Edwardian Hotels vision for a sustainable future

Edwardian Hotels have let us know how they promote and achieve sustainability at their hotels in London and their vision for the future.

It’s not an easy task, but they continuously review and evolve their practices, partnerships and behaviour with the aim of creating a better future. It’s also in the best interest of guests, conference delegates and staff. As a result, in 2018, all Edwardian Hotels London properties were certified Gold Standard by Green Tourism Award.

Their four key initiatives look at:

• Reduction in the use of energy
• Minimise the carbon footprint
• Decrease the use of water
• Lessen food wastage

Carbon Emissions

Edwardian Hotels’ targets in this area are:

• Between 2009 and 2016 the group reduced carbon emissions by 26.7%, against a target of 20%
• Between 2016 and 2018 that figure increased to 30.7%, an increase of 4%
• The company has a partnership with Tesla, promoting electric cars. Electric charging points have been installed at the Heathrow and New Providence Wharf properties, offering complimentary charging to guests

Reducing Single-Use

• Edwardian Hotels London was one of the first hotel groups to introduce refillable shampoo, conditioner and soap in bedrooms, public and staff areas to reduce single use plastic
• They are looking at alternative products and packaging to reduce plastic further
• Most items in the event areas are re-usable and any items which can be recycled are done so automatically
• Any polystyrene is sent to recycling and used to create insulation

In the wake of COVID-19, products are being reviewed to ensure they are hygienic as well as environmentally friendly wherever possible.

Reducing Waste

• General waste has been reduced by 20% compared with 2016 and each property is aiming to reduce water use by 4% against 2018 consumption
• The target set by the Mayor of London is to recycle 75% by 2025 and card, paper, cans, plastic bottles, glass and mixed plastics are recycled. Food waste is collected separately
• Edwardian Hotels use Globechain, a marketplace for unneeded items.
• The group uses GSC certified paper

Food and Beverage

• Produce and food waste is constantly reviewed
• Local products are used where possible
• Coffee beans are collected and Nespresso machine pods are recycled
• Meetings, conferences and events
• Delegates are encouraged to use public transport
• Items in the meeting rooms are re-usable or recyclable
• Menus use locally sourced ingredients where possible

Charities

Cancer Research UK is the group’s corporate charity. In addition, the bars and restaurants support Springboard and each hotel has local charity partnerships.

The Londoner

• When this hotel opens in Leicester Square, it will have achieved:
• 30% less carbon usage that the regulations demand
• CHP and LED lighting
• A £175m Green Loan from HSBC. This is the first loan in this sector to encourage and facilitate environmentally friendly activity
• ‘Excellent’ Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method rating, to sent high standards for the procurement, design, construction and operation of new developments
• And it will have a liquid film that reduces evaporation and energy loss from the swimming pool

For more information about the individual Edwardian Hotels, search on www.edgevenues.com.