Renewable energy is set to play a growing role in the day-to-day operations of one of Glasgow’s best-known city-centre hotels, as the Glasgow Marriott Hotel moves forward with a major rooftop solar installation.
The four-star deluxe hotel, which recently completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment, is continuing its investment programme with the installation of 600 solar panels by Sustain Commercial Solar. Once operational, the system will generate clean electricity to support the hotel’s operations, reducing its reliance on grid energy by 11.4 per cent.
The move is expected to deliver a measurable reduction in carbon emissions, cutting approximately 35,812kg annually, and marks a significant step in the hotel’s wider sustainability strategy.
The Glasgow Marriott has already positioned itself at the forefront of environmentally conscious hospitality in the city. It is among the first hotels in Glasgow to achieve Green Key certification, a leading international benchmark for sustainable tourism businesses. In addition, the hotel has secured Gold Certification from The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste, supported by Winnow AI technology which tracks food waste in real time to improve kitchen efficiency.
A series of further initiatives have been introduced across the property, including the installation of EV charging points, motion-sensor lighting, and water-saving fixtures. The hotel has also eliminated single-use plastics such as straws and stirrers from its operations.
More recently, a voltage optimisation unit has been installed to regulate incoming electricity supply, improving overall energy efficiency while reducing carbon output and extending the lifespan of electrical equipment.
Chris McGuinness, General Manager of the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said sustainability is now a key expectation among guests.
“Sustainability is something our guests increasingly expect from the places they choose to stay, and it is something we are taking very seriously as a business,” he said. “Installing solar panels is a practical step towards reducing our environmental impact while continuing to deliver the high standards of hospitality we’re known for and are proud to provide.
“Since the Marriott Hotel became a part of Glasgow’s skyline 40 years ago, the city has continued to attract global conferences, major sporting competitions and culturally significant international exhibitions. It is important for hotels to play their part in supporting the city’s reputation as a bustling, dynamic destination with plenty to offer, in a manner that sustainably supports the pursuit of further growth.”
Located just off the M8 in Glasgow’s city centre, the award-winning hotel features more than 300 bedrooms alongside extensive meeting facilities and a range of food, beverage and leisure offerings, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.
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The solar PV installation is being delivered without disruption to the hotel’s day-to-day operations, ensuring guests and staff are unaffected throughout the process.
Nick Elbourne, Director at Sustain Commercial Solar, said the project presented a unique technical challenge.
“The Glasgow Marriott presented a genuinely interesting installation. Working across mixed roof elevations in a live city-centre hotel environment requires careful planning and tight coordination with the operations team,” he said. “The result is a high-performance system that will deliver clean energy to this building for decades, and a real statement of intent from a major hospitality brand.”
