Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Through a range of eco-friendly measures, we actively involve all our staff, delegates and guests in helping to achieve our green agenda.

writing in notebook

Social Responsibility

We are committed to improving our performance to safeguard the environment for future generations.

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Down river view

Environmental Policy

We are committed to improving energy and water efficiency, reducing, reusing, and recycling across the business.

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External view of Golden Jubilee Hotel

Accessibility

We take great pride in the level of accessibility our hotel provides.

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Social Responsibility

At the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel we are committed to ensuring that the environment is safeguarded for future generations and to continually improving our performance through our active environmental policy.

As a general principle, we seek to utilise a sustainable circular economy in every aspect of our business.

Through a range of eco-friendly measures, we actively involve all our staff, delegates and guests in helping to achieve our green agenda.

  • We are current Gold Members of Visit Scotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme.
  • We are a member of IACC GreenStar Scheme.
  • We were awarded the Venue Committed to Sustainability Award from Venues of Excellence in February 2020.
  • Our restaurants include locally sourced produce in their menus.
  • Wherever possible, we have removed single-use items from our services, and recycle waste, such as our used cooking oil.
  • We reduce our use of paper by using technology, e-mail and e-brochures.
  • Wherever possible, we ensure that all our purchases are made from recycled materials.
  • We monitor our heat, light and power consumption.
  • We provide video conferencing as a resource for clients who wish to reduce the need to travel to meetings.
  • Bird boxes are located in the hotel grounds for local wildlife.
  • We offer bicycles and cycling/walking routes for our guests.

Our approach has helped us provide a better quality of life for our local community, as well as for our staff and their families. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and will continue to work across the following areas to enhance our eco-friendly service:

    • In the marketplace, we have a responsibility to delegates, guests, suppliers and partners.
    • In the workplace, we are committed to what we regard as our most valuable resource – our employees.
    • In the environment, we are doing all we can to reduce our impact on the planet.
    • In the community, we are ensuring we are an active partner in the community where we operate.

http://www.green-business.co.uk/

Environmental Policy

We are committed to improving energy and water efficiency, reducing, reusing and recycling across the business, from employees to guests and suppliers.

Our environmental policy is to:

  • Develop and increase responsible purchasing methods to include sourcing products such as locally produced goods, and using suppliers that maintain ethical practices for equipment, energy and chemicals;
  • Monitor energy, water and waste levels on a monthly basis and take action where necessary;
  • Ensure the efficient use of energy, water and other resources, encouraging an 'environmentally responsible' attitude;
  • Make our guests and staff aware of environmental issues and the responsibilities they have for the environment, through regular communication by induction, meetings, training and frequent guest information;
  • Develop and maintain waste minimisation measures, including recovery and recycling activities and systems;
  • Constantly seek to improve our environmental performance; and
  • Promote the reduce, reuse and recycle ethos.

Our CSR team meets regularly to monitor and review our sustainable environment aims and achievements. This group has representatives from all departments within the hotel.

Our energy consumption will be continually monitored and we will improve our efficiencies in this area at every opportunity.

  • Low energy lighting has been installed in parts of the Hotel.
  • Air conditioning, including systems in guest bedrooms, is centrally controlled.
  • Heating and lighting can be isolated/turned off in unused areas.
  • A high efficiency boiler has been installed with regular checks made and recorded.
  • Passive Infra Red (PIR) lighting has been installed in parts of the Hotel.

We have a positive commitment to a sustainable circular economy where possible throughout the hotel.

  • Low energy LED lighting has been introduced to reduce energy.
  • All stationary is reused.
  • Cans, paper, plastic, bottles, oil, light bulbs, batteries, toner and cartridges are recycled at every occasion.
  • Guest bedrooms have recycling tags to promote recycling, reducing and reusing.
  • Use of hydration stations, including water machines to minimise water wastage.
  • Low flow showerheads fitted in bedrooms, to reduce water and energy consumption.
  • Water turned off as soon as possible.
  • Sensor taps fitted in new toilets.

The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel uses the following criteria for its sustainable purchasing :-

  • Asking suppliers for their sustainability commitment and their policy, including supporting evidence and documentation.
  • Discuss with the supplier their method of delivery and packaging.
  • Look at reducing energy and water consumption.
  • Calculate the running cost of the product.
  • Will the supplier take the goods back and recycle them? If not, consider your responsibility – the cost of disposing if it cannot be recycled.

As a purchaser we will take into account what impact it will have on the local and wider environment.

  • The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel will aim to buy environmentally and socially responsible products.
  • The welfare of animals and the environment are important to us. We aim to make a difference by buying products that show this commitment
  • We aim to reduce waste and other negative impacts on the environment.
  • Where possible we will use fair trade produce.

Sustainable purchasing should consider the environment, social and economic consequences of:

  • design;
  • non-renewable material use;
  • manufacture and production methods;
  • logistics;
  • service delivery;
  • use;
  • operation;
  • maintenance;
  • reuse;
  • recycling options;
  • disposal; and
  • suppliers' capabilities to address these issues throughout the supply chain.

Environment

    • Reduce buying, i.e. buying in bulk
    • Long life products
    • Recycled goods
    • Reduced impact
  • Be a responsible Visitor
    Conserve Energy – You can make a difference by turning down the heating or air-conditioning by just one degree. Close the window if the heating is on and remember to switch off lights and appliances whenever you leave the room.
  • Leave The Car - Give the car a rest. Try walking, cycling or using public transport. If you must make that trip in the car try car sharing.
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Try to recycle any waste or packaging by using your recycling box located in the wardrobe cupboard.
  • Be Water Wise - Please use water wisely. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and adhere to our towel policy or other water saving initiatives.
  • Respect Nature - Please respect our natural environment. Use designated footpaths and cycle ways.
  • If you are attending a conference, only print materials that are required and consider sharing a taxi when travelling to/from local train stations or airports. Green recycling bags are provided for recycling waste paper.
  • Local Produce – Our menus contain local, sustainable and organic produce; why not eat from one of our tempting menus.
  • Support Green Tourism Business Scheme – There are hundreds of businesses trying to reduce their environmental impacts through the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Businesses are awarded bronze, silver and gold for their efforts to be more environmentally responsible. See www.green-business.co.uk for more information.

Accessibility

The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel prides itself on the level of accessibility it can provide. We constantly review accessibility provision and are committed to investment in updated services and facilities.

Grounds

  • A large, secure car park (CCTV monitored) on-site for 300 vehicles. Parking is free to all Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel guests.
  • Ten designated accessible parking spaces - all at the front of the building (all are within 35 metres of the main entrance to the hotel).
  • A covered drop off point at the main entrance/ reception area.
  • Luggage assistance available on request.
  • The approach to the front entrance is a level access.
  • The main entrance has an automatic powered door.

Reception

  • A lowered section at reception desk for enquiries and registration. Complimentary use of a PC with internet access is available in this area.
  • A seating area is provided in the main reception area and the floor is level throughout.
  • The lobby and main corridor has a hard, slip resistant floor and is well lit.

Bedrooms

  • 6 accessible bedrooms out of a total of 168. All of these rooms have adjoining doors to another bedroom for the use of guests who need to have a carer nearby.
  • Vibrating pillows are available on request.

Public areas

  • Two accessible all-gender toilets in the public areas of the building.
  • A talking lift.
  • All doors, entrances and corridors are wide enough for wheelchairs, walking frames and pushchairs.
  • All corridors are well lit and level throughout.
  • All main meeting rooms have a hearing loop system installed and portable seating arrangements.

Restaurants, Bar and Lounge

  • The restaurant, bar and lounge areas are all located on the ground floor and are level throughout.
  • Chefs are able to accommodate any special dietary requirements.
  • Menus are available in large print format or alternatively staff can talk through the choice of dishes on offer.
  • All areas are spacious with a variety of seating arrangements.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

All accessible bedrooms are located close to the escape stairs, each with a refuge point.

  • All exits on the ground floor have level thresholds.
  • Assistance in the event of an evacuation is available if advance arrangements are made with reception.