Macdonald Holyrood Hotel has been awarded a Gold Green Tourism rating for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly working.
Having previously held the silver level accolade, Holyrood redoubled efforts to make all of its functions even more environmentally sound. The hotel has reduced towel usage in bedrooms, switched to energy efficient lightbulbs and upgrading heating, all reducing its energy consumption. Recycling rates are up in all departments, and food waste has been minimised.
Recent works to the building management system have allowed hotel management greater control on heating and ventilation in line with occupancy and weather conditions. Waste water management has been improved by fitting urinal flush controls to urinals, flow restrictors to taps and showers. Half flush system on toilets also helps reduce water consumption.
As well as practical changes to processes, to achieve Gold standard, Holyrood demonstrated its corporate social responsibility credentials by working with the local community, for example hosting students on two week work experience placements from Princes Trust, and employing young people through the Positive Quality scheme. The hotel has also adopted a tiger at Edinburgh Zoo.
Stuart Douglas, General Manager at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, said: “I am very proud of the team for taking the ethos of sustainability to heart and looking for ways to improve our carbon footprint across the hotel. Our commitment to environmentally sound working practices extends to everything we do.
“Visitors are increasingly environmentally aware and engaged, so being at the forefront of sustainability within the industry is essential for our customers.
“Macdonald Hotels [through its Energy Committee, chaired by Gordon Fraser, Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director] has always championed reducing energy consumption and corporate social responsibility and this award cements our place as an industry leader.”
Lisa Wilson, Auditor at Green Tourism, said: “The team at Holyrood should be proud of achieving Gold standard, especially moving from Bronze to Silver to Gold in three assessments.”
A forward-thinking, environmentally responsible hotel group, through its ‘Room 20’ programme led by internal ‘green teams’, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on achieving ambitious, self-imposed energy saving targets.
This unwavering commitment to achieving the highest quality standards in every aspect of the business has seen Macdonald Hotels scoop numerous prestigious accolades including this Green Tourism Gold Award.