Green light for hotel's new post

By Angie Brown
Edinburgh and East reporter, BBC Scotland news website

Alexandra Hammond recycles the hotel's cardboard

An Edinburgh hotel is believed to be the first in Scotland to hire its own full-time environmental advisor.

The position's key remit is to promote responsible environmental practice and reduce the Radisson SAS Hotel's environmental impact.

Environmental advocates have applauded the move.

The hotel's landfill waste has been cut by 50% since the post, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, waste reduction and water savings, was created.

A cardboard baler and industrial can crusher for recycling have been installed in the hotel.

Electricity use has been reduced by 20% through the use of energy-efficient lighting in the hotel, and an efficient timer controlled air conditioning system has been fitted.

No-one in hospitality has done this before Radisson SAS Edinburgh General manager

The system has reduced natural gas use by more than 30%. The hotel has further targets of 5% reductions in energy, linen, natural gas and water use this year.

Alexandra Hammond, 25, was appointed to the role in January.

She plans to implement recommendations made by recent audits of the hotel performed by the Carbon Trust and the Business Environment Partnership, as well as train the 140 staff in ways they can help reduce the hotel's environmental impact.

She will also lead the hotel's effort to secure accreditation from the Green Tourism Business Scheme this year.

Alexandra uses the baler she bought on behalf of the hotel

She said: "The hotel's commitment to hire me shows a big push towards environmental issues.

"It really makes a big difference to have a full-time employee dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the hotel.

"I feel it is the future for businesses in Scotland to incorporate a role such as mine in order to develop significant environmental benefits and cost savings."

Malcolm Rann, general manager of the hotel, said: "No-one in hospitality has done this before.

"Most hotels ask their staff to split their time between their original job and promoting the environment.

"Alexandra's role is different - she is fully dedicated to taking forward environmental initiatives, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, waste reduction and water savings."

'Shown a commitment'

He added: "Our hotel is deeply committed to the environment and by hiring a full-time responsible business consultant, we are able to take concrete steps towards a dramatic reduction in the hotel's environmental impact."

Zoe Stirton at the Business Environment Partnership said: "The Radisson SAS in Edinburgh has long shown a commitment to the environment.

"By hiring a responsible business consultant, the hotel furthers demonstrates that the environment is a priority for this hotel.

"The Business Environment Partnership strongly endorses these proactive measures."