Tourism establishments across Scotland awarded leading eco-certificate

Major hotels, tourist attraction and holiday park secure Green Key certification

Twenty-one new tourism establishments from across Scotland have been announced as the recipients of the coveted Green Key eco-certificate.

Following audits by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, the 21 new recipients join five others, taking the total in Scotland to 26.

A Green Key eco-certificate has been the leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry since 1994 – and launched in Scotland in 2021.

It is operated across Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and licensed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The establishments achieving Green Key for the first time are:

• Hotel Co 51
• AC Marriott Inverness
• Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC
• Moxy Glasgow SEC
• Moxy Aberdeen Airport
• Moxy Edinburgh Airport
• Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
• Valor
  • Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
• Accor and Aimbridge
  • Mercure Perth Hotel
• Gleneagles
  • Gleneagles
  • Gleneagles Townhouse
• The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust
  • The Royal Yacht Britannia
  •  Fingal

The establishments successful in meeting the Green Key criteria for the second year are:

• Marriot Hotels
  • Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh
  • Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
  • Glasgow Marriott Hotel
• IHG
  • voco Grand Central Hotel
• Landal GreenParks
  • Brunston Castle
• Glasgow Science Centre

Jamie Ormiston, Training and Accreditation Coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We congratulate all of the establishments across Scotland receiving Green Key certification for the first time and those who have met the criteria for a second year.

“These establishments join a prestigious group, not only in Scotland but across the world, who lead the way in sustainable tourism.

“Our highly skilled team of staff and auditors can help support your establishment’s journey to becoming more environmentally friendly, as well as advice on financial savings. I encourage you to get in touch with us today to start your sustainability journey.”

Mo Mands, Gleneagles’ Director of Sustainability, said: "We're thrilled to have been awarded Green Key Certification, the leading global standard for environmental excellence and sustainable operations within the tourism and hospitality industry. We’re committed to ensuring our impact on the world is a positive one, by minimising our carbon footprint; preserving natural assets for future generations; and making a difference in our local community and beyond.  We know we have a long way to go, and are only at the start of that journey, but it’s a journey we’re proud to be taking."

Eileen Paton, Landal Brunston Castle, said: “We are so pleased to receive the Green Key accreditation status. This accolade serves as a well-deserved recognition of all the hard work of our team here at Brunston Castle; not only to ensure that our guests continue to benefit from an unrivalled guest experience, but to minimise the impact of their holidays on the stunning environment that surrounds us.

“Landal Brunston Castle is situated in one of Scotland’s most picturesque, diverse regions, so it is vital to ensure that we are going above and beyond to preserve this beautiful corner of the country for all guests and generations to come. We look forward to building on our sustainability efforts over the coming years, in the knowledge that Landal Brunston Castle continuously strives to maintain its position as one of the country’s leading and environmentally friendly resorts.”

Dr Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive Officer at Glasgow Science Centre, said: "As the first visitor attraction in Scotland to be awarded the coveted status, we are proud to have retained our Green Key certification for another year.  This is a long-term commitment, and we are very pleased that the national jury has recognised our on-going efforts.

“It's our mission at the Science Centre to use our unique position to inform and educate people about climate change and empower them to be advocates for action. We therefore consider it vital that we set an example through our own business practices and the work we do with our partners to enhance the environmental sustainability of our local area."

Through Green Key, Keep Scotland Beautiful offer a comprehensive in-person audit of premises and additional support to help tourism establishments achieve year-on-year environmental improvements and reduce climate-change-causing greenhouse gas emissions. From energy use in hotel rooms and laundry, to food waste in kitchens, to how employees work day-to-day are all areas they offer advice on through the audit process.

The Green Key audit also provides an ideal opportunity to access advice on how to make financial savings, such as through more efficient use of energy and resources - vital with the current high level of operating costs.

Green Key is open to a wide range of establishments including hotels, visitor attractions, conference centres, campsites and restaurants and helps them meet global environmental standards recognised by the UN World Tourism Organisation.

Find out more about how to apply for Green Key and other assistance Keep Scotland Beautiful offer at Green Key | Keep Scotland Beautiful.