Voco Hotels in Oxford awarded their first Green Key award
voco Oxford Thames and voco Oxford Spires hotels, are celebrating after being awarded Green Key accreditation for their environmental and sustainability efforts.
To achieve the recognition the hotels were assessed against 130 criteria in 13 categories, including commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their guests and their corporate social responsibility actions. Sustainable bedding, environmentally friendly large format toiletries, commitment to reduce the use of plastic and small food items are just some of the actions voco hotels implement as standard.
The Oxford hotels were recognised for their commitment, following the brands’ environmental strategy, as well as introducing local initiatives, such as supplying all of the hotels’ electric through renewable sources. LED and high-performance lighting has been installed within the hotels guest rooms, public areas and back of house.
At Oxford Thames the hotel also has three mains powered electric vehicle charges available for guests. The team also ensure all its staff are trained in local walks too, to encourage less use of vehicles when staying in Oxford.
The Green Key certificate is internationally recognised and is regarded as the sustainability hallmark for the leisure sector. Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. The Green Key programme is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In England the programme is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
The Oxford voco hotels join over 3,500 establishments across the globe who have also met the stringent criteria of the award.
Wendy Procter, Cluster General Manager of both hotels, said: “Sustainability is a crucial part of our business. It is needed from a regulatory perspective, but more so, it’s required in today’s world. People and businesses want to do better, and we’re delighted that our efforts have been officially recognised.
“We’re thrilled to be awarded for our efforts and add to the fantastic work that the city of Oxford has been doing, including the introduction of Britain’s first zero emission zone earlier this year”
Allison Ogden-Newton, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to award voco Oxford Thames and voco Oxford Spires the Green Key certification. This award proves that a luxurious stay and sustainability can go hand in hand, meaning travellers do not have to compromise to curb their carbon impact. The Green Key programme not only serves to recognise the specific achievements of each establishment but also to create a network within the industry for the sharing of innovation and best practice.
“It is our vision that the whole industry takes steps to reduce their carbon footprint as we strive to Build Back Better post pandemic and decarbonise the UK economy to meet the government’s 2050 net zero target.”
For more information about the Green Key programme visit www.greenkeyengland.co.uk or contact greenkey@keepbritaintidy.org For more information about voco Oxford Thames visit oxfordthames.vocohotels.com/sustainability and for voco Oxford Spires, visit oxfordspires.vocohotels.com/sustainability