Edinburgh "green" hotel honoured for protecting environment
Taking responsibility for the environment and local community has been an important part of the broader commitment of the Rezidor Hotel Group 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.
The hotels are engaged with both local charity groups and the corporate international charity organization recognised by the Rezidor Hotel Group, the World Childhood Foundation. The mission of the World Childhood Foundation 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 Blu hotel reduces food waste through composting
This Edinburgh green hotel has crafted an innovative environmental programme that is leading 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 led to further reductions of up to 45 percent in the amount of waste being hauled to the landfill.
Award recognizes sustainable tourism efforts
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh has won the Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism - Scotland's 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.
Radisson Blu wins environmental award
The Radisson Blu in Edinburgh has won the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Award. The luxury hotel is 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 from the Considerate Hoteliers Association. The hotel was also named Radisson Blu Responsible Business Hotel of the Year, 2007. As winner of the VIBES award, the Radisson Blu, Edinburgh will be entered into the European Awards for the Environment. These winners will be announced in June 2009.
Radisson Blu hotel claims Waste-Reduction Award
The Radisson Blu Hotel triumphed in the WRAP Waste Reduction Challenge, sponsored by the Considerate Hoteliers Association. The Edinburgh green hotel was challenged to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill by at least 20 percent during the period from August to November 2007. By recycling all possible materials - including cooking oil for use as bio fuel - engaging the staff and donating thousands of items such as conference chairs, electric kettles and pillows to charity, the hotel reduced its volume of waste by 50 percent.
Carbon offset the stay in Edinburgh
The Radisson Blu in Edinburgh offers a Green Room Rate to all hotel guests. For a small contribution towards the room stay, offset the carbon emissions associated with your visit. Through a partnership with Co2Balance, an organisation specialising in helping businesses offset unavoidable carbon emissions, the contribution will go towards projects that not only help the environment but also have a positive effect on communities throughout the world. Please ask the reservations staff about offsetting the stay by calling +44 (0) 131 473 6590.
Lessening environmental impacts 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, more than 80 percent of the hotel's staff use public transportation or walk to and from work.
How guests can help
The Radisson Blu hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre. Most attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, are just steps away. If travelling further afield, however, Edinburgh's world-class public transportation system is easily accessible and affordable. Find out more from a Guest Services representative in the hotel reception area.
Hotel is committed to Responsible Business
The Radisson Blu was the first hotel in Scotland to hire a full-time Responsible Business Consultant. In 2008, the hotel reduced energy use by 5.5 percent and water use was trimmed by 9.5 percent. The hotel's comprehensive recycling programme, which includes food and organic waste, reduced waste in 2008 by more than 60 percent.
For more information on the hotel’s Responsible Business programme, please contact Steve Valentine at steve.valentine@radissonblu.com.
Responsible Business Awards
2008: