To celebrate the partnership between Green Key and Starwood, Green Key International will publish a monthly feature of a Green Key awarded Starwood hotel. In August we showcase the Green Key awarded Le Méridien Hotel in Vienna which has been implementing various sustainability strategies, including the efforts on ensuring more food locally produced.

Several strategies and practices have been developed in order to make Le Méridien Hotel in Vienna “greener” in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability. Through collaboration with their hotel owners, suppliers and business partners, the hotel actively works to reduce the environmental impact.

In order to minimize carbon dioxide emissions due to long journeys mainly locally produced food and drinks are purchased. That is also reflected in an investigation the hotel recently did. Around 62% of the food needed for preparation of the dishes is regionally produced and comes from Austria.

“The appreciation of the food quality in Austria is way different than in other countries” says Mr. Alexander Raddatz, Chef de Cuisine at Le Méridien Vienna who pays special attention where the products originate he serves his guests. “Why obtaining products from overseas, when I can get coequal regional products of probably better quality? Of course the price might be higher but taste and flavors are even better adherent with the conscience of having reduced the carbon footprint.”