A Scottish Highland hotel has been recognised as one of the greenest in the world after winning a prestigious global sustainability award. The Glen Mhor Hotel, a 4-star family-run establishment in Inverness, was honoured at the inaugural World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards held in Belize.
The hotel, which sits on the banks of the River Ness, was the only UK business to receive an award at the event. It won special commendation in the “World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative” category, acknowledging its pioneering £8 million Energy Centre and its efforts to set a benchmark for sustainable practices in the travel industry.
The Glen Mhor Hotel also houses the Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery, further enhancing its reputation for innovative sustainability. As part of its environmental drive, the hotel has implemented a unique Water Source Energy solution. This system, introduced in 2021, harnesses the power of the River Ness to generate renewable energy, cutting 250 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The hotel also plans to become entirely gas-free by the end of this year, having adopted Solar PV solutions to further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Victoria Erasmus, co-owner and Sustainability Director of the Glen Mhor, attended the awards ceremony in Belize. The event, set in the rainforest of San Ignacio, brought together sustainability leaders from across the globe. Attendees were given guided tours of the region’s Inca Trails and insights into Mayan culture, while also learning about the efforts of the global travel and hospitality sectors to combat climate change.
Reflecting on the award, Erasmus said: “It was a real honour to represent a family business among some of the world’s leading hospitality names, and to represent Scotland and the UK on the global stage. The judges were particularly impressed by how deeply sustainability is embedded across all aspects of our operations, from our climate action plan to our Fair Work and inclusion policies.”
The Glen Mhor Hotel had also been shortlisted in two other categories: “World Leading Sustainable Water and Waste Innovation” and “World’s Leading Sustainable Employer,” further demonstrating its broad commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Erasmus noted that the experience in Belize was a valuable learning opportunity. “Some of the initiatives taking place around the world are truly remarkable. I am more determined than ever to adapt our climate action plan and take it to the next level.”
The hotel’s green credentials extend beyond its environmental efforts. Its 146 employees now hold individual “Green” job titles, reflecting their commitment to sustainability, fair work, and inclusion. This was recognised at the awards, with the Glen Mhor also being praised for introducing sensory recruitment practices and programmes to support positive mental well-being.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards, congratulated the Glen Mhor team for their achievements. He said: “The Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery are setting the benchmark in sustainable practices. Their commitment to creating a net-positive future for the travel industry is truly inspiring.”
The hotel’s award-winning sustainability efforts are expected to continue making an impact as it aims for full carbon neutrality in the coming years.
