“Park Inn Heathrow has a clear strategy for environmental performance, recognising the many benefits and values for employees and guests alike. The overall programme is far reaching, from managers being aware of health and safety legislation, to ensuring that we purchase products which have a reduced environmental impact and longer life-cycle and our suppliers and contractors being compliant with responsible and environmental working practices. This Award recognises the commitment and initiative demonstrated by the entire team,” said Daniel Twerenbold, General Manager, Park Inn Heathrow.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more. Businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement.

Jon Proctor, Technical Director for Green Tourism for London, commented: “Park Inn Heathrow has demonstrated an excellent level of environmental commitment achieving a very good Silver award which is especially commendable given that the building is over 30 years old. With such a large organisation and high turnover of guests on a daily basis, it demands a strong and concerted effort at all levels within the business to ensure the site delivers a high standard of environmental performance. As a whole we were extremely impressed by the green team at the hotel and the way they have risen to the eco challenge and set a benchmark for other hoteliers in London and across the UK to follow. Park Inn is the first hotel to be graded with the Green Tourism Silver award using the latest update to the Green Tourism Certification process.”

To gain its Silver GTBS Award, the hotel has undertaken a serious of actions. These include:

- Pro-active Green Team represented by each department, responsible for implementing Green Action Plan for 2008 with targets for environmental targets and charity fundraising
- Accurate measurement and recording of energy, waste, water, recycling with strategy in place to reduce all figures
- Excellent in-house communication including roll ups in the lobby and conference areas, in-room signage for towel and linen policy, brochure information, website information
- Low energy light bulbs and motion sensors in Blue Conference Centre and guest areas
- Bottled water is provided using in-house bottling production - the Pure Water Company
- Green training for all employees
- Green Meetings - recycled paper, pens, in-house bottled water, Green rate for carbon off-set
- All suppliers, contractors and agency partners have completed a Suppliers Evaluation to ensure they are compliant with responsible and environmental working practices
- Wide range of organic and fairtrade products available in the hotel
- Commitment to local and international charity fundraising - Majory Kinnon School, Harlington Hospice and World Childhood Foundation
- Commitment to Education Partnerships to provide work experience, training and careers days - St Marks School, Hounslow Education Business Partnership

Park Inn Heathrow is the first Park Inn hotel to receive a green accreditation. Park Inn UK are actively considering the GTBS award for all other UK properties and one hotel – Park Inn Hyde Park, London - is already awaiting its grading.

Park Inn Heathrow is the closest hotel to the airport terminals and offers 881 guest rooms and suites, a health and leisure club with Heathrow’s largest indoor swimming pool, Bravo! Bravo! Restaurant and Bar, Pulse café.restaurant.bar, car parking and high-speed wireless internet access throughout. In April 2007, the hotel opened the largest and most stylish conference centre at Heathrow Airport – offering a total of 2,000 square metres of versatile space able to accommodate up to 700 delegates. Combined with the Red Conference Centre, the hotel offers a total of 43 flexible meeting spaces.