Stay green in the heart of Nottingham: Discover our sustainable hotel stays and more

Looking for the ultimate sustainable stay? Here’s our guide to sustainable hotels in Nottingham. Our hotels offer guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere, paired with essential amenities in a peaceful University campus setting.

Experience a greener way to stay with Nottingham Venues. We have two hotels, The Orchard and The Jubilee Hotel, both built with sustainability in mind and located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses. Join us as we uncover the charm of our hotels and the delightful amenities we offer to ensure a memorable stay for every guest.

Visiting our sustainable hotels in Nottingham

Located on the University of Nottingham campus, which spans 330 acres of green space, our hotels and venues benefit from a setting that’s not only tranquil and beautiful but also rooted in environmental responsibility. The University is consistently recognised as one of the most attractive campuses in the UK and is actively supporting Nottingham’s ambition to become a net zero carbon city by 2028.

We understand the vital role businesses play in environmental stewardship. That’s why our hotels have been thoughtfully built with sustainability at their core, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy their stay while reducing their environmental footprint. Both of our hotels were built with sustainability at the forefront, with The Orchard Hotel winning “Best sustainable Venue” at the CHS awards in both 2017 and 2019.

Here’s our UK sustainable hotel amenities:

• Energy efficiency: Both The Orchard and The Jubilee Hotels feature energy-efficient lighting and absence detection systems, ensuring electricity is only used when necessary.
• Solar energy: The Orchard Hotel has 60 square metres of photovoltaic panels that generate clean solar energy, helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Natural light: The Orchard Hotel’s bedroom wings are designed to maximise natural light by orienting them to face north and south, providing a bright, welcoming atmosphere while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
• Smart air systems: Our bedrooms and meeting rooms are equipped with variable extract air systems that adjust energy usage based on occupancy, while high-efficacy Air Handling Units (AHUs) help recuperate heat for better energy efficiency.
• Biodiverse parkland: Set within 330 acres of green space, our hotels are surrounded by parkland featuring grasslands, trees, and water features. Organic gardening practices are used to support local ecosystems and protect pollinators.
• Green team: Our dedicated Green Team drives sustainability initiatives and works to continually improve our eco-friendly efforts across both hotels.

Eco-friendly transportation options in Nottingham

Of course, visitors are always welcome to drive to our venues, with on-site parking available and 8 electric charging points at The Orchard Hotel. We also work with a local trusted taxi service to help you get to where you need to go (Nottingham is a great city to explore!), though with our environmental commitments, we do advocate car-sharing where possible, to boost Nottingham’s sustainability efforts.

Even better still, Nottingham has a fantastic public transport network. Located just 3 miles from Nottingham’s vibrant city centre, you can hop on either a tram (just outside the university campus) or the Orange Line 34 bus, which stops on campus.

Sustainable food options in Nottingham

At Nottingham Venues, sustainability is central to every meal, whether you’re a hotel guest, dining at Bramleys Restaurant, near The Orchard Hotel, or using our catering facilities.

Bramleys, set in the picturesque parkland of the University of Nottingham, offers locally sourced, globally inspired dishes. We partner with local producers like 200 Degrees Coffee, Weavers Wines, and Castle Rock Brewery to ensure quality and sustainability. We focus on seasonality, responsible sourcing, and local produce, always. 

For a quicker bite, Spokes Café also serves seasonal, locally sourced food and features sustainable water refill stations to help reduce plastic waste.

Our catering options for events are based on seasonal menus and ethical sourcing, with 100% of food waste converted into energy, supporting a circular economy, highlighting how we make food sustainability in Nottingham a priority. Whether dining or using our catering facilities, every experience at Nottingham Venues helps support a more sustainable future.

Relaxation and recreation

Our green, award-winning university grounds are not just for show. They’re there for you to explore and enjoy, whether it’s a morning jog, a leisurely walk to spot some wildlife, or finding that perfect spot for a bit of quiet. Explore the Green Flag-awarded university grounds by going for a campus walk, and discover the hidden gardens and wildlife along the way.

Take a dip in the pool at David Ross Sports Village, work out at our gyms, or simply lounge in a comfortable seating area. Discover opportunities for relaxation and leisure that enhance your stay without costing the planet.

Our sustainability accreditations

We’re proud to have received several prestigious accreditations for our ongoing commitment to sustainability. In 2022, we were honoured with the East Midlands Business Masters Sustainability Award. Additionally, we’ve been awarded the Silver Venue Award from ECO Smart, recognising our dedication to the environment. The Orchard Hotel and its restaurant are also rated BREEAM Excellent, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainable building practices.

Together, we can make every event, stay, and meal a step toward a more sustainable future. We invite you to experience the best of Nottingham Venues, where sustainability and comfort meet. Book your next sustainable hotel stay or event with us, and be a part of the change. 

Don’t forget to read all about our sustainability practices here.