A TRIPLE finalist in the national Considerate Hotelier Awards is now hoping to take the Socially Responsible Business of the Year title at The Press Business Awards.

The DoubleTree by Hilton York relaunched last Autumn following a £6 million programme of expansion and renovation.

Owned by the hotel group Shiva, the DoubleTree by Hilton York actively works towards lessening its impact on the environment through various initiatives; creating awareness of current issues through campaigns and appeals, and supporting local charities in the area.

Before becoming the DoubleTree by Hilton York, the hotel had been known as The Monkbar Hotel. In 2012 it became the first hotel within York city centre to win the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) Gold award - the highest possible accolade given by the organisation which promotes sustainability in the leisure and hospitality sector.

For three years running The Monkbar was shortlisted in the Considerate Hotelier Awards Considerate Green Team category.

Now, as the DoubleTree by Hilton York, general manager Graham Usher and the CARE Committee have their sights firmly set on building on this green legacy and bolstering their reputation for being a community champion.

The DoubleTree by Hilton York has teamed up with Paperworks, a social enterprise in Leeds and Harrogate, providing employment for individuals with learning disabilities.

The organisation takes paper from the hotel to shred and recycle as horse bedding.

Mr Usher said the organisation was a fantastic cause that not only helps the environment by recycling, but provides those with learning disabilities the support they need to build on their confidence and workplace skills.

In July last year, the DoubleTree by Hilton York was at the forefront of a campaign launched by Shiva Hotels aimed at abolishing modern slavery and sexual exploitation within the hospitality industry.

Staff at the hotel are trained on how to identify victims of slavery or sexual trafficking while also encouraging customers and colleagues across York to join the campaign.

In January, the DoubleTree by Hilton York launched a new in-house team, the CARE Committee, to lead initiatives to benefit guests, colleagues, and the local community.

The hotel is also aiming to reduce its use of plastic straws, coffee cups, toiletry containers, bin liners, disposable bottles and even pens in conference rooms by undertaking a full review of where it used.

Just last month the hotel launched an appeal for second-hand suits to be given to people to wear at interviews.