The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most iconic luxury hotels, has achieved Gold Certification from The PLEDGE on Food Waste, placing it among a select group of hospitality leaders taking meaningful, measurable action against food waste.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, the five-star hotel is known for its award-winning ONE Spa, refined dining experiences, and commitment to responsible hospitality. This latest achievement demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can work hand in hand.
A Five-Star Hotel Leading Sustainable Hospitality in Edinburgh
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh has long championed thoughtful, modern hospitality. From its focus on locally sourced produce and seasonal menus to its wider environmental initiatives, the hotel continues to evolve in line with guest expectations for transparency, responsibility, and purpose.
Achieving Gold Certification from The PLEDGE on Food Waste marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s sustainability journey, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable luxury hospitality in Scotland.
A Chef-Led Approach to Food Waste Reduction
Meet Executive Chef Stuart Thomson
At the heart of this achievement is Executive Chef Stuart Thomson, whose leadership has helped embed food waste prevention into the culture of the kitchen and across the wider hotel operation.
“Before implementing The PLEDGE’s framework, we were really craving knowledge, detail, education and data around our food waste. It was key that we grew as a team culture and drilled down into where our food waste was coming from and what we could do to improve.”
— Stuart Thomson, Executive Chef
From Data Gaps to Measurable Action
What Changed After Implementing The PLEDGE Framework
By adopting The PLEDGE’s structured framework, the Sheraton Grand introduced practical, team-driven changes that delivered real impact.
Key initiatives included:
- Repurposing bread trimmings into house-made cheese crackers
- Transforming surplus salad ingredients into soups and secondary dishes
- Tracking and recording food waste to support learning and accountability
- Sharing food waste reduction tips across departments and encouraging positive habits beyond the workplace
“We can track it, we can record it, and we can use that as a tool to learn and grow. It’s become a really holistic culture across the business.” — Stuart Thomson
Gold-Level Results and Impact
After 12 months of implementing The PLEDGE framework, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh achieved impressive environmental and financial results:
- 13% reduction in food waste per cover
- 9,200 kg of surplus food rescued
- 23,077 kg of CO₂ emissions avoided (equivalent to removing five petrol cars from the road for a year)
- £13,800 saved in food costs
- 1% reduction in overall food expenditure
These outcomes show that food waste reduction delivers both environmental and commercial value.
Why the Sheraton Grand Recommends The PLEDGE Certification
For Chef Stuart and his team, achieving Gold Certification represents more than an award — it is a marker of progress and pride.
Today’s guests are increasingly seeking out hotels that align with their values. The PLEDGE certification provides a credible, third-party verified way to demonstrate that commitment.
Sustainability That Guests Can See and Feel
The Gold Certification complements the Sheraton Grand’s broader culinary ethos, one rooted in Scottish seasonality, local sourcing, and responsible production.
From reimagining surplus ingredients to using live food waste data to inform decisions, sustainability is now embedded into daily operations rather than treated as an add-on. The result is a dining experience that feels thoughtful, authentic, and aligned with modern guest expectations.
What Is The PLEDGE on Food Waste Certification?
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is a globally recognised, third-party certification designed specifically for the hospitality and food service sector.
The framework assesses businesses across seven key pillars, including:
- Staff training and engagement
- Food waste monitoring and measurement
- Operational processes and handling practices
- Guest engagement
- Post-consumer food waste strategies
Certification is awarded at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels following a rigorous independent audit. Achieving Gold Certification places the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh among a select group of global hospitality leaders demonstrating best-in-class food waste prevention.
Ready to Lead on Food Waste?
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