by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A 16 Century pub has been crowned Kent’s greenest business.

The Rose and Crown, a free house in Selling, near Faversham, was named Kent Environment Business of the Year 2009 at a glittering ceremony at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park last night. (24)

Tim and Vanessa Robinson, who bought the pub just three years ago in their first ever venture into the industry, said they were “gobsmacked” by the decision. “It’s very exciting and rewarding to get this far,” said Mrs Robinson.

They were praised for embedding green practice into the pub in a sector that judges felt was “not normally too interested in the environment.”

The pub has cut waste by 70 per cent which means that 80,000 litres of waste is recycled instead of going to landfill. Electricity usage has come down by 19.2 per cent, equal to nine tonnes of carbon.

Vegetable oil is recycled for biodiesel. And going green has boosted gross profit margins by between six and nine per cent, as well as attracting more customers to the pub set in 150 acres of woodland.

The pub sources food from local suppliers to reduce food miles, promoting organic and Fairtrade products. Judges were impressed that the pub encourages other businesses to go green and is a role model for other pubs.

They added: “The Rose and Crown is the perfect example of how sustainable business can make real financial sense as well as benefiting the environment and local community.”

The Robinsons quipped they would celebrate by “going to the pub.” There would be something for all 12 staff. “You don’t have to tell the staff about recycling - they are just doing it,” said Mr Robinson.

Other themed awards went to five businesses from a shortlist of 12. They were Maidstone Leisure Centre (for Environmental Engagement); GSE Haulage, Ashford (for Innovative Partnerships); H+H UK, Borough Green (for Achievements in Resource Efficiency); John Shirley, Dover (for Commitment to the Environment); and Real Hair and Beauty, Tunbridge Wells (for Sustainable Business Management).

The ceremony was hosted by Geoff Clark, former presenter of BBC South East Today. The 21 annual contest was run by Kent County Council, and backed by E.ON, Business Link, KM Group, and the Environment Agency.