The hotel that's ditching plastic and pouring support into Durham

The hotel that's ditching plastic and pouring support into Durham

The Radisson Blu Durham is setting new standards for sustainability and community with a range of environmental and social initiatives aimed at reducing waste, supporting local causes and opening its doors to more community activity. 

Radisson Blu Durham is the first Radisson hotel in the UK to introduce access to a refillable cold drinking water system across guest bedrooms and meeting spaces. The project, developed in partnership with Culligan UK, replaces an estimated 8,000-9,000 500ml plastic bottles per month.  

The investment which sees sensor activated, touch free filtered drinking water refill stations available on each floor is saving on bottled water purchases and reducing the amount of waste handled by housekeeping. 

The hotel has already removed other single-use plastics in line with legislation and is now working toward a goal of zero waste to landfill by 2026. In addition, the carbon footprint of every meeting and event held on-site is automatically offset. 

Radisson Blu General Manager Stuart Lloyd said: “We’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable hospitality in Durham. 

“Our ongoing refurbishment gave us the opportunity to rethink how we operate. Being a responsible business isn’t just about the environment. It’s about supporting our local community too. Whether that’s working with charities like St Cuthbert’s Hospice or hosting prom nights and business events, we want the hotel to be a resource for the city and the wider region.” 

The hotel, which recently completed the second stage of a £5million refurbishment project and holds a Silver Green Tourism Award also aims to achieve zero waste to landfill and progress to Gold status in the Green Tourism Scheme. 

As the largest hotel in County Durham, Radisson Blu Durham is active in supporting local causes and events. A regular supporter of the St Cuthbert’s Hospice the hotel has recently donated an event for Durham Rotary, including food, wine and entertainment for 250 people in support of the hospice, in its newly refurbished events space.  

Kay Carrick, Development Team Manager at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said: “We are honoured to have such a long-standing partnership with the Radisson Blu Durham. Their support has been wide-ranging. From sponsoring our Great North Run vests, which in turn helped our runners raise around £45,000, to donating their newly refurbished events space for the forthcoming Rotary dinner.  

“That generosity means that every penny from ticket sales will directly support patient care, with the potential to raise over £15,000 in a single evening. Earlier this year, when we faced the difficult decision to cancel events due to staff cuts and rising costs, the Radisson team stepped in and made sure our ‘Evening with Peter Beardsley’ could still go ahead and raise much-needed funds.  

“Between these events alone we are hopeful of generating over £25,000. Enough to cover more than 10 full days of hospice care. Partnerships like this are a lifeline for St Cuthbert’s and we are incredibly grateful to the Radisson for always going the extra mile for local people and families.” 

The hotel also provides ongoing support for Durham Women’s FC, including discounts for season ticket holders and has a long-standing involvement with Durham Dash, Durham City Run, Durham Works youth employability programme and hosts an annual complimentary showcase for local businesses in partnership with Durham Business Group. 

As part of its future investment plans, Radisson Blu Durham will continue working with local charities, deepen its sustainability commitments and increase its role as a hub for family, corporate and community events.