Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa is celebrating having been awarded its prestigious Green Key Certification reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. The Green Key certificate is a leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious certificate represents a commitment by businesses that their establishment adheres to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education and highlights the establishments’ efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible business.

Over 4,000 establishments across 60+ countries hold a Green Key. To achieve the award, establishments are assessed against 130 criteria in 13 categories. Each application is assessed by an independent panel before being awarded. Green Key is one of the 5 programmes managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programmes are recognised by FEE’s institutional partners including the World Tourism Organisation and UN Environment Programme.

A ‘Green Team’ was set up by the staff at the hotel which has recently implemented several initiatives to improve the ecological footprint of operations including the installation of an electric car charge point in the car park, the installation of a Monscierge screen which enables guests to email information to their phone without printing them, the use of LED lighting, dimmer switches and timers, the removal of staff waste paper bins to encourage recycling, and bedroom air conditioning controlled by a master panel to be activated only when a guest is occupying a room.

In addition, the hotel has monthly meetings, and a staff notice board both dedicated to green thinking. It uses filtered water in meeting areas and guest rooms have water in glass bottles which means 300+ plastic bottles are foregone in every guest room each year. The hotel also uses biodegradable take-away coffee cups which reduces the impact on the environment when they are correctly composted. Bathroom amenities use plant-based ingredients whose sourcing does not negatively impact their ecosystem and 75% of all chemicals have been certified by an eco-label.

Joe Davidovitz, Hotel Manager of voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re delighted to have been accredited with the Green Key for the first time. We believe in not just providing exceptional service to our guests, but also in doing so in a way that minimises our impact on the environment. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment and create a brighter future for generations to come.”

The Green Key accreditation signals to guests that voco Winchester Hotel & Spa is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of their stay and Joe added: “This is the first step in not only reducing our carbon footprint but also encouraging our guests to make more sustainable choices during their stay.

Rebranded to voco Winchester Hotel & Spa last year following a refurbishment programme at a cost of £2 million, voco hotels was voted the number 1 premium brand last year and is IHG's fastest-growing premium brand, offering a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct. The hotel, which was first built in 2010, has 131 stylish bedrooms consisting of double, twin, accessible, premium and grand rooms. Premium and grand rooms offer complimentary mini bars, Nespresso machines and bedding with filling made with 100% recyclable materials.

For more information about the Green Key Programme please visit www.greenkeyengland.co.uk. For more information about voco Winchester Hotel & Spa please visit https://winchester.vocohotels.com/

PHOTO: The team with Joe Davidovitz, Hotel Manager, holding the certificate.