Our Green Story
Luxury and sustainability go hand in hand at Bonnie Hotel. Here, eco-conscious travelers and business guests enjoy comfort with a clear conscience.
Sustainable Luxury, Zero Compromise
At Bonnie Hotel, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between indulgence and responsibility. From day one, our mission has been to create a boutique luxury experience that doesn’t cost the earth. We’re proud to be a fully electric hotel – there are no fossil fuels burned on-site. All our heating, cooling, and power run on electricity, which means a lower carbon footprint for every stay. In fact, our building boasts a coveted EPC A energy rating (the highest grade for efficiency), a rarity in historic properties.
What does that mean for you? Cozy, climate-controlled rooms that use a fraction of the energy, and the peace of mind that your stay is as low-carbon as possible.
Energy Efficient & Smart by Design
We’ve transformed our B-listed Georgian townhouse into a model of modern green design. Exceptional insulation and soundproofing keep you comfortable year-round while reducing energy waste (and ensuring a quiet night’s sleep). Our restoration upgraded the building with efficient windows and lighting so that warmth stays in and city noise stays out. Throughout the hotel, smart technology is at work to save energy and water behind the scenes. Motion sensors and LED lighting automatically dim when no one’s around, and intelligent climate control adjusts temperatures for optimal efficiency. We even monitor energy and water usage in real-time, allowing us to quickly spot and fix any waste (like a dripping tap) and continually fine-tune our systems to use less and save more. The result is a hotel that not only feels comfortable and contemporary for our guests, but is also gentle on the planet.
Digital-First, Paperless Experience
Staying with us means embracing the convenience of technology that also happens to be eco-friendly. Our smart automation enables a reception-free, paperless check-in and check-out – no more printing forms or wasting time in queues. Simply use your smartphone as your key (with secure mobile keys or entry codes) and access our guest app for everything you need. From booking your room to requesting fresh towels or chatting with our team, it’s all done digitally. This not only gives you more control over your stay, but also eliminates unnecessary paper receipts, brochures, and plastic key cards. In your room, you’ll find tablet controls and a smart TV with casting capability, so the traditional guest directory and stacks of flyers are a thing of the past. By going digital-first, we reduce waste and provide you a seamless, modern experience – it’s a win-win for you and the environment.
Built for Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability was built into the very bricks of Bonnie Hotel. We chose to restore and repurpose an abandoned 19th-century building rather than build new – preserving Edinburgh’s architectural heritage and avoiding tons of construction waste. During the renovation, our architect incorporated sustainable materials and design features at every turn, where we received specialist sustainability advice. Low-VOC paints and finishes were used for healthier indoor air. Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures were installed in all suites, from the kitchenettes to the bathrooms. Every suite features modern plumbing with water-saving taps and showers, so you can enjoy long hot showers guilt-free knowing they use less water. Even our furniture and décor were selected with sustainability in mind – you’ll notice timeless, quality pieces made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement. The result is an elegant blend of heritage charm and eco-conscious design. We’ve retained the building’s historic character while infusing it with green innovation, so you can revel in luxury that’s rooted in responsibility.
Responsible Sourcing & Eco-Friendly Operations
Sustainability at Bonnie Hotel extends to every aspect of our operations, big and small. We’re obsessive about sourcing responsibly and running a low-impact hotel day-to-day. Here are some of the ways we make a difference:
- Local & Ethical Procurement: From the snacks, linen and toiletries we provide, we partner with local producers and ethical brands. This reduces transport emissions and supports our community. You’ll taste and feel the quality of Scottish-sourced ingredients and products during your stay.
- Plastic-Free Toiletries: Say goodbye to single-use bathroom plastics. In our bathrooms, you’ll find refillable pump dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, all filled with eco-certified, cruelty-free products. No tiny plastic bottles here – just great quality amenities that are kind to your skin and the planet.
- Green Cleaning: Our housekeeping team uses non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products for a fresh, healthy clean without harsh chemicals. A clean room shouldn’t come at the expense of clean waterways, so we make sure nothing nasty goes down the drain. Housekeeping is requested digitally.
- Waste Reduction & Recycling: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is a daily mantra for us. We’ve also cut out unnecessary single-use items throughout the hotel. Your room comes with glassware and ceramic mugs (not disposables), and we provide filtered tap water so you don’t need plastic bottles. Towels are encouraged to only be replaced when needed. Even our check-in online to avoid paper waste. By minimising waste at every opportunity, we keep our environmental footprint light.
Caring for Our Team and Community
We believe that sustainability is as much about people as it is about the environment. That’s why we invest in our team’s wellbeing and training, fostering a culture of care that ultimately benefits you, our guest. Our staff are trained in sustainable practices and empowered to contribute ideas on how we can further reduce waste and improve our service. We ensure fair working conditions and encourage an inclusive workplace where looking after each other and the planet go hand in hand. A happy, knowledgeable team means better service and a genuine passion that you’ll feel every time you interact with us. Ensuring all staff are aware of and understand our Equality and Diversity policy embeds our dedication for caring for each other. Don’t be surprised if our staff share tips on eco-friendly attractions or proudly explain the hotel’s latest green initiative – they’re our sustainability ambassadors, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
Beyond our doors, Bonnie Hotel is also committed to supporting the local community that surrounds us. We’re proud to promote local businesses, from recommending our favorite nearby restaurants and independent cafes to guiding guests toward low-carbon, authentic Scottish experiences. We collaborate with local partners that align with our values – whether it’s neighborhood clean-ups, cultural events, or environmental campaigns in Edinburgh. By staying with us, you’re not only supporting a small local hotel, but also contributing to a wider community effort to keep our city vibrant, green, and thriving.
Accessible, Safe & Inclusive Hospitality
Creating a welcoming environment for all is a core part of our green ethos. We strive to make Bonnie Hotel comfortable and accessible, so every guest can enjoy our hospitality with ease and confidence. Our historic building presents some challenges (charming Georgian townhouses sometimes have a quirk or two!), but we’ve made thoughtful adjustments to improve accessibility where possible.
Your health and safety are paramount as well. We maintain rigorous hygiene and safety standards throughout the property. With our eco-friendly cleaning methods, you can breathe easy knowing your room is fresh and sanitised without any harsh chemical residues. We also adhere to all health & safety regulations and then some – from fire safety systems to COVID-aware cleaning protocols – so you can relax and focus on enjoying your visit. At Bonnie Hotel, a sustainable stay also means a safe and stress-free stay, where you feel taken care of at every step. The use of the 24/7 app supports guest’s wellbeing by knowing we are available for when needed.
Encouraging Low-Carbon Adventures
One of the best parts about Bonnie Hotel is our location in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, which makes it easy for you to explore the city sustainably. We’re just a few minutes’ walk from Haymarket Station (train, tram, and bus connections) and within walking distance of major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the EICC. That’s not only convenient for you – it’s also a greener way to travel. We encourage our guests to arrive by public transport and enjoy the extremely walkable nature of our city. (In fact, we don’t offer on-site parking, and we find most of our guests don’t miss having a car at all when everything is so close by!).
During your stay, we’re here to help you discover the best of Edinburgh with a low-carbon twist. Our front-of-house team and digital app ensure we communicate with guests all of the recommendations for local experiences that are both enriching and eco-friendly. Looking for a great meal? We’ll point you toward restaurants that champion locally sourced Scottish produce (and we promise the food scene here is fantastic). Want to explore the sights? We have maps for walking tours, suggestions for bike rental options, and insider tips on public transit routes to get you anywhere in the city quickly. We also highlight “car-free” itineraries so you can soak in the culture, history, and beauty of Edinburgh without the footprint.
Always Improving – Our Ongoing Commitment
Sustainability isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s an ever-evolving journey, and we’re excited to keep raising the bar. We’re committed to continuous improvement in all our green efforts. How do we do that? We start by measuring and tracking our performance – from energy consumption and carbon emissions to water usage and waste reduction – so we know where we stand and where we can do better. We set targets each year to further reduce our footprint. Our team regularly reviews the latest in sustainable hospitality innovations and industry best practices (including criteria from programmes like Green Tourism) to find new ideas that we can adopt here at Bonnie. If there’s an innovative eco-solution out there, we want to know about it – and implement it if we can.
We also listen closely to you, our guests, because some of our best ideas come from your feedback and suggestions. Have an idea for how we could be even greener? Let us know! We view every stay as a chance to learn and improve. Our promise is that the next time you visit us, you’ll discover even more green initiatives and thoughtful touches aimed at making your stay sustainable. Guest feedback is encouraged at check-out to gather thoughts and ideas.
Thank you for taking the time to read Our Green Story. By choosing Bonnie Hotel, you’re not just enjoying a wonderful stay in Edinburgh – you’re also becoming a part of our sustainability story. Together, let’s make travel kinder to the planet. We can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable, eco-friendly experience that truly lives up to “Bonnie by name, Bonnie by nature.” Enjoy your stay, and travel green!