A more sustainable future
STEP BY STEP
“Step by step” is our mantra for sustainability. It explains to guests, employees, partners and the wider world that our approach to sustainability is characterised by two pillars:
A commitment to innovation and sustainability
We know the journey to sustainability is a long process, but it’s one that we’re committed to. While we don’t yet have all the initiatives we’d like in place, we’re continually working to improve.
Our belief that, collectively, small initiatives make a big difference
Aerated shower heads, recycled duvet- and pillow-fillings, refillable, plant-based bathroom products, and many, many local hotel initiatives that might seem small – but collectively they add up. And step by step, we are working hard to ensure that every day and every stay at voco hotels bring us closer to a more sustainable future.
What you can expect from a voco™ sustainable stay
Bedding
The luxurious filling for our duvets and pillows is made from 100% recycled materials, and has GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified. Our supplier, Fine Bedding Company, estimates that the filling for a 10.5 tog king duvet and four standard pillows is the equivalent of 230 recycled 0.5l PET bottles.
Bathrooms
The plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients of our refillable bathroom amenities are sourced to ensure that they do not negatively impact their ecosystem; and the refillable bottles help reduce plastic waste. We’ve also installed aerated shower heads in every guest room, reducing water usage by mixing it with air. An equivalent, same-sized but non-aerated shower head uses 30-50% more water per minute, according to manufacturer tests.
Water Bottles 
The water is our meeting areas and guest rooms is filtered and served in refillable glass bottles, which saves an estimated 300+ plastic bottles per hotel room per annum (based on average consumption and 80% occupancy).
What we do at voco® Oxford Spires to go the extra mile
Renewable Electricity
100% of our hotel’s electric is now being supplied through renewable sources. LED and high-performance lighting has been installed within our guest rooms, public areas and back of house.
Beehives
Britain’s bees are in trouble! Here at voco® Oxford Spires, we want to lend a hand to our buzzing friends. That’s why our expert beekeepers keep their very own hives here on our grounds.
Sustainable corporate catering
Our Executive Chef, Claudio Costea is conscious of our impact on the environment. We are working continually by introducing various innovative and sustainable initiatives across the catering operation to reduce carbon footprint without affecting our guest experience. Step by step, we are reducing food waste, sourcing locally where possible, carbon labeling our catering menus, using toxin-free chemicals and improving energy efficiency. We have also launched a low carbon banquet menu in partnership Klimato, a powerful food sustainability solution which helps businesses measure, track, and reduce their environmental footprint through a cutting-edge, science-backed approach.
Electric Car Charging
Fully embracing the electrified future, we have an area of our car park reserved for electric vehicles featuring two of 7kw fast chargers no pesky idling charge so you can rest easy as your car charges up. Powered by the VIRTA app, or use contactless payment when you get here.
We are Green Key Accredited
Our Green Key accreditation shows that our establishment is committed to reducing our environmental impact.
Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism facilities. Since 1994, Green Key has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. The Green Key programme is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In England it is managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Green Key provides a well-proven framework for an establishment to work with its environmental management on sustainability issues, including awareness raising. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent on-site audits.
The Green Key programme is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 addressed by the United Nations.
IHG® Green Engage
At IHG®, part of creating Great Hotels Guests Love®, is designing, building and running more sustainable hotels. We know that more and more of our guests want a greener hotel stay and that’s why we’ve made it easier for you to choose a hotel which matches with your sustainable values. You can book our Green Engage Hotel today and enjoy a visit that benefits the environment, the community and society where you are staying.