Green accolades for London tourism businesses

Green Tourism for London (GTL), which was launched a year ago by the London Development Agency (LDA), claims to now have 100 businesses going through or joining the scheme and provides free advice, benchmarking and back up to improve its members’ environmental performance.

In all, 23 companies will receive gold, silver or bronze awards at the ceremony to be held at London’s Excel. They include The O2, London Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Claridge's, Sheraton Belgravia, Marriott Bexleyheath, Ramada Encore London West, Crowne Plaza City and Arcola Theatre.

In the case of Ramada, which has adopted the scheme nationally and plans to have all 40 of its hotels approved to Bronze level standard, as a first step, by the end of the year, the company has report a £1million saving in its energy bills to date, according to GTL.

“All business joining the scheme report a significant drop in energy consumption, in some cases by up to 30 per cent,” said a spokesperson for GTL. “They also acknowledge the competitive advantage that joining the scheme gives them, particularly those hotels in the business market.”

Energy use at hotels and visitor accommodation in London results in the emission of about 0.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year – the London total is 44 million tonnes – with heating and lighting accounting for the majority of energy use (68 per cent).

Green Tourism London is part of a wider action by London to meet a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2025. London is responsible for eight per cent of the UK’s total CO2 emissions but given London's forecast economic and population growth, this could increase to 15 per cent by 2025, unless action is taken.

As well as improving their own environmental performance, GTL members have to work with London’s existing sustainable development plans on energy, waste, transport, water, food, noise, biodiversity, air quality, walking and cycling and have to help promote the capital as a sustainable destination by promoting local green spaces, food, events, cultural activities and public transport.

“In signing up to the Green Tourism for London scheme these hotels and attractions are not only doing their bit for the environment but are making huge savings in their energy and water costs,” said Deborah Evans, LDA senior tourism development officer. “I encourage all tourism businesses across the capital to get assessed, earn their awards and help London to lead the way in tackling global climate change.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who backs the scheme, said: “Becoming more energy efficient is a win-win for these businesses as it both saves money on bills and attracts a growing army of customers who are keen to spend money in places that are helping to protect our environment.”