Top environmental award for Celtic Collection of hotels

South Wales Argus

06-06-2025

The Celtic Collection, which includes the Celtic Manor Resort and other properties in South Wales and the West, has been awarded Level 4 of the Green Dragon Environmental Standard across seven of its hotels and the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales).
This achievement marks a significant step forward in the group's sustainability journey.
Fitzroy Hutchinson, energy and environment manager at The Celtic Collection, said: "With a track record of over 30 years of sustainable business practice, we are committed to making sustainability part of our everyday.
"Having held the Green Dragon Environmental Standard at Level 3 at the Celtic Manor Resort for 20 years, we are delighted that our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and our environmental impact have resulted in us achieving Level 4 across The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales.
"We have made significant investment in our facilities to minimise our energy and water consumption, reduce our waste and raise our recycling levels but perhaps the most pleasing aspect of Level 4 recognition is that it reflects the enthusiastic participation of our team.
"More than 1,300 people have been trained to recognise and enhance our sustainability practices and we have proactive working groups in all properties and across every department.
"This engagement has been instrumental in reaching the Level 4 standard."
The Green Dragon Environmental Standard is a UKAS-accredited certification owned and operated by Groundwork Wales.
The Celtic Collection's Level 4 accreditation places it among just 19 organisations in Wales to reach this level or higher.
Katy Stevenson, chief executive of Groundwork Wales, said: "We are delighted to have worked with the Celtic Collection and ICC Wales for a number of years, accrediting their venues through the Green Dragon Environmental Standard and now uplifting to Level 4.
"This demonstrates consistent improvement and progress across a large and complex business."
The Celtic Collection's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its daily operations and long-term investments.
All of its properties use 100 per cent REGO-backed renewable electricity, send zero waste to landfill, and convert food waste into renewable energy and waste oil into biodiesel.
In 2024, the group launched Tŷ Hotel Newport, the first all-electric large hotel in Wales.
The hotel features energy-efficient electric ovens and induction hobs that use 40 per cent less energy than traditional gas equipment.
At the Celtic Manor Resort, a new environment and ecology stewardship manager has led the planting of 5,000 trees, the installation of 120 bird boxes, and the introduction of four beehives supporting 150,000 honeybees.
ICC Wales has also taken major steps to reduce its environmental impact, including eliminating single-use plastics and focusing on locally sourced produce.
The venue offsets 465 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually thanks to its 230 acres of woodland, and its smart building management system helps minimise energy use.
The Celtic Collection includes Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court Hotel, Newbridge on Usk, The Parkgate Hotel, and Tŷ Hotels in Magor, Newport, and Milford Waterfront.
The group first achieved Level 3 in 2005, with the Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales reaching Level 4 in 2024.
Other properties were brought up to the same standard in 2025.