By Angela Green, Content Executive, H&C News: Hotel chain increases sustainable action across portfolio.
Hotel News is sponsored by HotelPartner UK
Boutique hotel chain The Eden Hotel Collection has hit its green targets after preventing 100% of its waste from going to land fill over the past year, and is now taking steps to become Green Tourism accredited across the group.
The Eden Hotel Collection recycled 313 tonnes of waste across all of its hotels in 2022, 30% of which has been directly recycled, while half has been converted into renewable energy through incineration, and 20 per cent has seen food waste anaerobically digested, a process in which bacteria break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
It is now kick-starting the year with the launch of new ‘Green Champions’ at every hotel as part of plans for all Eden hotels to become Green Tourism accredited in 2023 – an industry respected award which recognises the commitment of tourism businesses working to become more sustainable.
Jayne O’Malley, Group Operations Manager at The Eden Hotel Collection, who is leading on its green initiatives, said: “We are so proud of the work that has taken place across the Group over the past 12 months and we’re really looking to build on that in 2023.
“We are aiming to be a collection of environmentally responsible hotels, providing intelligent luxury and to assist in achieving a cleaner, safer and healthier world for ourselves, our families and that of future generations.
“The launch of our Green Champions is an important next step as we work towards achieving Green Tourism accreditation across the Group, and – by working with our team, suppliers, and guests – this will help to improve our practices and fully integrate our environmental targets into our day-to-day operation.”
One team member at each of Eden’s hotels has volunteered to become their hotel’s designated ‘Green Champion’, who is responsible for leading on sustainability initiatives which make positive changes in their place of work.
Some of the changes already introduced include using more energy-efficient light bulbs, prioritising local produce, and reducing the amount of paper printed by emailing guests their bills and moving certain forms to digital only.
Through a partnership with The Carbon Trust in collaboration with 1st Waste Management Consultants, the company has also invested in tree planting and wind turbine projects in the UK.
The Eden Hotel Collection Head Office is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and has hotels across the country, including Bovey Castle in Devon, The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham, Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington, and The Arden Hotel in Stratford.