Published: 26 October 2007
London Hotels to Go Green
London's hotels, guest houses, venues and attractions are set to earn awards according to their environmental performance under a new programme launched by the London Development Agency.
The Green Tourism for London (GTL) scheme will grade businesses as bronze, silver or gold based on their environment policies and practices.
Independent auditors will use 150 separate measures of sustainability, including use of energy and water, as well as waste disposal and purchasing procedures.
The awards also recognise businesses that actively promote public transport, local cultural activities and London's open spaces.
Following research from VisitBritain showing that 31% of holiday makers take sustainability issues into account when planning their trip, the new grading scheme will help tourists to identify which businesses are doing their bit for the environment and supporting London initiatives.
To kick-start the scheme, the LDA will give the first 150 eligible businesses a discount of 50% off their joining fees.
Accommodation businesses must also participate in the quality schemes run by either VisitBritain or the AA to apply.
Ramada Jarvis Director, Calum Ross said:
"For us it's a commercial as well as a sustainability issue.
Using the scheme criteria we can identify £1m savings across the group for this year alone - more than 20% of our energy bills. And there is huge competitive advantage in having an independently audited award that tells consumers what we are trying to do.
This scheme is worth its weight in gold.'
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said:
“We all need to take action if we are to prevent catastrophic climate change.
The Green Tourism for London accreditation scheme is a great way for businesses to play their part in cutting emissions.
Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and Green Tourism for London will allow visitors to choose the greenest possible options during their stay”.
Chief Executive of the LDA Manny Lewis said:
"The LDA is committed to getting businesses to become more conscious of their energy consumption and assist in our fight against climate change.
Our Green Tourism for London scheme will not only help tourists identify hotels that have worked hard to reduce their carbon footprint, but will also assist businesses in saving up to thirty per cent on their energy bills.
It's a win win situation that's great news for the capital."
Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said:
"Climate change is perhaps the most critical issue facing the planet today. London's leadership in tackling the issue needs to cross all sectors and tourism is no exception.
Visit London, together with the LDA, is committed to minimising London's carbon footprint and today's initiative is one of several which we will introducing over the coming months as part of our climate change action plan for tourism.
The Green Tourism for London programme provides critical assistance to the capital's accommodation sector and ensures London continues to lead the way on initiatives to tackle climate change”.
Energy use at hotels and visitor accommodation in London results in the emission of about 0.7 m tonnes per year (the London total is 44 m tonnes).
Heating & lighting are the largest contributors (68%). A small reduction in emissions would make a significant contribution to reducing London's carbon footprint. Car transport accounts for 110 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre compared to 80 for bus and 60 for rail and underground (Transport for London).
Businesses wishing to enter the scheme can call Green Business UK on 0845 863 0770 or email london@greenbusiness.co.uk to request an application pack.
Members of GTL receive on-line support including news and downloadable newsletters, bulletin board and discount offers and a members' area with technical information on energy efficiency, waste minimisation and water conservation.
Members have access to case studies, examples of wording for environmental policies, customer questionnaires, staff awareness programmes and also receive free half-day workshops.
Cost savings: Businesses that develop a simple environmental policy after an advisory visit can typically achieve 30% savings in energy bills with small investment and can reduce the amount going to landfill by up to 50% per year.
Eligibility: The LDA subsidy is not available to premises that are owned by a major international hotel chain or any business which has already exceeded the state aid limits of 200,000 euros (approx £130,000) over the past three years.
These businesses can still join Green Tourism for London, but they will pay the full commercial fees.
Further information
Green Business
Green Tourism for London : LDA
VisitBritain
Visit London
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