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Ecosure ensures a natural retreat

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Products from the Dulux Trade Ecosure range of high performing sustainable paints have been used in the refurbishment of Natural Retreat's lavish eco friendly holiday accommodation in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Dulux Trade Ecosure Matt and Ecosure Quick Drying Eggshell were chosen to revamp 20 eco residences, as part of the hotel company's continuing dedication to implementing responsible practices within its accommodation.

Natural Retreats provide high quality, self catering holiday homes in ten idyllic locations across the UK and Ireland. Known for its superior standards, the contemporary residences indulge guests in the finest luxury without compromising on environmental principles.

The Richmond site, set in the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales, is brimming with eco initiatives, including green build technology and a wildlife management plan. What's more, it has been awarded the Green Tourism Gold Award for its sustainable credentials and design. So when it came to redecorating it's 20 holiday homes, it was only natural that environmental awareness was at the heart of the specification process.

Rob Fradley, Head of Construction and Maintenance at Natural Retreats, explained: “In all aspects of our accommodation we aim to be as sustainable as possible. For example, we use low energy appliances and lighting, and buy energy from 100 per cent renewable sources. Therefore, it was only appropriate that we specified a paint which had the lowest environmental impact.”

To help ensure its properties maintain their renowned eco credentials, Natural Retreats approached Dulux Select Decorator, MRQD Contracting, to recommend products that would deliver both on sustainability and performance.

Mark Rigby, Proprietor of MRQD Contracting, said: “When it comes to places to stay, Natural Retreats is one of the leaders of its kind. So to meet the company's high standards, we specified coatings from the Dulux Trade Ecosure range. Not only does the range have outstanding sustainable credentials, the products deliver a high quality, long lasting finish, making them ideal for a popular location, which receives a large number of visitors.”

Dulux Trade Ecosure Matt was specified for all interior walls and ceilings in the retreats. Developed in conjunction with independent sustainability experts, Forum for the Future, Ecosure Matt has been specifically formulated to have 35 per cent less embodied carbon than standard Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt products. In addition, the paint contains virtually zero VOCs and its packaging comprises at least 25 per cent recycled content.

To provide a natural finish, Dulux Trade Ecosure Quick Drying Eggshell was applied to all of the woodwork. Created to provide a tough, durable finish, Dulux Trade Ecosure Quick Drying Eggshell offers good opacity and adhesion. In addition, it has 10 per cent less embodied carbon and 20 per cent less VOC content than standard eggshell products.

Rob Fradley comments: “The benefits of the Ecosure coatings are impressive. Not only have they contributed to reducing our environmental impact, they have dramatically enhanced the design of the rooms and helped create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere for our guests to enjoy.”

Following the success of the North Yorkshire site, Dulux Trade Ecosure paints will now be used on all other Natural Retreat locations across the country. Rob Fradley concludes: “As a company, we are committed to caring for our surroundings and strive to continually improve our ecological performance. The Dulux Trade Ecosure range of paints has exceeded our expectations and proved the perfect product. The coatings demonstrate that you don't have to compromise on luxury and quality in order to be environmentally friendly.”

For more information on Natural Retreats, please visit www.naturalretreats.com or call 0844 384 3166.

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