Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow - case study
Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow - case study
Radisson Blu Glasgow achieved their Green Key certificate through Green Key Scotland accreditation in December 2024 with support from Keep Scotland Beautiful and Mission : Net Zero.
We were delighted to hear more about Radisson Blu's story from Hina Rubbani-Mills, General Manager.
The hotel’s sustainability initiatives allow us to play our part in looking after the environment, whilst also making our business more economically efficient and providing assurance to our guests, who are more aware than ever about where they choose to stay based on hotels’ green policies, that they, too, are contributing positively to the wider cause . We are delighted to receive the prestigious Green Key certification, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, and we look forward to the journey ahead.
Hina Rubbani-Mills | General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow
Q. Why did you make environmental improvements a priority in your organisation?
A. At Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, owned by Pandox, sustainability is at the heart of who we are. Our commitment to environmental improvements stems from a deep-rooted belief in creating a positive impact on our planet while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Recognising the responsibility, we bear as a leading hospitality provider; we have made conscious efforts to reduce our ecological footprint through innovative practices and meaningful actions.
Achieving the prestigious Green Key certification was not just a milestone but a testament to our dedication to sustainable hospitality. From implementing energy-efficient systems and reducing waste to collaborating with local suppliers and engaging our team in eco-friendly initiatives, we strive to balance environmental stewardship with operational excellence.
By prioritising sustainability, we aim to inspire our guests, partners, and the local community to join us in protecting the environment for future generations.
Q. Why did you choose Green Key?
A. We chose Green Key because it aligns perfectly with our values at Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, managed by Axiom Hospitality, where sustainability and exceptional hospitality go hand in hand. As a globally recognised eco-label, Green Key provides a clear framework to support and enhance our environmental initiatives while holding us to the highest standards of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
The program empowers us to continuously improve, from reducing energy and water consumption to managing waste and supporting local biodiversity. Its holistic approach not only strengthens our commitment to the planet but also engages our guests and team members in making sustainable choices.
Green Key’s credibility and international reach also resonate with our global clientele, allowing us to showcase our dedication to responsible tourism. By choosing Green Key, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment while delivering outstanding guest experiences that leave a positive
Q. What were the outcomes from your Green Key certification?
A. Earning Green Key accreditation was a transformative journey that reinforced our commitment to sustainability. The process drove us to adopt and enhance numerous eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption in our showers and taps from 16 to 9 and 8 litres per minute through efficient systems, eliminating single-use plastics, and implementing comprehensive waste management programs.
We also deepened our engagement with local suppliers, prioritising seasonal and sustainable products to minimise our carbon footprint. Additionally, we fostered a culture of sustainability by training our team members and involving guests in our green initiatives, such as the towel and linen reuse program.
Through this journey, we learned the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving meaningful environmental improvements. The process also highlighted how small, consistent actions can lead to significant positive impacts. Green Key has not only elevated our sustainability efforts but also inspired our team and guests to take shared responsibility for protecting the planet.
Q. What support did Keep Scotland Beautiful provide?
A. Keep Scotland Beautiful and mission : net zero, our Sustainability Consultants provided invaluable support throughout our journey to achieve Green Key accreditation at Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow. Their expertise and guidance helped us navigate the audit process with clarity and confidence.
From the outset, their teams offered detailed resources and practical advice, ensuring we understood the criteria and requirements of the Green Key program.
During the audit process, their approachable and supportive nature made it easy to address questions and refine our strategies to meet the highest standards. Their encouragement motivated us to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of sustainability within our team.
Q. What were the benefits?
A. The sustainability initiatives at Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow have delivered impactful results, particularly in reducing our carbon footprint with Klimato, energy usage, and food waste. Through the implementation of the AI-powered Winnow system, we’ve significantly cut down food waste by monitoring and optimising food preparation processes. This has allowed us to identify areas for improvement, ensuring resources are used efficiently and waste is minimised.
Our partnership with Too Good To Go has further enhanced these efforts by allowing surplus food to be redistributed to the community, reducing waste while supporting local needs.
Energy-efficient upgrades to heating, lighting, and power systems, combined with improved insulation, have helped us lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. These initiatives have not only reduced costs but also bolstered our position as a leading sustainable hotel in the market.
Additionally, our team’s growing awareness and pride in these achievements have strengthened our collective commitment to sustainability and enhanced guest loyalty.
Q. What’s next?
A. We are excited to launch Project Green 3.0, a bold initiative aimed at elevating our sustainability practices and reducing our environmental footprint.
Key measures include installing fridge power switches in guest rooms, allowing fridges to remain off until activated by guests, and ensuring all non-essential power is off upon arrival. This empowers guests to actively participate in energy conservation.
We’re eliminating single-use plastics across the hotel and enhancing in-room amenities with sustainable alternatives. Infrastructure upgrades include energy-efficient chillers, heating systems, and new boilers, along with roof insulation to improve energy retention.
We’re also modernising lifts and introducing reheat technology for air-handling units, reducing energy consumption. Light sensors are being installed throughout the hotel to ensure energy use is optimised in all areas.
With Project Green 3.0, we’re reaffirming our commitment to sustainable hospitality and shaping a greener future for our guests, team, and planet.
By embracing these forward-thinking initiatives, we strive to set a benchmark for sustainable hospitality and provide exceptional experiences for our guests.
What's the process to apply for Green Key certification?
Please see our Green Key webpage, or get in touch with our Awards and Accreditation Co-ordinator, Jamie Ormiston, to discuss your requirements and timescales.
