Over 70 operators sign up to sustainability star rating

James Stagg

Monday 19 September 2011 12:40

Top hotels across the country have signed up to a star rating system that measures sustainability credentials.

Some 70 businesses have either been assessed or are in the process of being assessed for the Sustainable Restaurant Association Star Rating survey.

Among the hotels to have signed up are 21 Relais & Châteaux establishments as well as all 13 restaurants in the Radisson Edwardian portfolio.

As part of the assessment, restaurants must provide evidence that they are serving local, seasonal, high-welfare food in businesses that efficiently manage waste and resources, while ensuring staff are well treated and the community valued.

It is expected that the rating will be included in a number of restaurant guides this year, while The Times critic Giles Coren already features them as part of his reviews.

Sustainable Restaurant Association managing director Mark Linehan said: "It's terrific that so many excellent hotels, both large groups and independents, are seeing the value of not only improving their sustainability but also opening themselves to scrutiny.

"We are confident that in a short period it will become the norm for restaurants to put their sustainability to the test - just as they do their service - because it's what consumers want. Any restaurant or hotel restaurant serious about sustainability can come to us for advice on how to do more or for recognition of what they are already doing."

Jaume Tapies, president of Relais & Châteaux, said the organisation had always championed sustainability. "With the SRA's support and encouragement we are committed to keep improving," he added. "The SRA rating system will be an important communication tool for our properties, as more and more customers are concerned about sustainability when visiting a hotel or restaurant."

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By James Stagg

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