Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Wicklow

InterContinental Dublin, an IHG Hotel, stands out as an embodiment of luxury paired with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The hotel has taken strides to become a leader in the industry, making conscious efforts to combat climate change by reducing its energy intensity. This unique blend of opulence and environmental consciousness makes it a remarkable destination for those who value sustainability without compromising on comfort and class.

Going above and beyond the standards typically set by five-star hotels, InterContinental Dublin continually innovates to improve its eco-friendly policies. This commitment extends from energy-efficient practices within the hotel to larger scale sustainability initiatives. All these efforts underline the hotel's goal to offer a premium, environmentally conscious experience to each person who chooses to stay there, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can indeed coexist harmoniously.

At the intersection of luxury and sustainability, the Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence stands as a proud recipient of the Eco-Label by Green Hospitality Award. This honour recognizes the hotel's success in meeting stringent criteria for eco-friendliness. Embracing a robust environmental management policy, Herbert Park Hotel acknowledges the crucial role the hospitality industry plays in safeguarding the environment for future generations and sustaining the tourism sector in the long term.

In line with these commitments, the hotel has established a series of ambitious objectives: a 15% reduction in energy consumption alongside a decrease in carbon emissions by 2 tonnes; a 17% reduction in mains water usage; and a commitment to reducing landfill waste by a substantial 35%. They also aim to reduce packaging by 25% by collaborating with their suppliers. Further reinforcing their commitment to local economies, the hotel prioritizes sourcing high-quality local and national raw materials, supporting small businesses whenever possible. The hotel’s kitchen exemplifies this practice, with all fresh meat and the majority of the seafood sourced from reputable Irish suppliers. The hotel encourages input on how to enhance their 'green' credentials, reflecting an ongoing commitment to environmental improvement.

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership, specifically within the meetings and events sector. The hotel not only integrates environmental practices into its business strategy but also explores innovative ways to improve sustainability in the hospitality industry. Emphasizing its green credentials, the establishment proudly announces its Gold Award from Green Tourism in 2022 for two years running, and its recognition as finalists for Excellence in Sustainability in the Facilities Management Awards 2020.

As an eco-friendly hub for meetings and events, the hotel continuously devises green solutions in collaboration with the Facilities and Events teams, making a substantial effort towards minimizing waste, water, gas, and energy consumption. The hotel also places high priority on sustainable catering, emphasizing local and sustainable produce in its menus. In fact, they offer to work hand-in-hand with clients to create custom eco-friendly menus for events. The establishment is known for its commitment to hotel sustainability, taking environmental responsibility seriously, and standing as a vibrant example of green hospitality in Dublin, the 'Emerald Isle'.

At the heart of the Dylan hotel's ethos lies a firm commitment to environmental sustainability, reflected in its proactive measures to protect the environment and drive industry-wide change. The hotel lays out an annual environmental plan that stipulates specific objectives, targets, and activities. This commitment extends to inviting guests, suppliers, and contractors to participate in eco-friendly initiatives, training employees on sustainable practices, and openly sharing these policies and practices on public platforms. Performance is regularly monitored, compared with annual objectives and targets, and improvements are consistently sought by integrating energy-efficient technologies in the hotel's design and renovation.

Each department within the hotel strives to reduce, reuse, and recycle, segregating waste daily to divert as much as possible from landfill. Efforts to conserve water are in place, such as monitoring water usage and reducing flow rate through tap aerators. Energy efficiency is also a key priority, with all water heated by energy-efficient gas-fired boilers, smart building management systems, and LED bulbs in all light fittings. Furthermore, the hotel's housekeeping department gives guests the option to choose their laundry preferences, reflecting the Dylan's commitment to water conservation. An alliance with the "Clean the World" Hospitality Recycling program further bolsters their efforts towards sustainability.

Conrad Dublin is a part of the Hilton's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, "Travel with Purpose," which aims to drive responsible travel and tourism globally. The strategy focuses on creating a positive environmental and social impact across its operations, supply chain, and communities. As part of this endeavor, Conrad Dublin has made substantial efforts towards sustainability and reduction in natural resource consumption. Emphasizing climate action and destination stewardship, the hotel is committed to paving the way to a net-zero future for the company and the global travel and tourism industry. This involves proactive efforts to reduce Watts, Water, and Waste at the hotel.

In addition to environmental initiatives, Conrad Dublin also concentrates on social impact. The hotel's role extends beyond its premises to foster opportunities for both team members within Hilton and communities around the world. A special emphasis is placed on promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, as well as protecting human rights. The hotel maintains dedicated programs focusing on careers, communities, and conduct to implement its commitment to social responsibility.

With a rich legacy that stretches back more than two and a half centuries, The Merrion Hotel stands as a forerunner in advancing sustainability in the hospitality industry. Since its establishment, it has seamlessly blended innovative technologies and age-old methods with the goal of emerging as one of the globe's leading sustainable hotels. Over the past twenty years, it has been gradually introducing environmental policies to foster a better future. The hotel boasts energy-efficient heating systems, overnight light sensors, and uses 100% renewable energy. All the while, these efforts have remained largely invisible to guests, subtly contributing to positive environmental change.

Furthermore, The Merrion's commitment to eco-friendliness extends to its food and waste management strategies. Executive Chef Ed Cooney supports local produce and maintains beehives on the hotel rooftops to aid pollination and biodiversity in Dublin. The hotel has a robust recycling program, wherein glass is crushed onsite, coffee grounds contribute to compost, leftover food is donated to community charities, and unused toiletries are recycled via the Clean the World program. Additionally, the hotel supports electric vehicle usage with complimentary charging points and influences suppliers to adopt greener packaging methods. Efforts extend to staff training to ensure everyone contributes to their sustainable vision, from front-of-house to behind-the-scenes teams. The Merrion's dedication to sustainability is a silent promise to its guests, ensuring a restful stay that contributes to a better future.

Boasting the esteemed certification of Green Hospitality Ireland, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection is a beacon of eco-friendly hospitality. The hotel is committed to reducing environmental impact through a myriad of sustainable policies and practices. One of the key areas of focus is carbon and water footprint reduction, and this is demonstrated in their efforts to lower their carbon footprint to 35.52 kg per room night and water footprint to 445.7 liters per room night.

Moreover, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection also places an emphasis on recycling, especially within the guest rooms. This practice ensures that waste generated during a guest's stay is minimized and effectively managed, creating a more sustainable environment for both guests and the local community. This conservation-minded hotel continues to inspire others with its dedication to sustainability, offering a model of how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.