Taking responsibility for the environment and local community has been an important part of Rezidor's broader commitment to sustainable development for many years. In 2001, this commitment was fortified and placed within the scope of a programme called Responsible Business (RB). Each hotel has a unique RB Action Plan covering areas such as community outreach, environmental improvement, employee well-being and health and safety. To read more about the RB programme, please go to www.responsiblebusiness.rezidor.com.
Our hotels are engaged with both local charity groups and Rezidor's corporate international charity organisation, the World Childhood Foundation. The mission of Childhood is to defend the rights of the child and to promote better living conditions for vulnerable and exploited children at risk all over the world.
RADISSON SAS HOTEL, EDINBURGH COMPOSTS ALL FOOD WASTE - WASTE REDUCED BY 45%
The hotel continues to innovate its environmental programme and lead the way to more sustainable tourism. Through a partnership with Edinburgh Cyrenians, a local not-for-profit initiative that supports Edinburgh's homeless community, the hotel now separates and composts locally all organic waste. This has lead to further reductions in waste to landfill by up to 45%.
RADISSON SAS HOTEL, EDINBURGH WINS SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh has won the Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, Scotland top tourism award for sustainability. A finalist for the same award in 2007, the hotel clinched the award in 2008 through its exemplary Responsible Business programme.
The hotel's mentoring role for other tourism businesses wishing to go green was the key to its success. Sandy Dear, lead judge for the award stated after the ceremony, "The standards were so high this year. The excellent work in sustainable tourism happening in Scotland made the decision very difficult - but it was the hotels leadership in sustainability for Scotland's tourism industry that pushed it to the winning position."
Scotland's tourism minister Jim Mather said: "These Thistle Award winners...are the best of the best. Singled out by their peers, they are the epitome of the talent we have right across the Scottish tourism industry, talent which I am convinced will drive the industry forward in the years ahead."
The awards, organised by VisitScotland, were presented on Friday 24 October by Ronnie Corbett.
RADISSON SAS HOTEL, EDINBURGH WINS VISION IN BUSINESS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OF SCOTLAND (VIBES) AWARD
The Radisson SAS Edinburgh has won the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards. The hotel was against two of Scotland's top 5 star hotels - The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder and The Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews for the prestigious awards, both world renowned for their service and excellent environmental programmes. The win for Edinburgh against such esteemed competition is a source of great pride for the hotel.
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh has emerged as one of the most influential players in sustainable tourism in Scotland, having been awarded the Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism in 2008 and the WRAP Waste Reduction Challenge winner from the Considerate Hoteliers Association. The hotel was also named Radisson SAS Responsible Business Hotel of the Year, 2007.
As a winner of this award, the Radisson SAS Edinburgh will be entered into the European Awards for the Environment, winners of which will be announced in June 2009.
THE HOTEL'S RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARD SUCCESS
2008
2007
RADISSON SAS HOTEL, EDINBURGH WINS WASTE REDUCTION AWARD
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh has triumphed in the WRAP Waste Reduction Challenge, sponsored by the Considerate Hoteliers Association. The hotel was challenged to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill by at least 20% over the period of August to November 2007.
By recycling all possible materials, including used cooking oil for bio fuel, engaging staff, and donating thousands of items to charity, such as conference chairs, electric kettles and pillows, the hotel has managed to reduce its volume of waste by 50% in 2007.
VIEW RECENT PRESS COVERAGE AT BBC SCOTLAND ONLINE
CLIMATE FRIENDLY EVENTS IN EDINBURGH
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh announces Climate Friendly Meetings and Events. For each guest attending a meeting or event, a sum of money will be contributed by the hotel to carbon offsetting projects throughout the world. The service comes at no additional cost to the client, and is part of a larger programme by the hotel to avoid and reduce carbon emissions in all areas of the hotel. For more information or to book a meeting or event, please contact our Events department on 0131 473 6533 or see www.climatecare.org.
A COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
The Radisson SAS Edinburgh was the first hotel in Scotland to hire a full-time Responsible Business Consultant to carry out our Responsible Business (RB) priorities in the hotel. In 2008, the hotel reduced energy use by a further 5.5% and water use was reduced by 9.5%. The comprehensive recycling programme, which includes food and organic waste, has reduced waste in 2008 by over 60%.
For recent press coverage, please click here.
CARBON OFFSET YOUR STAY
The Radisson SAS Edinburgh offers a Green Room Rate to all hotel guests. For a small contribution towards your room stay, you can offset the carbon emissions associated with your time at the hotel. Through a partnership with Climate Care, an organisation specialising in helping businesses offset unavoidable carbon emissions, your contribution will go towards projects that not only help the environment, but also have a positive effect on communities throughout the world. Please ask our reservations staff about offsetting your stay on +44 (0) 131 473 6590.
Additionally, a complimentary offsetting service is provided to for all Meetings and Events in the hotel. A contribution is made on behalf of all delegates to Climate Care.
For more information, please visit www.climatecare.org
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TRAVEL
Vehicle emissions in the city centre can lead to health and environmental problems, as well as noise pollution. To help reduce urban air pollution, over 80% of the hotel's staff use public transportation or walk to and from work.
How You Can Help
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre. Most attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, are just steps away from our front door. If you are travelling further afield, however, Edinburgh's world class public transportation system is easily accessible and affordable. Please speak to Guest Services located at Reception or follow these links:
For general public transportation enquiries, visit
www.traveline.org.uk
For local buses, visit
www.lothianbuses.co.uk
For bicycle hire, visit
www.edinburghonline.co.uk/info/4370/
For more information on our Responsible Business programme, please contact Brigid Hawkes at brigid.hawkes@radissonsas.com