Venues:

The awards ceremony was held at two venues (one in North Wales and one in South Wales) linked via satellite.  It is thought to be the only such event undertaken in the UK.  The main reasons for holding the event at two locations was to minimise transport requirements and to provide a strong identity to both areas of the country.  Such an approach also helps to reducing attendees' own time commitments and reduces the need for overnight accommodation etc.

In the South there were 270 guests (27 tables) and in the North 150 guests (15 tables).

We have endeavoured to select venues with a strong commitment to sustainability but the choice of venue is somewhat restricted because to the event's requirements such as capacity, facilities and location.  However, both venues can demonstrate a degree of commitment to sustainability:

Marriott Hotel, Cardiff

• Energy

• The Marriott has a commitment to reduce energy use on a yearly basis and also generates electricity via an on-site Combined Heat and Power unit.  Heat is recycled from this unit to heat the hot water supply.

• Waste

• The majority of waste (glass, cans, white paper, newspapers and cardboard) is recycled.  Food waste is macerated.
• Old bedding and towels are donated to a local dog’s home and partly use toiletries are given to the local Salvation Army.

• Water

• Laundry is reduced both in terms of bedding and towels and is only washed on request from guests.  Water use is reduced by using restrictors in taps in bedrooms and public toilet areas.

• Employees

• Employment management practices provide a healthy working atmosphere for staff and promote staff development through various initiatives such as apprenticeship programmes, mentoring programmes, training and pension provisions, medical and health care.   The majority of staff are local employees.

• Landscape and Aesthetics

• Further development is underway on the site and will incorporate protection of trees, increased landscaping and screening.  Further signs will be installed made of welsh slate and steel.

• Environmental systems

• The group has its own initiative - ECHO (Environmentally Conscious Hospitality Operations) which promotes environmental practices to all staff and also encourages work in the local community such as clearing beaches, working with community groups

Ramada Plaza Hotel, Wrexham

• Energy

• The Ramada has a commitment to reduce energy use on a yearly basis.  There is a programme of installing PIR sensors and timing switches which is expected to reduce consumption by 50%.

• Waste

• The majority of waste (glass and cans) is recycled.  Food waste is macerated.  It is hoped that cardboard recycling will be established in the near future.

• Employees

• In-house training is undertaken for employees on environmental and personal development issues. 

• Landscape and Aesthetics

• A major project has seen landscaping at the back of the hotel with the encouragement of wild flowers and development of wooded areas.

• Environmental systems

• Through the Wales Tourist Board, the Ramada has signed up to the Green Dragon Environmental Standard and hopes to achieve Level 2 by the end of the year.  Community projects are planned for next year.

Both venues have positively engaged with us regarding the sustainability requirements of the event and have worked with us to achieve these requirements; this has been mainly the requirement of local food & drink and fair trade drinks.  Although both venues support local produce in their everyday operations, for this event further suppliers were sourced (particularly Welsh wine and fair trade refreshments).