Durham hotel goes green and gives back

A County Durham hotel is making strides in sustainability and community support.

Radisson Blu Durham has become the first Radisson hotel in the UK to introduce refillable drinking water stations across all bedrooms and meeting spaces. 

Developed with Culligan UK, the move replaces up to 9000 plastic bottles a month and reduces waste for housekeeping teams. 

The initiative is part of a wider goal to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2026, complementing the hotel’s Silver Green Tourism Award and recent £5 million refurbishment.

Stuart Lloyd, general manager at Radisson Blu, 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.” 

Alongside its environmental focus, the city’s largest hotel is stepping up its community role. 

It regularly supports St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham Women’s FC and local events including Durham Dash and Durham City Run. 

Recent activity has included hosting a 250-guest charity fundraiser in aid of the hospice. 

Kay Carrick, development team manager at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, added: “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 ten 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.” 

With more investment planned, Radisson Blu aims to further strengthen its green credentials while expanding its support for local causes.

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