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Edinburgh Reporter
22-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Green credentials shine out at Edinburgh hotel
Edinburgh hotel lands global eco-award for third consecutive year One of Edinburgh's best-known hotels has been recognised for putting planet before profit – scooping one of the world's top environmental honours for the third year running. The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has once again been awarded the prestigious Green Key certificate, a coveted international mark of excellence for sustainability in the hospitality sector. Backed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Green Key is a stamp of approval for hotels that meet and maintain the highest standards in green practice, with fewer than 8,000 holders worldwide. It's also the leading global eco-label operating in over 70 countries worldwide to support and recognise environmental excellence in hotels, restaurants and venues. Green Key provides a comprehensive framework for continual environmental improvement. While five-star hotels might not immediately be associated with eco-efficiency, the Sheraton Grand has proved that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand, earning serious recognition in the process. Martijn Zengerink, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: 'This is the third consecutive year that we've effectively demonstrated our commitment to environmental excellence. 'This recognition is much more than a certificate on the wall, it's confirmation that our team is continuously doing our part to be sustainable in every area. Our guests expect it, as do our stakeholders but most importantly, we hold ourselves accountable to these standards. 'This award is for the whole team. Every single member plays a part – whether it's measuring food waste, rethinking procurement, or simply switching off lights at the right time.' The Green Key is open to hotels, hostels, holiday parks, attractions and restaurants that want to go beyond the basics – with strict criteria covering energy use, water consumption, waste, sourcing and staff engagement. The hotel has taken bold steps to cut waste and boost green outcomes across its operations – with results that are being noticed both behind the scenes and by those booking big-ticket corporate events. One of the stand-out successes has come from teaming up with Winnow, an AI-powered food waste platform that helps commercial kitchens track what's being thrown away. Since introducing the system, the hotel has slashed food waste by 15% and seen knock-on benefits from reduced labour hours to a leaner, more efficient kitchen operation. The hotel's approach to sustainability now also extends to every touchpoint with clients – especially major businesses looking to align with like-minded venues. Martijn added: 'We've seen a real shift in conversations with corporate clients. Sustainability is now part of the negotiation. They want to know what we're doing, how we're doing it, and how it supports their own ESG goals. 'That might mean building plant-based dishes into event menus, or ensuring surplus food is redistributed rather than binned. 'We're proud to be part of a global movement that's showing the hotel industry what real sustainability looks like.' So far this year, six large-scale events have led with a plant-based first course, with another eight already in the diary. Elsewhere, the hotel has dialled down single-use plastics, rolled out energy-saving tech across rooms and back-of-house, and made water-saving changes to its spa and laundry systems. All these efforts feed into the rigorous standards set by the Green Key programme, which requires continual progress, frequent audits and full transparency. The Sheraton Grand remains one of Edinburgh's leading luxury hotels and in its 40th year is continuing to receive industry recognition. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Green credentials shine bright at Edinburgh hotel
One of Edinburgh's best-known hotels has been recognised for putting planet before profit – scooping one of the world's top environmental honours for the third year running. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has once again been awarded the prestigious Green Key certificate, a coveted international mark of excellence for sustainability in the hospitality sector. Backed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Green Key is a stamp of approval for hotels that meet and maintain the highest standards in green practice, with fewer than 8,000 holders worldwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also the leading global eco-label operating in over 70 countries worldwide to support and recognise environmental excellence in hotels, restaurants and venues. Green Key provides a comprehensive framework for continual environmental improvement. Green Key certificate awarded to The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa While five-star hotels might not immediately be associated with eco-efficiency, the Sheraton Grand has proved that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand, earning serious recognition in the process. Martijn Zengerink, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: 'This is the third consecutive year that we've effectively demonstrated our commitment to environmental excellence. 'This recognition is much more than a certificate on the wall, it's confirmation that our team is continuously doing our part to be sustainable in every area. Our guests expect it, as do our stakeholders but most importantly, we hold ourselves accountable to these standards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This award is for the whole team. Every single member plays a part - whether it's measuring food waste, rethinking procurement, or simply switching off lights at the right time.' The Green Key is open to hotels, hostels, holiday parks, attractions and restaurants that want to go beyond the basics – with strict criteria covering energy use, water consumption, waste, sourcing and staff engagement. The hotel has taken bold steps to cut waste and boost green outcomes across its operations – with results that are being noticed both behind the scenes and by those booking big-ticket corporate events. One of the stand-out successes has come from teaming up with Winnow, an AI-powered food waste platform that helps commercial kitchens track what's being thrown away. Since introducing the system, the hotel has slashed food waste by 15% and seen knock-on benefits from reduced labour hours to a leaner, more efficient kitchen operation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The hotel's approach to sustainability now also extends to every touchpoint with clients – especially major businesses looking to align with like-minded venues. Martijn added: 'We've seen a real shift in conversations with corporate clients. Sustainability is now part of the negotiation. They want to know what we're doing, how we're doing it, and how it supports their own ESG goals. 'That might mean building plant-based dishes into event menus, or ensuring surplus food is redistributed rather than binned. 'We're proud to be part of a global movement that's showing the hotel industry what real sustainability looks like.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So far this year, six large-scale events have led with a plant-based first course, with another eight already in the diary. Elsewhere, the hotel has dialled down single-use plastics, rolled out energy-saving tech across rooms and back-of-house, and made water-saving changes to its spa and laundry systems. All these efforts feed into the rigorous standards set by the Green Key programme, which requires continual progress, frequent audits and full transparency. The Sheraton Grand remains one of Edinburgh's leading luxury hotels and in its 40th year is continuing to receive industry recognition. To find out more, please visit:
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Celebrating 40 years of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
As one of Edinburgh's most iconic destinations marks a major milestone, we're taking a moment to look back on four decades of excellence at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Established in 1985, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has stood as a beacon in the heart of Edinburgh. Over the years, it has welcomed guests from around the world, played host to countless milestone events, and remained a constant presence in a city of change. Whether it's a relaxing spa break, a memorable meal, or a luxury weekend away, generations of guests have made the Sheraton part of their story. View the gallery to relive the glamour, the good times and the grand transformations that have shaped the Sheraton into one of Edinburgh's most celebrated luxury hotels. From spa experiences to unforgettable weddings, each decade is a snapshot of elegance and evolution. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This summer, guests are invited to indulge in a culinary celebration with the 40th Birthday Celebration Afternoon Tea - a playful, flavour-packed tribute to the past four decades. Available Friday to Sunday 1pm to 4pm, the Afternoon Tea is priced at £59 per person. The Sheraton Grand's OneSquare Restaurant, then known as Restaurant Cafe Beaumont. Martijn Zengerink, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: 'Reaching 40 years is a huge achievement and something we are incredibly proud to celebrate with our guests, our staff and the city we call home. 'This special Afternoon Tea brings a sense of fun and nostalgia, evoking memories of the eras we've lived through. It's a tribute to how far we've come - and a delicious way to look forward to what's still ahead.' The menu offers a time-travelling twist, with each item inspired by a different decade. With bites including a classic 80s prawn cocktail and 90s inspired Funfetti macarons. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether reliving your own fond memories of the hotel or discovering its legacy for the first time, the 40th Birthday Afternoon Tea offers a unique opportunity to toast to four decades of hospitality, flavour and flair. Construction work on the Sheraton Grand in 1985.
