Sustainability and Stewardship at Kabn
At Kabn, we are deeply committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between people and nature. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that true sustainability is achieved when humanity flourishes in balance with Earth's delicate ecosystems.
We believe that eco-tourism has a fundamental role to play in achieving this and we are proud to have won Scotland's Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (Allica Bank).
By inspiring a deeper appreciation for the landscapes around us, we can foster a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. Our ultimate goal is to be regenerative, creating a net positive impact on our guests, the environment and the communities that surround us. This commitment drives us to continuously refine our practices and embrace innovation. Our journey towards regenerative travel is ongoing and we are constantly seeking new ways to enhance our practices and reduce our footprint. We are committed to leaving a legacy of responsible luxury, preserving the beauty of nature for generations to come and contributing to revitalising the landscapes that surround us.
We are supported in our sustainability practices by a world-leading sustainability accreditation partner, Green Tourism. While we constantly strive for excellence, we know there is always room for improvement, so if you have any recommendations or thoughts, please get in touch here.
Investment in Renewable Energy
Loch Fyne
We understand the importance of preserving the Earth’s resources for future generations. We prioritise the use of renewable energy (15 solar panels power our two off-grid Loch Fyne Kabns) and by implementing innovative solutions, we strive to maintain the delicate balance between luxury and sustainability. So, while you may notice the absence of some modern comforts like air conditioning and the selective operation of heated towel rails (winter only for short periods of the day), these choices are made with the environment in mind.
- Power produced by Solar Panels
- 995 kWh
- *12 months 08/24 – 08/25
- Power guests have consumed
- 1,154 kWh
- *12 months 08/24 – 08/25
- Number of Solar Panels
- 15
- Lithium Ion Batteries
- 10 kWh
Recycled Coconut Septic Solution
Loch Fyne
Although our Kabns are off-grid, we wanted to ensure a premium experience with features like flushing toilets and rainfall showers. Given our location on the shores of a protected loch, we prioritised an environmentally responsible approach to waste management. That’s why we chose the Ecoflo biofilter, a gravity-fed septic treatment system that requires no electricity and uses recycled coconut husks for natural filtration. This solution allows us to maintain high standards of comfort while being mindful of our impact on the surrounding environment.
The system transforms coconut husk fragments into a filtering medium, giving a second life to a valuable resource whilst also providing high treatment performance. The all-natural product used is not only renewable but fully compostable.
- Zero Energy Used
- Gravity fed system
- Recycled Coconuts
- Used for filtration
- Compostable
- After lifespan is reached
- Reliable
- No moving parts
Protecting Wildlife and Wilderness
Our commitment to protecting wildlife extends beyond our immediate surroundings to the broader ecosystems that support life on our planet. We work closely with environmental organisations to ensure that our presence contributes positively to the protection of biodiversity. Since opening, we have supported planting >1,500 trees and protecting >4,500 trees in Malawi.
Since inception, we have supported Ripple Africa with the fantastic work that they do in Malawi. Ripple Africa is a charity which focuses on empowering communities to achieve a sustainable future by providing a hand up, not a hand out. Its approach is very different to many charities as it focuses on empowering local people to manage the projects which affect their local community. Tree planting is just one of their initiatives which span the environment, education and healthcare.
- Trees Planted
- 975
- 2024
- Trees Planted
- 975
- 2025
- Trees Protected
- 2,500
- 2024
- Trees Protected
- 2,700
- 2025
Seawilding
We are proud to support Seawilding, a grassroots, community-led organisation dedicated to rewilding Scotland's West Coast sea lochs by restoring native oyster and seagrass populations.
Native oysters are "ecosystem engineers" that filter and clean water, sequester carbon and enhance inshore biodiversity by forming reefs that serve as spawning grounds and nurseries for fish. Seagrass, a crucial keystone species, also plays a vital role by sequestering carbon and providing essential habitats and spawning grounds for fish and other marine life. However, globally 92% of seagrass has now been lost.
If you are interested in learning more about this or in volunteering to help with these restoration efforts, take a look on their website for more information. So far they have achieved the following wonderful milestones at Loch Craignish (just 40km away from the Kabns):
- Native oysters restored
- 350,000
- Seagrass seeds planted
- 400,000
- Seagrass rhizomes planted
- 18,000
- Seagrass mapped in Scotland
- 73 ha
Social Responsibility At Kabn
Giving back is something that we consider is a fundamental part of community. One of our co-founders, Amber Teale, is a Business Ambassador for Scottish Autism, helping to raise awareness about the great work they are doing in Scotland and donating stays for their fundraising auctions.
We also donate 10% of our dog charge to the Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s only all-animal rescue.
Sustainable Prefabricated Construction
Loch Fyne
Reduced Waste & Resource Efficiency
Prefabrication minimises construction waste as components are precisely manufactured in a controlled factory setting. This leads to less material waste ending up in landfills as well as optimisation of material use, further reducing resource consumption.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Prefabricated construction results in lower carbon emissions due to several factors. Reduced on-site construction time means less energy is consumed for machinery and transportation to and from site. Additionally, efficient factory processes can minimise energy use during production.
Faster Construction & Less Disruption
Prefabrication in a controlled environment accelerates construction timelines significantly, as components are manufactured simultaneously with on-site foundation work. This reduced construction timeline translates to less noise and disruption to the surrounding environment.
Adaptability & Longevity
Prefabricated structures can be designed for deconstruction and reuse, extending their lifecycle and promoting a circular economy. The ability to modify or relocate buildings also reduces the need for new construction in the long run.
Eco-Conscious Luxury: Thoughtful Amenities for a Greener Stay at Loch Fyne
At Kabn, we believe that eco-conscious choices enhance, rather than diminish, the luxury experience.
The knowledge that your stay is contributing to a better world is a unique luxury you can truly feel good about.
Every detail in the cabin has been thoughtfully curated with sustainability in mind, from the eco-friendly linens to the carefully chosen amenities.
Below are a sample of some of the products featured in your Kabn.
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Luxury Organic and Fair Trade Linen
Luxury Towels & Sheets made using 100% organic and Fairtrade certified cotton, grown without the use of harmful chemical pesticides, fertilisers or GMOs. Ethically made and sustainably sourced. Made by Dip & Doze
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Organic Natural Mattress
Organic coir, natural latex using sap, organic lambswool, chemical-free, non-toxic and breathable. Made by Naturalmat
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Luxury Recycled Denim & Organic Wool Topper
Recycled denim, organic lambswool, chemical free, non-toxic and breathable. Made by Naturalmat
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Super Snuggly Recycled Plastic Duvet
Vegan-down made from recycled plastic water bottles. Spun to create a soft, light and fluffy duvet. All are made in an eco-factory, using 100% renewable energy that produces zero waste. Made without chemicals or toxins. Hypoallergenic. Made by Duvet Hog
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Recycled Cotton Pillow & Mattress Protectors
Pillow & Mattress Protectors - The fibres used for its manufacture come from post-consumer reuse of cotton and plastic bottles. Made by Velfont
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Recycled Plastic Blankets
For those chillier nights we provide Blankets - made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, environmentally friendly and ethically produced. Made by Weaver Green
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Eco-friendly Vegan Soaps
Eco-friendly, cruelty-free and vegan Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash - Faith in Nature
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Sustainable Toilet Roll
We use tree-free, chemical-free, bamboo toilet roll, with each roll purchased supporting UK rewilding projects - Bumboo
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Sustainable Bamboo Kitchen Roll
FSC-certified sustainable bamboo, plastic free, vegan Kitchen Roll - The Cheeky Panda
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Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
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Vegan Leather Chair
The By Crea lounge chair in Kabn 2 is made with vegan leather.
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Organic and Fair Trade Coffee Beans
Our organic coffee beans are from a British B Corp startup and member of 1% for the planet - Exhale Coffee
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Organic and Fair Trade Teas
Pukka (Fair Wild and member of 1% for the planet) / Clipper (packaging is plant-based, fully biodegradable biomaterial, unbleached tea bags)
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Organic Herbs, Spices and Oils
All of the complimentary herbs, spices and oils that we provide are organic.
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Organic Handmade Coconut Bowls & Spoons
Organic and hand made bowls made out of recycled coconuts
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Organic Bamboo Chopping Boards
Unlike plastic, it is a biodegradable, sustainable and renewable resource that needs no chemicals to thrive or to be harvested.
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Recycled Coffee Husk Cups
A unique eco-composite polymer made from coffee husk that forms the basis of the cups, saucers and lids. Huskee is a Certified B Corp
Progress, not Perfection
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement in Regenerative Travel
While we are proud of the progress we have made, we recognise that perfection is an ongoing journey. We are constantly striving to refine and enhance our regeneration efforts while ensuring our guests enjoy an exceptional experience. As we grow, we acknowledge that there's always room for improvement. Below, we have outlined some areas where we are actively working to evolve and do even better at our Loch Fyne location.
Firewood
We provide our guests with the highest quality kiln dried birch. We use this wood as it is easy for guests to light (to improve the guest experience for those not so familiar with wood burning stoves) and it provides one of the best kilowatt outputs, resulting in less wood being required to heat the space. Being kiln dried has the added improvement of providing a cleaner, hotter and more consistent burn than other firewood. The wood is PEFC and FSC certified, however we do order this from a supplier as this type of firewood is not available on the Estate. We encourage guests to use wood sparingly and to treat lighting a fire as a luxury. However, we do believe it is an important part of the experience. Our innate fascination with fire traces back to its transformative role in human history. It brought light to darkness, warmth to cold and safety from danger. At Kabn, we honour this primal connection. Fire is not only our primary source of heat but also the heart of our kitchen, fuelling the oven that transforms simple ingredients into culinary delights. Just as it did for our ancestors, we believe fire nourishes both body and soul, fostering a sense of well-being and connection.
Gas vs Electric
Our hob and boiler are powered by gas. Despite being an incredibly efficient source of power we are cognisant that this is a fossil fuel and as such we encourage guests to be aware of their usage. We do not run any form of gas heating throughout the summer months and it is only on for limited periods in the winter as the wood burning stove acts as the main source of energy.
Solar vs Generator
From November through to February at our Loch Fyne location we have to run the generator for about 30 minutes a day to keep the rechargeable lithium ion batteries topped up. The low angle of the sun and the surrounding mountains mean that we simply do not get enough charge from solar. For the rest of the year, we run 100% off the solar panels.
Supporting Local
We hire local cleaners who live very close by who arrive by car and take the laundry away from site to launder. Being off-grid and a small size means we have to sacrifice having onsite laundry and staff. We are constantly making iterations, from the type of eco-friendly cleaning products we use to how we purchase them and how they are stored (we try to bulk buy and refill where possible).
Beach Combing
We encourage our guests to pick up any litter that they see washed up on the loch shore (which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean). This is a never ending battle and we are looking into ways we can encourage guests to take a more active role in this.
