AN isolated youth hostel, which has proved successful in developing renewable energy systems, has picked up an environmental award from its parent association.

The Langdon Beck Alternative Energy Project in upper Teesdale promotes understanding of renewable energy while limiting the hostel's global warming impact by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, the Youth Hostels' Association has recognised it as its first truly "green" hostel.

Run by Ewan Boyd and his wife, Jane, the premises already have solar panels to heat water, a reed bed that helps filter the septic tank and a 50pc recycling rate for waste. This year will see the installation of a 2.4kw wind turbine, which is expected to produce about 40pc of the hostel's electricity demand, with any excess exported to the national grid.

The final element of the project is a detailed computer-based energy monitoring system. This will enable detailed measurements to be taken of the various renewable and non-renewable energy sources and analyse exactly where energy is being used.

Mr Boyd said: "We are both interested in renewable energy and green issues and this, together with the need to secure the long-term business future of this hostel, led to the development of the green theme here.

"It seemed daunting at first, but with the aid of funding from Leader-plus and many other supporters we've been able to make great progress."

He described the results as exceptional. Not only has Langdon Beck been recognised as the YHA's first green beacon hostel, it earlier won an Energy Efficient Oscar in the Transco/TNEI awards.

"Our carbon budget, measuring carbon dioxide emissions, originally aimed for a 20pc reduction over four years," said Mr Boyd. "However, we achieved 38pc in just two years and have now set a new target of 50pc.

"Its growing reputation - together with a host of new courses such as bird watching breaks, flower weekends and practical conservation courses - has led to a strong business growth and the hostel's future now looks secure."

Mrs Boyd said the couple were delighted with the success of the project so far, but further environmental measures were on the cards. These include converting the washrooms to ultra low water systems and a rain water harvesting system for use in flushing lavatories.

"We would also like to redevelop the outbuildings into a seminar centre, built from renewable timber and straw bales," she added. "This would extend our existing educational programme, including activities for visiting school groups and families and training days in environmental management for local businesses and other YHA staff."

Judith Mashiter, chairman of the Leader-plus North Pennines Local Action Group, said: "The work at Langdon Beck is really innovative and environmentally aware. We are proud to be associated with the work."