Four hotels located in Edinburgh and Glasgow have obtained the coveted international Green Key eco-certificate following audits by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The establishments successful in meeting the Green Key criteria all demonstrated their sustainability credentials and a commitment to improving environmental practices against 13 set criteria areas.
The certified hotels include:
Novotel Edinburgh Park
Motel One Glasgow
Motel One Edinburgh-Princes
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
The CEO of the National Operator for the Green Key programme in Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Barry Fisher, said:
“I’d like to congratulate all the newly accredited Green Key establishments. They join a prestigious collection of others in Scotland, leading the way in sustainable tourism, and join a family of thousands globally.
It’s particularly encouraging to see Motel One locating key hotels in city centre locations promoting sustainable travel and using local produce, such as cheeses, milk, and crisps, where possible.
Additionally, the ‘Go Green, Skip the Clean’ Accor initiative used by Novotel allows guests to collect points on loyalty cards for opting out of the in-room cleaning service if staying for two days or more.
Both hotel groups are trialling innovative initiatives to increase their sustainability credentials, which is heartening to see.”
As part of the Green Key accreditation process tourism establishments are offered a comprehensive in-person audit of premises and additional support to help achieve year-on-year environmental improvements and reduce climate-change-causing greenhouse gas emissions. From energy use in hotel rooms and laundry to food waste in kitchens, to how employees work day-to-day - all are areas where advice is offered through the audit process.
A Green Key audit also provides access to advice on how to make financial savings, such as through more efficient use of energy and resources - vital with the current high level of operating costs.
Green Key is a way to help businesses showcase their green credentials to a large pool of environmentally conscious consumers.
Ciprian Uivarosan, Operations Manager at Novotel, said:
“At Novotel Edinburgh Park, the Green Key accreditation symbolises our dedication to offering guests an elevated hospitality experience that champions sustainability. Your stay with us isn't just a getaway — it's an opportunity to indulge in comfort while supporting our eco-friendly initiatives.”
Member of the National Green Key Jury, Riddell Graham, commented:
“My congratulations go to the newly eco-certified Green Key sites. It is great to see new hotels coming forward to join the international Green Key family with inspiring and innovative solutions to the challenges they face.
I would encourage tourism establishments across Scotland to use the framework as a pathway to environmental excellence and sustainable operation and look forward to seeing more applications come to the jury for consideration this year.”
Green Key certifies a wide range of establishments including hotels, visitor attractions, conference centres, campsites, and restaurants, and helps them meet global environmental standards recognised by the UN Tourism, (previously known as the UN World Tourism Organisation).
Applications for Green Key certification in Scotland receive third-party verification from an independent Green Key National Jury.
Find out more about how to apply for Green Key on the Green Key webpages.