Edinburgh Hotel Attains 'Gold' Status for Green Tourism

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND--(Marketwired - Jun 5, 2013) - Reaching the "Gold" standard in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a prominent hotel in Edinburgh has been credited for setting an excellent example of commitment toward sustainability and green issues facing tourism, one of the UK's main economic forces.

Awarding the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel with the "Gold" status, Green Tourism recognises the dedication put forth by the luxury hotel near Murrayfield to make its operation sustainable while still delivering quality service and opulent accommodations. According to Green Tourism officials, the overall "Gold" rating demonstrates excellence across all areas of sustainability and acts as a beacon for other Marriott properties and hoteliers in Edinburgh to follow.

In meeting criteria for the top standard, the Edinburgh Marriott has reinstated its combined heat and power system to yield significant gas and electricity savings and has developed a very committed and enthusiastic Green Committee which has helped the site move from Silver to Gold in Green Tourism. Other notable green features include, a regular litter clean up in the area by the Edinburgh hotel team members, as well as in-room recycling bins and conservative towel and linen policies. Taking the lead among other properties in the area, this distinctive 4-Star hotel in Edinburgh has also fitted LED lighting and variable speed drives for fans and motors.

"As the auditor on site for this assessment I was impressed by the commitment of the Green Team and the sharing of the green tourism tasks to deliver clear savings in energy, waste and water across all departments. The kitchens have a new eco-friendly dishwasher and established food waste segregation and treatment which further proves the on-going nature of leading sustainable tourism in Scotland," said Jon Proctor, technical director with the Green Tourism Business Scheme. "Many of these features lie behind the scenes but one notable leading feature the customer may notice along with recycling bins is the sourcing of sustainable fish options in the menu. Given the recent high profile campaigns for more sustainable fishing it is very timely to provide these options for guests."

The hotel's Source Grill and Chats Bar & Lounge are stylish local restaurants with the Source Grill also featuring regional produce and signature steak dishes. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chats proudly serves Starbucks Coffee as well as quick bites, cocktails and other beverages, making it a popular location for gathering with family or friends.

About the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel

The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel welcomes guests with distinctive accommodations just five minutes from Edinburgh International Airport. Featuring exceptional service and lavish amenities, the hotel pampers guests with a selection of well-appointed guest rooms and suites ideal whether travelling for business or leisure. On-site amenities include a full service business centre, leisure club with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and solarium. The hotel also boasts nearly 7,000 square feet of event space ideal for corporate conferences, business meetings and elegant social gatherings.