The Ritz GREEN POLICY
Energy conservation and procurement
At The Ritz London, we will continue to explore strategies and technologies to reduce energy consumption. As part of our annual procurement, we exclusively acquire 100% renewable energy, which is both certified and traceable. Our approach to lighting in public areas involves minimising usage during nighttime and utilising on-time clocks wherever feasible. Currently, approximately 95% of all lighting is LED. All of our gas appliances in our kitchens have now been replaced with electric induction systems.
In 2023, we introduced an environmentally conscious option for guest room servicing, which we call ‘Just a Tidy’. This allows guests to opt out of daily towel and sheet changes, conserving energy and reducing water consumption during laundry.
Waste disposal and recycling.
The Ritz London adheres to a comprehensive waste management policy, outlining the methods of segregation, storage, collection, removal, and the destination of our waste. Currently, we segregate materials such as cardboard, glass, and mixed recyclables. Food waste is recycled into fertilisers for farming and green energy for residential use. Any non-recyclable waste falls under the general waste category and is directed to an energy recovery facility, where it contributes to both powering homes and Veolia’s fleet of electric waste vehicles. All specialised and hazardous waste is managed through licensed carriers.
Carbon Offsetting
The Ritz Hotel set an objective to offset carbon emissions from all company-related air travel from 2023. We will meticulously calculate our CO2e, purchase accredited carbon credits and retire them to projects accredited by Verified Carbon Standard or Gold Standard, the leading standards for voluntary carbon offsetting. The carbon offset projects in which The Ritz participates have a far-reaching global impact, contributing to either:
- Forestry and land use
- Renewable Energy
- Methane Capture/Avoidance
- Energy efficiency projects
Pollution control
Air – We actively promote using electric and hybrid vehicles for hotel transfers. Additionally, we offer electric car charging facilities to our guests and strictly prohibit vehicles from leaving their engines running while delivering to the premises. Furthermore, we have implemented the use of a consolidation centre for all non-perishable-related deliveries. Subsequently, a ‘zero carbon’ electric van makes twice-daily trips to deliver items to the hotel. By implementing this scheme, we have reduced the number of vehicles by approximately 30 per day.
Light – The Ritz will continue participating in the global annual Earth Hour initiative, in which all external lighting is switched off for one hour.
Thermal – All the hotel windows are double-glazed and tested annually to monitor potential energy loss.
Water – Procedures are in place to prevent environmentally hazardous waste from entering our sewer system. Our kitchens are equipped with grease traps, and we follow a planned maintenance programme to ensure the quarterly upkeep of all hotel drains.
Responsible purchasing
The Ritz London’s policy demonstrates our dedication to the environment in sourcing only fresh, seasonal ingredients from local, sustainable, and organic suppliers wherever feasible. We recognise our responsibility to retain a reduced carbon footprint, whilst continuing to serve the highest quality to our guests. For example, our meat is sourced from accredited suppliers, primarily based in the UK. Additionally, we are proud to source all our fish from the British Isles. The Ritz Restaurant offers a separate vegan menu, and fairtrade coffee that is available on request.
Volunteering and engaging in the local community
Employees of The Ritz Hotel will continue to volunteer and engage with society wherever practicable. In 2024, we established a dedicated volunteer committee, allowing staff members to actively participate and formally represent The Ritz in agreed-upon volunteering initiatives. Additionally, our Green Committee members continue their annual beach clean/litter pick in London and the South East locations.
Partnerships and Awards
The Ritz London has become the first English hotel to be acknowledged as a Sustainability Leader by Leading Hotels of The World. This recognition is given to members of the collection who have been certified according to standards aligned with the criteria of the Global Sustainability Tourism Council. It is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality, particularly in the areas of community, culture, and environmental responsibility.
The Ritz London is a member of the Worlds Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, bringing together engaged hospitality companies and the wider hospitality value chain, along with their strategic partners, we can address key challenges affecting the planet, people and places around the world.
In 2023, The Ritz Hotel renewed its membership with Green Tourism, a GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) recognised member and achieved a Gold Award following a substantial auditing process.
The Ritz London has been a longstanding member with Considerate Hoteliers, a community that is recognised for its commitment to responsible business practices in hospitality. Considerate Hoteliers regularly supports The Ritz with the design of our Corporate Social Responsibility calendars.
The Ritz Hotel has retained its 3 stars through the Sustainable Restaurant Association. The Food Made Good Standard assesses behaviour, measures action, celebrates progress and provides a roadmap towards further improvement.
In 2023, The Ritz Hotel proudly established a twinning connection between our Beehives and those on Kome Island, Tanzania. Through regular donations, we support the Kome Island Women Bee Keeping Project, helping to fund hives, equipment, bee suits and training.
The Ritz actively supports a charity called CleanConscience, which is dedicated to recycling toiletries. CleanConscience collects our partially used soap and toiletries, which are then transformed into fresh bars of soap. These revitalised soaps are then gifted to charities in the UK and aid organisations abroad.
We have been certified according to standards aligned with the Global Sustainability Tourism Council’s criteria. This certification is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, particularly in community, culture, and environmental responsibility.