ONE of the capital’s key venues has won the highest accolade for environmental practice from leading sustainability certification programme Green Tourism.

The council-owned Assembly Rooms Edinburgh was awarded a Gold accreditation – the top standard – by following a sustainable framework set out by Green Tourism.

The Georgian venue, which is celebrating its 230th anniversary this year, has been recognised for its exceptional efforts across a wide range of criteria, including energy and water efficiency, waste management and community involvement.

Green Tourism has been in operation since 1997 and is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world.

Praised by Green Tourism for its continued commitment to the sustainability agenda, the Assembly Rooms was presented with the Gold award on April 27.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This Gold grading recognises our ongoing commitment to environmental quality and celebrates the efforts of everyone at the Assembly Rooms in striving for excellence in this crucial area of our business.

“We firmly believe in taking responsibility for our carbon footprint and are constantly pushing our venues in terms of sustainability to further develop our green credentials, proving that a fantastic building and great event doesn’t have to cost the earth.”

Green Tourism has been in operation since 1997 and is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world.