and refillable toiletry dispensers in the bathroom and kitchen. These stylish dispensers came from local eco-friendly vendors. They met guests’ needs while combining comfort with a focus on sustainability. They elevated the aesthetic of her space, giving it a boutique atmosphere that travellers couldn’t resist. Emma’s thoughtful touches made every stay memorable while championing a greener lifestyle.
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Installed Water-Saving Fixtures to Conserve Resources
Next on Emma’s list were water-saving innovations that would make a splash! She introduced sleek tap aerators and stylish low-flow showerheads, all crafted to meet UK water efficiency standards. These contemporary fixtures complemented the flat’s chic aesthetic and worked wonders in slashing water bills, ensuring her guests could enjoy their showers without a hint of discomfort. With these smart upgrades, Emma perfectly balanced sustainability and luxury.
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Provided Clear Recycling and Composting Options
Living in a bustling city doesn’t have to complicate our recycling efforts! Emma took a refreshing approach by setting up clearly labelled recycling and food waste bins in her flat. To make it even easier for her guests, she created vibrant visual guides that show exactly what goes where. The outcome? Guests loved how straightforward it was to maintain eco-conscious habits – even during a quick weekend getaway!
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Sourced Local Products for Welcome Hampers and Cleaning Supplies
To positively impact the environment and uplift local businesses, Emma decided to curate her welcome goodies and cleaning products from nearby sources. Her hampers brimmed with delightful artisan snacks and eco-friendly treats sourced right from the vibrant markets in her neighborhood.
Meanwhile, her cleaning crew switched to non-toxic supplies from local stores, ensuring every corner of her flat radiated freshness. Not only did this approach make her home feel more personal, but it also beautifully reflected her commitment to conscious living.
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Upgraded Insulation with Professional Assistance
Emma needed experts to manage structural upgrades since she handled the property remotely. To handle bigger structural decisions and ensure regulatory compliance, Emma worked with experts at City Borough Housing Lambeth. Their professional guidance helped her stay hands-off while still achieving meaningful upgrades.
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Communicated Eco-Friendly Practices to Guests
To immerse guests in the sustainability, Emma crafted an engaging in-property guide called “This Flat Cares.” This guide not only showcased the flat’s eco-friendly features but also invited guests to be active participants in the journey.
Every small action, from responsibly managing the smart thermostat to sorting their recycling, helped foster a sense of community and care for the environment. It was more than just a stay; it was an experience that connected everyone to a bigger purpose.
This clear approach worked well. In fact, 65% of UK travelers prefer places to stay that have visible sustainable certifications. This shows that transparency is not just nice to have – it helps with bookings.
What Other Holiday Let Owners Can Do
You do not need a countryside cottage or a huge renovation budget to make your rental more sustainable. Start with simple upgrades that reflect your values and benefit your guests.
- Install energy-saving tech like smart thermostats or LED lighting
- Offer refillable essentials and reduce single-use plastic
- Use local suppliers for cleaning products and welcome hampers
- Make recycling easy and obvious
- Partner with local experts—especially if you manage your let remotely
In the End
Emma’s story proves that sustainability does not require a countryside setting or a major renovation—it starts with small, thoughtful choices. By aligning her holiday let with her values and making a few smart upgrades, she boosted her bookings, improved guest satisfaction, and future-proofed her property.
For landlords in Lambeth and beyond, the message is clear: eco-conscious letting is not only possible—it is powerful. A few meaningful changes can set your property apart, attract the right guests, and build a brand people return to.