Now, this institution is adding a new chapter to its legacy, one centred on sustainability and leadership for the future. Through EarthCheck Coordinator Training, the hotel is investing in its people to ensure that the prestige of the past is matched by purpose and responsibility for the decades ahead.
Heritage meets responsibility
In today’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, luxury is being redefined. Guests, investors and regulators alike are demanding genuine environmental and social action. For The Goring, embracing sustainability is not just about meeting expectations, it is about preserving the future of hospitality itself.
As a family-owned business, The Goring has always understood the value of stewardship – caring for people, place, and legacy. Under the leadership of CEO Jeremy Goring and Managing Director Michael Voigt, the hotel is actively driving sustainability initiatives that strengthen this legacy and ensure the business continues to evolve responsibly.
The decision to undertake EarthCheck Coordinator Training reflects a deep understanding that sustainability begins within, by equipping staff with the skills, confidence, and mindset to lead change.
“We recognise the importance of preserving the environment and the future for the next generation,” says Kitchen Coordinator Gemma Morandini. “As a family-owned hotel, we want to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability while ensuring the longevity of the business and everything around us.”
Building skills, building momentum
EarthCheck, the world’s leading certification, benchmarking, and training provider for sustainable tourism, has long recognised that real change starts with people. Its Coordinator Training program empowers tourism and hospitality employees with the knowledge and skills to turn ambition into measurable action.
For The Goring, the training program provided a clear, science-based roadmap. Over five weeks, the hotel’s sustainability team members Gemma and Kyra Broomfield engaged in a blend of on-demand lessons and live sessions designed to deepen understanding of EarthCheck standards, and enhance skills in benchmarking, risk assessment, and action planning.
“The training simplifies a complex process and gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence,” Kyra explains. One of the biggest breakthroughs for The Goring team came during a session on risk assessment. “We’d been overcomplicating it before,” Kyra admits, “but the training showed us how to simplify, focus on what mattered and reduce the workload.”
Beyond the curriculum, the sessions create a global learning community. Participants share ideas with peers from other hotels at different stages of certification, gaining insights into best practices and innovative approaches. “We made connections with other hotels around the world, and I’m still in touch with them on LinkedIn,” Kyra says. “It’s a network as much as a training program.”
EarthCheck’s trainers are selected for their ability to combine technical expertise with real-world experience, ensuring each session is practical, inclusive, and motivating. For The Goring, this support has been crucial in translating sustainability theory into business practice, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement.
From learning to leadership
The results are already evident. The Goring’s newly trained sustainability team has developed stronger internal alignment, improved data accuracy, and gained greater confidence in preparing for certification audits. More importantly, the training has sparked a cultural shift, transforming sustainability from a compliance task into a shared sense of purpose across the hotel.
“The most valuable thing I learned is how important it is to bring all staff along on the sustainability journey,” Gemma says. “People need to feel they’re making a difference for the planet and for their future.”
Practical actions have followed. Internal communications and hands-on activities, such as litter-picking events, allow staff to take ownership of sustainability efforts. These initiatives inspire entire departments to lead by example, turning responsibility into action and creating a culture where everyone plays a part.
Training for tomorrow
With Silver Certification now within reach, The Goring is focused on maintaining momentum and embedding the principles of sustainability deeper into its operations. “EarthCheck Coordinator Training gave us the structure to move forward and the reassurance that we were on the right track,” says Kyra.
The Goring’s journey is a powerful reminder that true luxury today lies not only in excellence of service, but in excellence of intent. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability through education and empowerment sets a benchmark for others in the industry.
By investing in people, The Goring is ensuring that its legacy of elegance continues to evolve responsibly, inclusively, and with purpose. Its partnership with EarthCheck showcases how even the most established institutions can inspire progress and set new benchmarks for a more sustainable future in tourism and hospitality.
Luxury and sustainability are no longer opposites – they are partners in progress. And The Goring is proving that with the right training, they can thrive side by side.
Interested in strengthening your own sustainability leadership?
Learn more about EarthCheck Coordinator Training, and discover how your team can turn sustainability goals into confident, measurable action.
