Kew Green Hotels, one of the leading international hotel management companies, has been awarded a Green Accreditation for all hotels in its portfolio by the UK Meetings, Events, Conference and Events (MICE) industry leader of venue information, Venue Directory.
With one eye on tomorrow, Kew Green Hotels is committed to a Net Zero Carbon future for its whole business and its people, pledging to become Net Zero by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the Paris Accord Target. In this crucial Decade of Action, Kew Green Hotels has become Planet Mark certified by measuring and reducing its carbon footprint year on year. This Green Accreditation from Venue Directory recognises Kew Green Hotels’ ongoing commitment to reaching Net Zero.
Commenting on the accreditation, Venue Directory said “Congratulations to Kew Green Hotels on achieving its green accreditation with Planet Mark! As the industry leader providing the largest data centre of venue information to the UK MICE industry, venuedirectory.com are delighted to promote venues that demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and preserving our planet, making it easy for our corporate bookers to make informed choices on sustainable venues. We’re excited to be working with Kew Green Hotels as they progress on their sustainability journey with the target aim of becoming carbon Net Zero by 2040.”
Joanna Fisher, Group Commercial Director, Kew Green Hotels added, “We’ve listened to our customers, who are increasingly looking for robust action on sustainability, particularly in the events sector. With our hotels now being recognised as Green Accredited venues, we’re able to offer our guests increased transparency, assurances that their events are inline with accredited sustainability commitments to ensure we are delivering experiences that are fit for the future.”
Scott Armstrong, Chief Operations Officer, Planet Mark commented “Kew Green Hotels have been working closely with Planet Mark to further their sustainability credentials while working towards achieving Planet Mark certification for 2022. Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification for every type of organisation and for real estate, which recognises continuous improvement, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference.
To achieve Planet Mark Business Certification members are required to measure their Scopes 1 and 2 emissions, and a few Scope 3 categories (purchased goods and services (paper only), fuel and energy related activities (transport and distribution emissions of electricity and water), waste, and business travel). To maintain certification, Planet Mark members are required to make a minimum year-on-year reduction of 2.5% on their carbon footprint.
A full Business Certification and material Scope 3 emissions measurement of Kew Green Hotels carbon footprint was conducted using data from 2019, to help formulate a robust Net Zero target and strategy. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the business emissions for 2020 and 2021 were not considered to be representative of normal business operations and therefore it was agreed that they would aim for recertification using 2022 data.
Beyond Business Certification, Kew Green Hotels have demonstrated their commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040 by measuring their material Scope 3 emissions. This helps them to understand their complete carbon footprint, including the emissions associated with their supply chain, so they can develop a robust roadmap to reduce emissions by at least 90% by their Net Zero target date of 2040. Any unavoidable remaining emissions will then be balanced using accredited carbon removal offsetting schemes.”
As part of the race to Net Zero, Kew Green Hotels is already working on a number of initiatives. In April 2022, one tree for every employee was planted with Rewards Earth, totaling 1,200 native trees. This will offset 840 tonnes of CO2 over the trees’ lifetime – the equivalent to driving over 5 million miles in a diesel car.
Kew Green Hotels also continues to take part in regular community outreach activities with their new nominated charity partner, the Trussell Trust and other partners such as Sea Change Wine, Voluntary Support North Surrey, Birmingham City Mission and Heritage Seed Library.
In addition to Kew Green’s own initiatives, they are fully committed to operating their hotels in line with each hotel brand partners’ sustainability initiatives including:
IHG Green Engage, Hilton Travel With Purpose and Marriott Serve 360.
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