Certified establishments

Establishments across Scotland currently in receipt of Green Key certification

All 10 establishments below have shown a commitment to the Green Key programme and met all the criteria required for their first year of the certification. You can find out more about the Green Key criteria here.

In addition, we are delighted to share some examples of practical and innovative ways that applicants have improved the sustainability of their operations.

Seven Marriott Hotels in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh have secured Green Key certification. 

Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport

• Re-scheduled staff shift times to coincide with local bus timetable to encourage/support the use of public transport.
• Water jugs (water, ice and sliced fruit) served with breakfast is topped up with water and used by staff throughout the day.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Aberdeen

• Green Key information and criteria is covered during the staff induction, and shared with staff on their notice board.

Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen

• The staffing model employed has allowed an open-door policy, empowering staff to have input in environmental sustainability.
• No plastic bottles sold or water coolers in place. Instead bar/reception staff refill water jugs for guests to use throughout the day.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh

• Excellent track record of investing in technology early such as EV charging points and energy-saving LED lighting.
• Use a Vito oil machine to extend the life of oil by 350%.
• Excellent energy management due to a close working relationship between the head of maintenance and the general manager.

Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh

• The daily staff huddle is used as a training platform to cover sustainability initiatives and commitments.
• The hotel is modular-built, with new energy and building management systems installed.
• Lightbulbs are energy-saving models as standard, but an audit has identified scope to upgrade to even more efficient LED lighting.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

• Balancing guest expectations, brand image, and implementing new sustainable ways of working is challenging, but they have already adapted well and identified opportunities for shared learning by working alongside other Marriotts with the same brand concept.
• Swapped out paper napkins at the bar with branded reusable coasters to reduce waste. This is great example of how a luxury hotel can transform to being more sustainable and enhance the 5-star brand image.
• The Marriott E-Compendium is an online guest directory in use that includes access to information on sustainability initiatives.
• Positioning/promoting themselves in Edinburgh’s event/corporate market as a green/sustainable hotel to host an event

Glasgow Marriott Hotel

• Long development period of Green Key has resulted in a well informed and sustainability-focused work culture.
• Issues a pre-arrival letter to guests covering sustainability initiatives, Marriott policy regarding the cleaning of bed sheets, and towels, and making guests aware the hotel is located within the boundary of Glasgow Low Emission Zone, and to check car compliance before travelling by car. A simple addition but can easily be adopted by any hotel
• A folder is kept at the front desk to help guests locate, and travel to nearby green spaces in the local area and further into Scotland.

“Our hotel teams at Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport, Delta Hotels by Marriott Aberdeen, Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Marriott Hotel have worked hard over the last year to implement the changes to meet Green Key criteria and we are delighted that they are all now certified.  Marriott strives to make change and move forward in minimising environmental footprint, sourcing responsibly and supporting local community.  The Green Key certificates are part of our commitment to serve our world and demonstrate to our guests the changes we are implementing for the better.” 

Tristan Nesbitt | Cluster General Manager for Scotland & North East England for Marriott.

voco Grand Central Hotel, an IHG Hotel in Glasgow has secured Green Key certification. 

voco Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

Voco encourages sustainability at all levels of the organisation, with initiatives with less than a five-year payback period usually approved immediately. That has informed the positive culture and management of the GCH and takes its sustainability commitments seriously.

• Bottled water has been replaced by a water filtering system and glass bottles, both in in guest rooms, and at events.
• Physical menus have been replaced by a QR code in the bar and restaurant.
• The hotel offers to showcase sustainable working methods with potential clients and are positioning themselves in Glasgow event market as a sustainable/environmentally friendly hotel.

“The team at voco Grand Central Glasgow are delighted to have received the Green Key certificate for 2023. Arguably the highest standard of sustainable certification in the hospitality industry, Green Key certified establishments must meet a complex but important set of environmental requirements, proving that they truly are committed to a greener future. After years of hard work improving the sustainability of our operations right across the hotel, it is fantastic to see our efforts pay off in such a big way. There is so much more to do, but achieving this certificate is a clear sign that we are on the right path.”

Mafalda Albuquerque | General Manager at voco Grand Central Hotel

• Extremely high levels of staff engagement in environmental management and an open-door policy that has encouraged staff input.
• Bed sheets and towels are kept for the duration of a stay, rather than being changed daily. This has been extended to towels for the swimming pool.
• To enhance nature and biodiversity, bird boxes and minibeast hotels are well placed throughout the site. There are well no-mow areas and wildflower meadows.
• Signage at the entrance to reception highlights the bird life which might be spotted whilst guests are staying.

“We are so pleased to receive the Green accreditation status. This accolade serves as a well-deserved recognition of all the hard work of our team here at Brunston Castle; not only to ensure that our guests continue to benefit from an unrivalled guest experience, but to minimise the impact of their holidays on the stunning environment that surrounds us.

Landal Brunston Castle is situated in one of Scotland’s most picturesque, diverse regions, so it is vital to ensure that we are going above and beyond to preserve this beautiful corner of the country for all guests and generations to come. We look forward to building on our sustainability efforts over the coming years, in the knowledge that Landal Brunston Castle continuously strives to maintain its position as one of the country’s leading and environmentally friendly resorts.”

Eileen Paton | Landal Brunston Castle.