Point A Hotels announced it has achieved Silver accreditation from Green Tourism across most of its properties, earning independent sustainability certification based on evidence-based assessment across environmental and social performance metrics.
Green Tourism provides globally recognized, independent sustainability certification for the travel and hospitality industry, with accreditation determined through evaluation of documented practices across three pillars: People, Place, and Planet.
The certification covers the majority of Point A Hotels’ portfolio, which operates locations in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin. The company indicated it plans to certify remaining hotels once they become fully operational.
“This milestone reflects the ongoing work across our teams to operate more sustainably and continue improving how we build, run and evolve our hotels,” Point A Hotels stated in announcing the achievement.
Evidence-based assessment framework
Green Tourism accreditation requires hotels to provide documented evidence of sustainability practices rather than relying on self-reported commitments or policies alone. The certification framework assesses actual implementation across operations including energy management, waste reduction, water conservation, community engagement, and employee welfare.
Silver level accreditation represents substantial achievement of sustainability criteria within the Green Tourism grading system, which includes Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Hotels must demonstrate measurable performance improvements and operational integration of sustainability practices to achieve Silver status.
Point A Hotels credited Melisa Gooding for contributing sustainability expertise that strengthened the accreditation submission. “Special recognition to Melisa Gooding, whose deep knowledge and sharp sustainability insights were crucial in shaping a stronger, more credible accreditation submission,” the company stated.
Existing sustainability initiatives
Point A Hotels operates sustainability programs across its portfolio including energy efficiency technology, solar panels at four properties, and green roofs at three locations. The company uses refillable toiletries to reduce single-use plastic waste and has implemented recycling systems and food waste composting or repurposing programs.
Water conservation measures include low-flow taps, refill stations, and monitoring systems designed to reduce consumption without compromising guest experience. Hotels feature locally sourced breakfast ingredients from nearby suppliers.
All Point A properties hold BREEAM certification, a building sustainability assessment method evaluating environmental performance of buildings. The hotels also offer Fairtrade-certified menu options.
Community partnerships
Point A Hotels maintains charitable partnerships aligned with its locations. In London, the company partners with St Mungo’s to address homelessness, raising £90,987 and contributing 129 volunteer hours through 2024. Dublin properties partner with Focus Ireland on homelessness initiatives, while Scottish locations work with Right There to support people affected by cost-of-living challenges.
The company emphasizes local hiring and partnerships with neighborhood businesses, offering guests discounts at nearby restaurants and sourcing breakfast items from local suppliers. Properties are located near public transportation to facilitate low-carbon access.
Hospitality sector sustainability certification
Independent sustainability certifications provide verification of hotel environmental and social performance claims, addressing concerns about greenwashing in the hospitality sector. Third-party assessment programs like Green Tourism require documentation of actual practices and measurable outcomes rather than accepting policy statements or intentions.
The certification framework enables hotels to demonstrate credible sustainability performance to guests, corporate clients, and investors increasingly evaluating accommodation providers on environmental criteria. Business travelers particularly cite sustainability credentials as factors in hotel selection decisions.
Point A Hotels acknowledged sustainability as an ongoing process rather than a completed achievement. “We know sustainability is a journey, and we’re committed to continuing that progress – including certifying our remaining hotels once they are fully operational,” the company stated.
