Two hotels have been awarded an internationally recognised accreditation for environmental and sustainability excellence.

Voco Oxford Thames and Voco Oxford Spires hotels are celebrating after being awarded a ‘Green Key’ accreditation for their environmental and sustainability efforts.

To achieve the recognition the hotels were assessed against 130 criteria in 13 categories, including commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their guests and their corporate social responsibility actions.

Sustainable bedding, environmentally friendly large format toiletries, commitment to reduce the use of plastic and small food items are just some of the actions Voco hotels implement as standard.

The Oxford hotels were recognised for their commitment, following the brands’ environmental strategy, as well as introducing local initiatives, such as supplying all the hotels’ electricity through renewable sources.

LED and high-performance lighting has been installed within the hotels guest rooms, public areas and back of house.

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The Green Key certificate is internationally recognised and is regarded as the sustainability hallmark for the leisure sector.

Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

The Green Key programme is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

In England the programme is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Cluster General manager of both hotels Wendy Procter said: “Sustainability is a crucial part of our business.

“It is needed from a regulatory perspective, but more so, it’s required in today’s world.

“People and businesses want to do better, and we’re delighted that our efforts have been officially recognised.

“We’re thrilled to be awarded for our efforts and add to the fantastic work that the city of Oxford has been doing, including the introduction of Britain’s first zero emission zone earlier this year.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “We are delighted to award Yoco Oxford Thames and Voco Oxford Spires the Green Key certification.

“This award proves that a luxurious stay and sustainability can go hand in hand, meaning travellers do not have to compromise to curb their carbon impact.

“The Green Key programme not only serves to recognise the specific achievements of each establishment but also to create a network within the industry for the sharing of innovation and best practice.

“It is our vision that the whole industry takes steps to reduce their carbon footprint as we strive to build back better post pandemic and decarbonise the UK economy to meet the government’s 2050 net zero target.”

For more information about the Green Keys programme visit www.greenkeyengland.co.uk or contact greenkey@keepbritaintidy.org

For more information about Voco Oxford Thames visit oxfordthames.vocohotels.com and for Voco Oxford Spires, visit oxfordspires.vocohotels.com

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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