Radisson Hotel Group opens first two hotels with Verified Net Zero status

Radisson Hotel Group opens first two hotels with 'Verified Net Zero' status. The Oslo and Manchester sites comply with international sustainability guidelines that will not come into wide force in the hotel sector until 2040. The external validation was awarded by TÜV Rheinland, an independent organisation that assessed the approach and emission data of both hotels. The Oslo and Manchester hotels are taking measures to completely eliminate their direct CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2), significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions in line with the GHG protocol, and offset the remaining emissions through nature-based solutions.

Steps towards climate neutral

The two hotels are reducing their carbon emissions on three levels:

• Direct emissions such as heating and electricity (Scope 1 and 2)
• Indirect emissions via suppliers and transport (Scope 3)
• Compensation of remaining emissions through nature projects such as forest and soil restoration aimed at removing CO2e emissions.

Instead of new construction, Radisson Hotel Group chose to make existing hotels more sustainable - an approach that is relevant because some 80% of the buildings that need to meet climate targets by 2050 already exist today.

"Radisson Hotel Group aims to be Net Zero by 2050. While this is easier to achieve with new construction projects, the reality is that 80% of the buildings to be Net Zero by 2050 already exist. This is why we believe it is crucial to take steps with these existing buildings in particular as soon as possible. Today, we show that it is possible to transform existing hotels to Net Zero. With this conversion approach, the hotels in Manchester and Oslo prove that unsustainable hotels can become high-quality, sustainable investments with a positive impact on the planet. Such an approach needs to be serious and demonstrable - which is why we are working with TÜV Rheinland. These Verified Net Zero hotels bring the future closer and offer guests the highest possible level of sustainable accommodation," said Federico J. González, Executive Vice Chairman at Radisson Hotel Group.

Preserving Manchester and Oslo

- Manchester: The former Park Inn will reopen as Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, on 19 May 2025.

- Oslo: The Park Inn is undergoing a rebranding to Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, and will open in July 2025.

What will change in practice?

Energy consumption

Both hotels have switched to 100% renewable energy. In Manchester, heat pumps have been installed and the kitchen is fully electric, making the hotel only consume energy from 100 green power, and in Oslo, 100% green power is combined with heating from renewable city heat sources such as waste treatment and data centres.

Food

Menus have been analysed and adapted to reduce the carbon footprint, in cooperation with the Swedish organisation Klimato. Dishes contain more seasonal produce and are given CO₂ labels from A (lowest impact) to E (highest impact). This reduces the footprint of the dishes to 40%.  

Waste and plastic 

Measures to reduce waste include:

• Using eSmiley software to avoid food waste
• Partnership with Too Good to Go the largest marketplace for unsold food products.
• Full waste separation and processing, including for energy generation
• Reusable glass water bottles instead of plastic ones
• No more mini-packs in bathrooms, but dispensers whose packaging is completely recycled
• Recycling coffee capsules with Nespresso
• Reduced paper use with the Stay E-concierge app that displays the hotel's bookable services and offers online check-in, check-out and e-invoicing

Compensation

The remaining CO₂ emissions are offset through Agreena, which works with over 2,300 farmers on soil conservation and restoration in Europe, a recognised quality way to remove CO2e.

Speaking about the announcement, Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, says: "With the opening of our first two verified Net Zero hotels, Radisson Hotel Group demonstrates its commitment to Net Zero 2050 and shows true sustainable hospitality. For the first time, we are focusing on reducing energy, operations and supply chain emissions. As we face the ever-increasing challenge of climate change, Radisson Hotel Group is taking an essential step in reshaping the future of hospitality, one Verified Net Zero hotel at a time."

New experience in Manchester

Following the renovation of the Park Inn by Radisson hotel, Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, offers an updated/upgraded hospitality experience located a stone's throw from the AO Arena and Manchester Victoria train station.

The hotel is tailor-made for groups and family gatherings, with rooms with two double beds and open spaces for relaxation and conviviality.It thus has 252 Scandinavian-style rooms, a restaurant with terrace, spa, swimming pool and meeting rooms for up to 220 people.

Just a few minutes' walk from the hotel are Manchester's best shopping, cultural and leisure destinations, including Selfridges, Corn Exchange Manchester, Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.