THE Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has received a Green Meetings Gold Award from Green Tourism, the Scotland-based independent assessment organisation, with the body saying that in maintaining the top award the EICC has shown “a clear commitment to promoting sustainable practices”.
A spokesperson for Green Tourism said: “We gave the EICC particular commendation for its effort to engage in Edinburgh’s cultural heritage, social project, and events. Additionally, the venue shows itself to be aware and stay informed of green issues.”
The EICC’s sustainability function is led by Rob Turnbull, who joined the EICC as Sustainability Manager from Edinburgh Napier University earlier this year.
As Scotland’s Climate Week takes place (25th September-1st October), EICC CEO Marshall Dallas commented: “As we mark Scotland’s Climate Week, we’re pleased to strengthen our sustainability function as we strive to be one of the most sustainable conference venues worldwide.”
Among its latest initiatives, the EICC has partnered with Swedish technology startup Klimato, who have developed a digital tool to calculate the climate impact of food and catering. The EICC has also integrated You.Smart.Thing., a platform that allows delegates to compare the carbon footprint of travel options to the EICC.
In 2022, the EICC announced that it had partnered with RSPB Scotland to support the charity’s peatland restoration work in the north of Scotland, with up to £1 per delegate per day being ring-fenced for the initiative.
Marshall Dallas added: “Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our plans at the EICC. We embrace a triple bottom-line approach, considering environmental, societal, and economic aspects equally, to achieve genuine sustainability. Through our transformative ‘Step Change’ initiative, we are well on our way to realising this vision. Our event impact reports serve as powerful tools, enabling clients to set environmentally focused targets for their events and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for our industry.”
In April, the EICC reported increased revenue of £11.8 million and fast-returning confidence in the sector. In 2022, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced it has entered a franchise agreement with the EICC for a 350-bedroom Hyatt Centric hotel in the Haymarket area of the city. The hotel will be one of the most sustainable hotels in Scotland, with zero fossil fuel energy use.
