MEET the Athenaeum

Sustainability is one of Athenaeum’s core principles. The hotel recently received their EarthCheck silver certification to recognise progress. Earthcheck specialises in certification and benchmarking for sustainable tourism and covers areas such as supply chain, design and construction, operations and training. 

Athenaeum has a waste management plan and recycled 13.6% of waste in 2022-2023. The hotel’s non-recyclable waste gets turned into energy at Energy from Waste facilities, and is further used to generate renewable electricity for the National Grid. They are also part of the Nespresso recycling scheme. 

The Athenaeum’s ‘Living Wall’ covers 329 square metres and is the equivalent of 16 and a half middle-sized trees on the wall. These plants purify the air by soaking up greenhouse gases and converting CO2 into oxygen. It has been calculated that the wall removes 757kg of CO2 and produces 559kg of oxygen per year.

In the dining area Belu filtered water is served and ingredients are locally and ethically sourced. The menu offers sustainable and low carbon dish choices and zero waste cocktails. Cooking oil is recycled and food waste is transported to an aerobic digester. 

In terms of community action, the Athenaeum team give back by supporting Hospitality Against Homelessness and backing the ‘Only A Pavement Away’ campaign by donating food, toiletries and clothing to the homeless. They also support Hospitality Action’s ‘Invisible Chips’ initiative, which are available on their All Day Menu. The team also support the MIDAS programme, aimed keeping young people engaged with the hospitality industry, creating a network and opportunities to build life and work skills.