Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield has been awarded Verified Net Zero status, advancing the Group’s goal of achieving 100 Verified Net Zero hotels by 2030.
The latest addition joins the existing Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, a Verified Net Zero Hotel, which was the first of the Group’s hotels in the UK and globally to become a Verified Net Zero property. There are now 11 hotels within the Group’s portfolio with Verified Net Zero status.
The opportunity to stay at a Verified Net Zero property allows guests to become part of a forward-thinking movement that combines comfort and innovation with sustainability. The Verified Net Zero program is comprehensive and includes the carbon footprint from energy use (Scopes 1 & 2 as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or GHG), as well as the hotel’s operational and supply chain footprint (Scope 3).
Destination
Located in the heart of Sheffield city centre, Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield, A Verified Net Zero Hotel has 154 guest rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the Town Hall and Peace Gardens, and six flexible meeting and event spaces with an outdoor terrace.
The hotel draws in its guests with the stunning Victorian front, which was restored with the help of heritage specialists. The landmark property represents an important step in the city’s transformation from an industrial town into a vibrant cultural destination.
Sheffield is often cited as being one of the UK’s “greenest” cities, and as having more trees per person than any other city in Europe, making it the perfect property to become a leader in sustainable operations. The city has also made a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. After becoming one of the first UK local authorities to declare a Climate Emergency in 2019, Sheffield City Council brought its target forward by 20 years, setting a deadline far ahead of the UK’s national 2050 target.
Verified Net Zero framework
Actions of the program include the use of 100% renewable energy, achieved through electrification of hotels and/or by the purchase of 100% renewable energy for all hotel functions from heating and cooling to hot water and cooking.
Within Scope 3, the program focuses on overhauling operations to minimize waste, re-evaluating supply chains with a focus on low-carbon menus, and other sources of emissions such as laundry and supplies such as amenities.
Sustainable partnerships
All remaining emissions are compensated using nature–based carbon credits from carbon removal in partnership with Agreena, the largest soil carbon program in Europe, supporting over 2,300 farmers to regenerate more than 4.5 million hectares of European farmland.
Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with Klimato – a specialized partner from Sweden – to develop low-carbon menus by analyzing the entire food offering for in-room dining menus, Meetings & Events menus and the breakfast buffet, curating recipes to lower their overall carbon footprint. Menus carry carbon labels from A (lowest) to E (highest). Menus focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients while reducing recipe carbon footprints by up to 40%, without compromising on taste.
Each hotel undergoes independent third-party verification by TÜV Rheinland to ensure compliance with an internationally recognized Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.
For meeting planners and corporate buyers, the relevance is practical: the hotels show how established venues can offer net zero stays and meetings while maintaining the flexibility and capacity required for large-scale business events.
The expansion of the program reflects Radisson Hotel Group’s belief that sustainability and business performance should progress simultaneously. By reducing energy consumption, increasing operational efficiency and lowering environmental impact, it supports long-term resilience for hotel owners while helping guests and corporate customers reduce the footprint of their travel, meetings and events.
Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, says:
“The success of our existing Verified Net Zero hotels is helping us reach our target of 100 hotels by 2030. They reflect growing guest awareness and clear demand for more sustainable travel, meetings and events. The launch of Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield as a Verified Net Zero Hotel is particularly meaningful, as it brings together the restoration of an iconic heritage building with the city’s ambition to be a leading green and cultural destination. Our goal is to deliver an exceptional guest experience while reducing our environmental impact across every aspect of our operations. This achievement reflects the commitment of our team and demonstrates that sustainability and outstanding hospitality can go hand in hand.”
Valerie Donaldson, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield, says:
“Sheffield has a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability and regeneration, making it a natural fit for the Verified Net Zero program. We are excited to play our part in supporting the city’s sustainable growth while providing our guests, corporate customers and event organizers with the opportunity to choose a hotel committed to reducing its environmental footprint.”
