The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh has triumphed in the WRAP Waste Reduction Challenge, sponsored by the Considerate Hoteliers Association.  The hotel was challenged to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill by at least 20% over the period of August to November 2007. 

By recycling all possible materials, including used cooking oil for bio fuel, engaging staff and donating thousands of items to charity, such as conference chairs, electric kettles and pillows, the hotel has managed to reduce its volume of waste by 50% in 2007. 

General Manager, Malcolm Rann commented: “Waste reduction, as well as energy and water management, is a priority for the hotel, and the Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh is very proud that our programme is receiving the recognition it deserves.  We are working hard to ensure that we continue to reduce our environmental impact, as well to benefit the people of Scotland.”

Alastair Hulbert of Scottish Churches House, a recipient of 100 conference chairs from the hotel in Edinburgh said: "The Scottish Churches House is very grateful to the Radisson SAS Hotel for the generous donation.  The chairs are not only useful for the new conference facility, they are also a great example of reuse and waste minimisation, a message the SCH is keen to spread to the many people who use the facilities”.

The hotel is widely recognised for its exceptional commitment to environmental and social responsibility.  In 2007 the hotel has reduced electricity use by 8.3% and natural gas usage has been cut by nearly 50% since 2005. 

The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh has a Gold award from the ‘Green Tourism Business Scheme’, as well as a Gold ‘Keep Edinburgh Clean’ Award.  Further award nominations in 2007 include:

• Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) – Honoured Finalist
• Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, Highly Commended
• Scottish Thistle Awards, Sustainable Tourism, Finalist
• National Business Awards for Scotland, Corporate Social Responsibility, Finalist
• National Business Awards for Scotland, Environmental Awareness, Finalist
• Hotel Cateys, Green Hotel of the Year, Finalist

Further Information: www.radissonsas.com.