5 London Hotels Harnessing Solar Energy
- Dominic Richards
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
There’s something quite amazing about how we can harness the power of sunlight to create energy. It’s almost like photosynthesis for humans, a natural refuelling of energy. And something I’m surprised we don’t use more of.
In fact, solar energy was used as far back as 7th Century BC when humans used sunlight to ignite fires with magnifying glasses. Centuries later, the Romans used similar methods but with mirrors to light torches for ceremonies and heat rooms. There’s also evidence of scientists using sunlight to power ovens and boats in the 18th Century. Throughout history, we have tried to utilise the sun’s mighty light and heat to power our lives.
And then came the solar panel. Although the invention of the solar cell was as far back as 1873, it wasn’t until 1954, that the solar panel that we know today (made with silicon, not selenium) was created. Back then, it cost $300 per watt. Now it’s more like $0.50 a watt, which is one of the reasons for its growing popularity along with widespread knowledge of the climate crisis.
In honour of European Solar Day (although we should celebrate the sun everyday), we wanted to shine a light on some of the event venues in London who have implemented energy measures to take advantage of our big, beautiful sun.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
This iconic luxury hotel, based in Knightsbridge, was one of the first hotels in the UK to utilise innovative solar-thermal collectors to decarbonise its heating. Dubbed VirtuHOT technology and manufactured from Naked Energy, the installation will generate over 39,000kWh of energy per year, decreasing natural gas consumption and shrinking the building’s yearly carbon footprint by 7.3 tonnes.
City Hall London
A striking building based in the London Docklands, City Hall is the sustainable headquarters of the Mayor of London and London Assembly, which is also available for venue hire. The building runs on 100% renewable energy with two thirds of the roof covered in photovoltaic and solar thermal panels generating 20% of its electrical energy. These solar panels are estimated to cut carbon emissions from the building by approximately 3,000 tonnes over their lifetime.
Park Plaza Waterloo
We’re heading south of the river for our next venue which 4-star Park Plaza based in Waterloo. Equipped with a 4.5KW solar power system featuring high-efficiency panels, this hotel integrates renewable energy as part of its commitment to sustainability. It is also home to 6 meeting rooms and two roof terraces for hire, so you can host your delegates with support from the sun’s great rays.
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel
As one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, Marriott has made strategic investments into sustainability. By 2025, they aim to achieve a minimum of 30% renewable electricity use across their hotels. Their London Heathrow Marriott hotel supports this through its hybrid wind turbine and solar panel system – a 600W turbine and two 100W high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels. This provides power for external lighting and reduces CO2 emissions by 12 tons every year.
The View London
One of Central London’s most sustainable venues, The View has 111 solar panels installed across the building. Additional sustainable measures include 100% FSC accredited timber used onsite, sensor-controlled lights, 98.5% of waste recycled with no waste going to landfill. As a result of these initiatives, the venue has achieved a BREEAM Excellence Certification.
About the author:
Dominic Richards is the co-founder and director of Zentive, a sustainable events agency in London. Dominic has communicated the importance of sustainable events around the industry and beyond, championing the way events can do better for the planet whilst achieving their goals. During this time, he has continued to grow relationships with suppliers and industry professionals whilst delivering innovative, future-thinking events for his clients.
