UK hotel chain QHotels has achieved Green Tourism accreditation for all 19 of its sites, following a year of innovation and examination.
The certification, delivered by independent organisation Green Tourism, acknowledges the progress made by QHotels Collection in firstly measuring its sustainability credentials, and then taking steps to improve its business. Across the full range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures, the company has looked at ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
First steps on a decarbonisation journey
Richard Moore, group chief executive at QHotels Collection, said this was just a first step on a longer journey: “We’ve achieved Green Tourism accreditation, but it doesn’t stop here. We understand the scale of our operations and the environmental impact that comes with it, and we are committed to driving positive change by engaging employees, guests, suppliers and investors in our collective mission. We will regularly review our promises, set new targets and make fresh commitments to continually improve our impact on the environment.”
Green Tourism’s approach is to assess under three main banners – people, places and planet. Beneath this, a business is rated under more than 270 different criteria.
Under people, there are measures across links with local communities, and the company’s approach to diversity and equality in the workforce. Place looks at ways an organisation can exploit lower carbon alternatives, such as encouraging public transport use. And planet brings in considerations around waste, recycling, carbon monitoring and building efficiency.
At QHotels, new initiatives spurred on by the accreditation and measurement process have included expanding electric vehicle charging; and reducing the use of paper and single-use plastics. Procurement and purchasing has come under the microscope, looking at ways to reduce carbon, such as grouped deliveries. There has also been consideration of how hotel guests can be encouraged to be greener, saving energy and water by making small behaviour changes, such as closing windows and reusing towels.
Piloting a new emissions tracker
Green Tourism is planning to work with QHotels as it pilots a new carbon emissions tracking programme, ahead of a full rollout. The aim is to develop a robust, easy to use tool that can help hospitality businesses track their Scope 1,2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Once again, the tool is designed to help track improvements year on year – and provide information that can be used to encourage businesses of all sizes in the supply chain to join the crusade towards zero carbon.
“A Green Tourism award means that a business works responsibly, ethically and sustainably, is reducing its impact on the environment and aims to be accessible and inclusive to all visitors and staff,” said Scott MacLean, managing director of Green Tourism. “We are delighted to be able to support QHotels in this and their ongoing commitment to create more positive change for people, places and our planet.”
