Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Edinburgh

A shimmering example of sustainable luxury, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel takes pride in its eco-friendly ethos. Boasting the esteemed LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, this hotel effortlessly weaves sustainability into its day-to-day functions. Prioritizing the use of recycled materials, adopting high-efficiency cooling systems, and preferring clean-air vehicles, the hotel unequivocally showcases its dedication to environmental stewardship. It's not just about the buildings; the air here is also special. Utilizing an innovative Plasma HVAC ventilation system, the hotel ensures significantly cleaner and healthier air, mirroring the systems in hospital operating rooms and even the White House.

Moreover, the hotel goes a step further with its Clean the World partnership. Unused soap bars aren't discarded but are recycled to provide hygiene kits for impoverished communities and disaster-stricken areas worldwide. Not only does the hotel aim to reduce its carbon footprint, but it also supports the local economy by sourcing fresh produce from local farms and purveyors. As a haven for electric vehicle owners, the hotel offers charging stations, including Tesla Level 2 and Universal Electric Vehicle Chargers. Bathrooms are adorned with large, refillable Atelier Bloem amenities, eliminating the need for small plastic bottles. Lastly, the hotel embraces energy efficiency through LED light fixtures and conserves water with low-flow systems in faucets, shower heads, and toilets, making every stay a testament to sustainable hospitality.

Step into the eco-conscious embrace of Ten Hill Place Hotel, where every aspect of your stay contributes to the health of the planet. The hotel's noteworthy environmental initiatives start with a partnership with Ecologi, a platform that supports carbon avoidance projects. For every guest who opts out of housekeeping during a stay of two or more nights, the hotel offsets half a tonne of CO2e per night. Participation is as easy as adding a hanger to the outside of the door, ensuring every moment spent at Ten Hill Place makes a positive environmental impact.

Commitment to green practices is further exhibited through the hotel's longstanding membership in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, an initiative driven by Visit Scotland. Proudly holding the Gold Award in Green Business Tourism since 2008, Ten Hill Place is a torchbearer in sustainable hospitality. Plastic water bottles are a thing of the past here, replaced by a unique offering of Scottish wildflower seeds for guests to take home and plant, enriching ecosystems wherever they go. The hotel goes beyond mere provision of services, actively encouraging guests to engage with and contribute to its green initiatives, thereby fostering a culture of collective environmental responsibility.

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club stands out as a bastion of sustainable practices in Edinburgh's hospitality landscape, recognized by the prestigious Gold Green Tourism award. This accolade is a testament to the hotel's commitment to reducing pollution, emissions, and waste while conserving energy and water resources. Efforts range from eliminating single-use plastics to the use of electric golf buggies and the introduction of an electric car charging point. Waste management is a high priority, with the hotel striving towards a 'zero waste to landfill' goal through regular audits and maximized recycling opportunities.

The hotel further distinguishes itself with its proactive stance towards resource conservation, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, timer-controlled LED lighting, and an on-site wastewater treatment system. Sustainability is also prominent in the guests' experience, as they're encouraged to engage in environmentally sensitive practices such as separating waste and minimizing towel usage. An appreciation for the natural world is evident in the hotel's bee nests, bird hide, and badger conservation area. The commitment extends to expecting similar eco-standards from suppliers and contractors. Dalmahoy's most recent initiative to replace miniature plastic toiletries with larger refillable containers exemplifies their dedication to reducing plastic waste, potentially saving 175,000 30ml plastic bottles annually.

The Balmoral Hotel, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels, holds a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, underscoring its respect for the unique heritage and people of its locales. Encouraging conscious travel, the hotel promotes the idea of leaving minimal footprints and investing time in exploring the destinations while giving back to the communities. This approach underpins every aspect of their guest's journey, creating a thoughtful travel experience that intertwines luxury and responsibility seamlessly.

The hotel manifests its commitment to sustainability across four pillars: People, Community, Planet, and Business. The Planet pillar embodies the hotel's profound sense of responsibility towards the environment. It champions conservation efforts, implementing meticulous practices to monitor and optimize the consumption of resources like energy, water, paper, and food. The initiative extends to a committed move towards eradicating the use of single-use and non-recyclable plastics. Through these efforts, The Balmoral Hotel ensures that it remains a bastion of eco-friendly luxury, safeguarding the environment while providing an unforgettable experience.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre has aligned itself with First Climate, one of the world's leading carbon offsetting organizations, to actively pursue goals that reduce carbon footprints. This partnership reflects the hotel's deep-rooted commitment to minimize environmental impact. Each carbon offsetting project they undertake carries either a VCS or Gold Standard certification, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

These sustainability efforts aim to mitigate climate change while contributing to economic, social, and environmental advancements, which is paramount in today's travel experiences. Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre's sustainable journey assures guests of an eco-friendly stay, thereby redefining hospitality with a conscious approach to the environment.

As an eco-conscious hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa shines with its green commitments. The establishment has been awarded the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Certification, a testimony to its dedicated efforts towards environmental sustainability. It goes above and beyond to decrease its carbon footprint, currently at 44.23 kg per room night, and continues to actively implement practices that reduce water consumption, which presently stands at 377.15 liters per room night.

Environmentally conscious practices are seen throughout the hotel. In the guest rooms, recycling options are available, promoting responsible waste management amongst visitors. Moreover, the hotel has taken the forward-thinking step of providing electric car charging facilities. This convenience for electric vehicle users further encourages sustainable transportation and represents the hotel's commitment to a greener future.

Apex Hotels, including the renowned Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, operate with a strong sense of commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices. The heart of their approach extends beyond the realms of their hotels and embraces the local communities and environments in the UK cities they serve.

Maintaining high standards of sustainability and corporate social responsibility for both guests and employees is a core part of their mission. The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel believes that small changes can cumulate to significant results, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a buzzword for them. This collective approach towards sustainability ensures a rewarding stay for guests who value the environment and wish to support responsible hospitality.

Apex Hotels, including Apex Grassmarket, have Gold Green Tourism accreditation. They use energy-saving key cards, 85% LED lighting, and self-closing taps to conserve resources. The hotel group encourages public transport and participates in the Cycle2work initiative.

Apex Hotels, including Apex City of Edinburgh, have Gold Green Tourism accreditation. They retain existing building structures, insulate walls and roofs, and use natural materials for restoration. The hotels feature energy-efficient boilers and ozone-based pool cleaning systems.

An eco-certified hotel that educates teams and guests on sustainable practices, minimizes single-use plastics, and participates in local recycling programs. They switched to 100% renewable energy in 2023 and offer electric vehicle charging points.

The Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre stands as a shining example of sustainable hospitality, driven by Hilton's global initiative, 'Travel with Purpose'. This visionary strategy extends beyond mere environmental consideration, embedding a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment into the very fabric of the hotel's operations. 'Travel with Purpose' strives to facilitate responsible travel and tourism by making positive environmental and social impacts across its operations, supply chain, and communities. The ultimate aim is to inspire a chain reaction of positive change that ripples across the entire global travel and tourism industry.

On the environmental front, the hotel is dedicated to growing sustainably by reducing the consumption of natural resources. Through climate action and destination stewardship, a net-zero future is within sight for both the hotel and the global tourism industry. The hotel's efforts extend to the reduction of Watts, Water, and Waste, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to ecological preservation.

Malmaison Edinburgh targets a 3% annual reduction in energy and water consumption and a 70% waste recycling rate. The hotel uses 95% wind-generated renewable electricity and is committed to removing single-use plastics and non-sustainable palm oil products.

Malmaison Edinburgh City is part of a group that provides sustainability training for all team members and encourages eco-friendly commutes. The hotel offers paperless check-in and billing, and uses a digital media platform for newspapers and magazines.

The Witchery by the Castle is a participant in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. It sends all food and organic waste for composting and recycles 100% of its waste and glass. The hotel prioritizes local produce and focuses on historic building restoration.

Cairn Hotel & Apartments is supported by Green Tourism. Its gardens are designed to support local wildlife, and the hotel engages in local litter picks. It has replaced single-use shampoo/conditioner, composts food waste, and uses LED lighting with motion sensors.

A recipient of the Silver Green Tourism Award, this property has implemented various sustainability measures including environmentally-friendly housekeeping, computerised in-room directories, elimination of all single-use plastics, and the use of eco-friendly team uniforms.

This eco-friendly aparthotel has Green Tourism accreditation. They aim to reduce their environmental impact through comprehensive recycling programs, water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and providing cleaning services only when required.

The Old Waverley Hotel is listed with Green Tourism accreditation. This indicates that the hotel has implemented various measures to operate in an environmentally conscious manner.

The Scott has received Green Tourism accreditation. This certification highlights the hotel's commitment to sustainable tourism and efforts to minimize its environmental impact through various green initiatives.

As part of the Holiday Inn brand, this hotel is associated with Green Tourism accreditation. This suggests a focus on sustainable operations and environmental responsibility across its services.