Hotels across central belt awarded leading eco-certificate

Four hotels located in Edinburgh and Glasgow have scooped the coveted international Green Key eco-certificate following audits by members of #TeamKSB.

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 award-winning hotels include:

• Novotel Edinburgh Park
• Motel One Glasgow
• Motel One Edinburgh-Princes
• Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

Since 1994, the Green Key eco-certificate has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Keep Scotland Beautiful is the national operator for the programme in Scotland, which is licensed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education in more than 60 countries.

Barry Fisher, our CEO, 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 provides 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 independent National Green Key Jury Riddell Graham added: “My congratulations go to the newly eco-certified Green Key winners.  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 is open to 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 World Tourism Organisation.

Find out more about how to apply for Green Key.