Gleneagles pledges net-zero emissions by 2040

Gleneagles has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain to achieve net-zero by 2040.

The hospitality brand, which owns The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder and Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, aims to reduce its environmental impact over the next 16 years across all strands of the operation, from buildings and land management, to sourcing and transport.

In doing so, it commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2024 base year and to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions 25% within the same timeframe.

In the long term, it commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2040 from a 2024 base year.

To achieve this target, Gleneagles is working with the Carbon Trust to establish its emissions baseline. This will lead to the development of a robust roadmap of projects to support the delivery of emissions reduction targets.

The roadmap will focus on enhancing building management practices; increasing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewables; eliminating emissions from the company vehicle fleet; reducing food waste through investment in food waste management technology; and increasing supply chain efficiency.

Since 2008, Gleneagles has held Gold status in the Green Tourism Business Scheme – originally a VisitScotland-endorsed accreditation awarded to organisations committed to protecting environments, supporting communities, conserving natural resources and minimising pollution. It was the first hotel in the UK to be awarded the status.

Gleneagles’ golf courses have also held Golf Environmental Organisation accreditation (‘GEO Certified’ status) since 2019.

Additionally, a recent project has seen Gleneagles install a multi-million-pound irrigation system on The PGA Centenary Course. The project has introduced a “highly efficient” Rain Bird irrigation management system, reducing power consumption and water usage on the course by up to 30%.

Gleneagles has also recently partnered with Forth Rivers Consulting (the consultancy arm of the Forth Rivers Trust) to support healthy ecosystems. The partnership will see Forth Rivers Consulting undertake a range of surveys at Gleneagles in 2024 to map the habitats and species and recommend initiatives that will be implemented to further enhance biodiversity across the estate.

Conor O’Leary, managing director at Gleneagles, said: “As we celebrate our 100th birthday this year, we’re proud of the hospitality and leisure experiences we’ve provided our guests for the past century, and grateful for Scotland’s breathtaking natural landscape which has directly contributed to our success.

“But it’s time to look forward, to amplify our efforts in protecting these precious natural assets for future generations and to play our part in tackling the global climate emergency.”

Mo Mands, director of Sustainability at Gleneagles, added: “Our planet is facing an environmental crisis with the devastating impacts of climate change being felt by communities around the world.

“With two hotels, an 850-acre estate, three golf courses, 11 bars and restaurants and a large workforce, Gleneagles is a big operation and we recognise our responsibility in minimising its impact. There are no easy fixes; all hospitality and tourism businesses must address the issue head-on and take urgent action through collaboration, investment and innovation to protect the health of the planet that is vital to their existence.”