Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in London

With an inherent focus on sustainable hospitality, Sofitel London St James has made remarkable strides in eco-conscious practices. A significant achievement in 2022 was the complete removal of all single-use plastics from the rooms, contributing to a dramatic reduction in plastic waste. The hotel's steadfast commitment to sustainability doesn't end there, with continuous efforts to reduce single-use plastic throughout all of the hotel's operations.

Concurrently, Sofitel London St James is dedicated to effective waste management and keen on raising environmental awareness among both employees and guests. The hotel's ongoing sustainability journey has a significant milestone set for 2023 - achieving the Green Key Certification, a globally recognized eco-label that advocates environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourism sector. In the heart of London, Sofitel St James stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury hospitality, making genuine strides towards a more environmentally responsible future.

The Langham London shines as an example of environmentally-conscious hospitality, committed to minimizing its operating footprint with sustainable policies and initiatives. As an integral part of the local community, The Langham, London also engages its staff in an annual community involvement programme, offering volunteer opportunities to strengthen local ties. Recognizing the importance of global sustainability, The Langham, London is dedicated to improving its eco-friendly measures to safeguard our world for generations to come.

The hotel's efforts in sustainability have not gone unnoticed. It proudly holds a Platinum certification from EarthCheck, a global certification body that annually audits and monitors environmental and sustainability performance. In 2020, it became the first UK hotel and the first 5-star hotel in Europe to achieve this esteemed certification. Additionally, the hotel adopts various sustainable practices, including the use of energy-efficient lighting, auto-detect urinals, biodegradable cleaning products, dual-flush toilets, and maximization of natural lighting. In an effort to reduce waste, The Langham, London donates used furniture, further exemplifying its dedication to sustainable practices.

One Aldwych, since its establishment in 1998, has placed paramount importance on sustainability, consistently innovating with energy saving, heat reclaim, and water efficiency features. A notable environmental measure the hotel has taken is the installation of the EVAC drainage system, a highly efficient mechanism that conserves water by reducing consumption by 70% compared to conventional systems. This commitment to eco-conscious operation extends to its responsibility towards the environment, staff, and local community, and is validated by the hotel's proud membership with the Considerate Group.

The passion for sustainability is evident in the hotel's diverse eco-friendly initiatives. New rooftop beehives and a bee-friendly garden contribute to urban bee health, while a chlorine-free pool operates with a mineral-based cleaning system. The hotel's comprehensive recycling policy emphasizes reducing, reusing, and recycling, with specific measures like the removal of all plastic straws and stirrers, and the use of a glass crusher to recycle bottles into 'glassphalt' and concrete. A unique in-house water filtration and bottling plant eradicates the need for single-use bottles and cuts down on carbon emissions linked to water transport.

Energy management is reinforced through LED lighting and selection of energy-efficient equipment. Their purchasing policy gives preference to organic, sustainable, low energy, and ethical products. The hotel's food waste is composted on a farm where vegetables for the hotel's restaurant are grown, thereby promoting a table-to-farm-to-table dining concept. Amenities in rooms are natural, paraben-free, and come in biodegradable packaging. As a part of their commitment to social responsibility, they also support independent charities such as StreetSmart and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

As the first hotel in the United Kingdom to be Green Globe certified, Hotel Café Royal sets a high standard in sustainable luxury hospitality. The Green Globe certification signifies that the hotel meets extensive, internationally-accepted sustainability criteria, a feat achieved by Hotel Café Royal in 2023. The hotel's commitment to sustainable practice spans across several core functions, and is underpinned by a comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan which outlines six key commitments.

Hotel Café Royal takes significant steps in energy efficiency to reduce its emissions and energy consumption. This is accomplished through guest room management systems and smart sensors in rooms and suites, as well as a Building Management System for public areas. Water conservation efforts include water flow reducers in faucets and showers, a linen and towel reuse program, and a timed irrigation system for plants. The hotel's waste management plan is a fundamental element of their eco-friendly operations, focusing on reducing single-use items, providing digital resources, and using non-disposable table linen and hand towels. Sustainable sourcing is another priority, with the hotel using fair-trade, eco-labelled, organic, and locally-sourced products wherever possible.

The Ritz London has laid a strong emphasis on minimizing its environmental impact through a variety of practices. The establishment aims for an annual 3% reduction in energy use and has implemented measures such as the use of double-glazed windows, thermal testing, replacement of gas appliances with an all-electric system, and the use of green electricity. Energy-efficient LED bulbs have replaced more than 5500 lamps in guest bedrooms and corridors, contributing significantly to energy conservation. The Ritz has also installed slow-flow showerheads, pressure-reducing systems, and other features to minimize water usage. Committed to responsible waste management, the hotel recycles paper, cardboard, glass, and food, working towards a zero-waste-to-landfill policy.

The Ritz extends its environmental responsibilities to community support as well, partnering with the charity CleanConscience to recycle toiletries and donate them to UK charities and international aid organizations. The Ritz London's commitment to sustainability is further exemplified through its food and drink policy, which prioritizes fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. To control air pollution, vehicles are not allowed to keep engines running during deliveries. Further, to support the crucial role of bees in the ecosystem, the Ritz London maintains three beehives. The honey produced is used in the Ritz kitchen, while the establishment works in tandem with Green Park to plant more bee-friendly forage. The Ritz's efforts have earned it a Gold award from Green Tourism and an association with EarthCheck, the world's leading scientific benchmarking and advisory group for travel and tourism.