EUROPE: Radisson Hotel Group has announced two of its hotels have achieved Verified Net Zero status after meeting more than 2,000 requirements with The Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.
The two hotels – in Manchester and Oslo – have achieved 2,040 requirements of The Net Zero Methodology for Hotels, which was developed in a joint initiative between Tourism Declares, Greenview, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The methodology, which is verified by a third party, TÜV Rheinland, is supported by an Advisory Group of experts of more than 20 hotel companies with broad stakeholder consultation. You can read more about the methodology on The Alliance’s website .
The Verified Net Zero programme includes the carbon footprint from energy use (Scopes 1 & 2 as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or GHG) as well as the hotel’s operational and supply chain footprint (Scope 3). Hotels remove the remaining footprint with Nature Based Solutions.
Federico González, executive vice chairman at Radisson Hotel Group said: “Radisson Hotel Group aims to become Net Zero by 2050. While the move is easier in new build properties, the reality is that 80 per cent of the buildings that need to become Net Zero by 2050 are already built.
“We believe it is critical to move as fast as possible with these existing buildings. Today, we are demonstrating that Net Zero conversion hotels are possible. In a conversion approach, the Manchester and Oslo hotels prove that non-sustainable hotels can become high performing asset classes with a positive impact on the planet. This approach needs to be serious and verified. And we are doing so with TÜV Rheinland. These Verified Net Zero hotels bring the future forward and offer guests the pinnacle of sustainable stays.”
The existing Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre has been renovated to Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, completing its transition today.
The current Park Inn by Radisson Oslo City Centre will be renovated to Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, and will be in operation July 2025.
Actions include the use of 100 per cent renewable energy, achieved through electrification of hotels and/or the purchase of 100 per cent renewable energy for all hotel functions from heating, cooling, hot water to cooking and spa & pool facilities.
Using 100 per cent renewable energy sources means that Verified Net Zero hotels do not depend on fossil fuels for heating, cooling, hot water, and cooking. The Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre has installed heat pumps to generate hot water. Together with a fully electrified kitchen using induction cooking, the hotel is entirely eliminating gas use. Because the hotel buys 100 per cent renewable electricity, none of the electricity used at the hotel comes from fossil fuels.
The Radisson RED Oslo City Centre is powered by a combination of renewable electricity and heating provided by the city. Oslo is one of the few cities in Europe to use fully renewable energy for its district heating by using renewable heat generated from multiple sources such as city waste treatment, or data centers.
All remaining emissions are compensated using Nature Based carbon credits from carbon removal in partnership with Agreena, a soil carbon programme in Europe, supporting over 2,300 farmers to regenerate more than 4.5 million hectares of European farmland.
Inge Huijbrechts, chief sustainability & security officer at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “With the opening of our first two Verified Net Zero hotels, Radisson Hotel Group demonstrates its commitment to Net Zero 2050, and to showcasing truly sustainable hospitality. For the first time, we focus on reducing emissions from energy, operations and the supply chain.
“As we face the evolving challenge of climate change, Radisson Hotel Group is taking an essential step in reshaping the future of hospitality, one Verified Net Zero hotel at a time.”
Image supplied: The Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel