The Falkirk Wheel has been awarded the prestigious Gold Green Tourism Award for the fourth time running, Scottish Canals has announced. The accolade highlights the attraction's continued dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The landmark, a popular visitor destination and an engineering feat, underwent an independent assessment against stringent sustainable certification standards. Achieving the gold status reaffirms the commitment of The Falkirk Wheel team to promoting eco-friendly practices and safeguarding the natural environment surrounding the site.

Despite facing six years, a pandemic, and significant repair works since its last assessment, the reassessment in March confirmed The Falkirk Wheel's unwavering focus on sustainability. As a central part of the local community, the attraction actively promotes its often-unseen sustainable efforts.

Visitors to The Falkirk Wheel can participate in various eco-conscious activities, including "paddle pick-ups" where local schools and youth groups help keep the canals clean while exercising. Collaborations with volunteer groups contribute to land cleanliness through litter picking and support area regeneration with tree planting and rewilding initiatives. These community engagement efforts earned The Falkirk Wheel a 100% score and recognition as a Keep Scotland Beautiful hub.

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The wellbeing of both staff and visitors is a key priority. Initiatives include comfortable staff break rooms, engaging children's play facilities, physical exercise activities to reduce stress, and an accessible and inclusive design catering to diverse needs. These practices resulted in a perfect 100% score in health and wellbeing.

The Falkirk Wheel's sustainability commitment extends beyond visible projects. Key measures include safe waste management practices, achieving an 83% score, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. These include replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, and planned upgrades to the boats, contributing to an 87% score in carbon management. With a clear net-zero route map in place, The Falkirk Wheel is committed to further reducing emissions and progressing towards a greener future.

Daniel Musenga-Grant, Scottish Canals Sustainability and Climate Change Manager, said: “Scottish Canals is delighted to have secured the Gold Green Tourism Award for The Falkirk Wheel for the fourth time in a row. This highlights our team’s dedication to continual improvement, providing the best experience to our customers, and working towards our net zero goals. Special congratulations goes to the green champions and the Activities Team for all their hard work.”

Scott Maclean, Managing Director of Green Tourism, commented: "We are delighted to recognise the sustainability practices of The Falkirk Wheel with our Gold Green Tourism Award. Not only does the team have a credible and ambitious approach to achieving net zero and a comprehensive understanding of the attractions relationship with the environment, but they also have a exceptional commitment to supporting their local community and an approach to continuous improvement which is an exemplar to the industry. We look forward to working with The Falkirk Wheel to further advance their already impressive sustainability practices."