Highland Hotel Wins World Sustainable Energy Prize
Glen Mhor co-owner and Sustainability Director, Victoria Erasmus (2nd from right) collects the prize from Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President of World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards in Belize.
-Inverness business flies flag at global event-
A Scottish Highland hotel has become the only UK business to land a major global Green award for a pioneering £8m Energy Centre and for ‘setting a benchmark’ for sustainability.
The family-run Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness was recognised at a special ceremony in the rainforest of Belize, marking the inaugural World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards.
The Hotel, also incorporating Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery, was given a special commendation award in the World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative category.
It had also been shortlisted in the World Leading Sustainable Water and Waste Innovation and World’s Leading Sustainable Employer categories.
Judges said the accolade recognised how the Glen Mhor was leading the path towards a net positive future for the travel industry by embedding sustainability across all of its operations.
As well as developing the first Water Source Energy solution Centre of its kind in 2021, the business has developed an ambitious Climate Action Plan and embedded ground-breaking Fair Work and inclusion policies.
Co-Owner and Sustainability Director, Victoria Erasmus, attended the ceremony to collect the prize, explaining Glen Mhor’s operating vision to fellow attendees in San Ignacio.
Winners were given guided insights into the Inca Trails and Mayan culture whilst learning how the travel and hospitality sectors were adapting towards ambitious climate change mitigation targets.
“The judges and hosts were impressed by how sustainability was embedded in what we do, across the business, and the sheer scale of that; how committed we had been in transforming the business around sustainability, Fair Work and inclusion,” Victoria said.
“It was a real honour to represent a family business amongst some of the leading names in hospitality in the world, as well as representing Scotland and the UK.
“Personally, it was an amazing learning experience, from a CPD perspective, and there is so much to bring back from it.
“Some of the initiatives going on around the world are truly remarkable and I am even more determined, now, to use that experience to adapt our own climate action plan and to take that to the next level.”
The 126-room hotel, situated on the banks of the River Ness, removes 250 tonnes of carbon per year through its on-site water source Sustainability Centre, which also powers the production of single highland malt whisky and craft beer.
The adoption of Solar PV solutions further reduces reliance on fossil fuels, with the business aiming to be completely gas-free by the end of this year.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Congratulations to Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile Distillery and Brewery for its ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative 2024’ Special Commendation.
“This remarkable achievement reflects how the company is setting the benchmark in sustainable practices and leading the way in creating a net positive future for the travel industry. The commitment and vision of the entire team serve as an inspiration to us all.”
The Glen Mhor’s 146 employees now hold individual Green job titles, reflecting their commitment to fair work and inclusion, which was recognised at the global event.
The company has also introduced sensory recruitment practices and programmes to promote positive mental well-being across the business in recent years.
