THE Glasgow Marriott hotel is installing a rooftop solar panel system that will generate clean electricity to support day-to-day operations.
Once operational, the 600 solar modules installed by Sustain Commercial Solar are tipped to reduce the city centre’s annual grid electricity demand by 11.4% and deliver a cut in operational carbon emissions of 35,812 kg per year.
One of the first hotels in Glasgow to achieve Green Key certification – an international environmental benchmark for tourism businesses – the Marriott has also secured Gold Certification from The PLEDGE on food waste, using Winnow AI technology to track food waste and improve kitchen efficiency.
Further initiatives introduced include EV charging points in the car park, motion-sensor lighting throughout the building, water-conserving fixtures, and the removal of single-use plastics from hotel operations.
Glasgow Marriott also recently installed a voltage optimisation unit. This technology reduces and stabilises incoming grid voltage which is said to ultimately improve energy efficiency, decrease carbon emissions, and extend the lifespan of electrical equipment.
Chris McGuinness, general manager of the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said, “Sustainability is something our guests increasingly expect from the places they choose to stay, and it is something we are taking very seriously as a business. Installing solar panels is a practical step towards reducing our environmental impact while continuing to deliver the high standards of hospitality we’re known for and are proud to provide.”
Nick Elbourne, director at Sustain Commercial Solar, added, “The Glasgow Marriott presented a genuinely interesting installation, working across mixed roof elevations in a live city-centre hotel environment requires careful planning and tight coordination with the operations team. The result is a high-performance system that will deliver clean energy to this building for decades, and a real statement of intent from a major hospitality brand.”
