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Clontarf Castle Hotel’s Commitment to Sustainability
Luke McLeod
| Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
| Minute Read
Luke McLeod
Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Minute Read
- At Clontarf Castle Hotel, we believe that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. As a hotel rooted in history, we not only prioritise creating exceptional experiences for our guests but also take active steps to protect our environment and support our local community. Our goal is to minimise our carbon footprint and be smarter with our resources. From waste management to energy efficiency and supporting biodiversity, here’s how Clontarf Castle is leaving an environmental footprint for current guests and future generations.
Waste Management
Waste reduction is at the forefront of our sustainability efforts. At Clontarf Castle, we have implemented a “reduce, reuse, recycle” policy across all departments. Staff members are trained to lead by example, ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly and recyclables are handled correctly. Recycling stations are provided throughout the hotel for both staff and guests, and we aim to recycle 80% of all waste.
Our waste management strategy also includes the use of eco-friendly products. For instance, our guest rooms now feature fully recyclable Tetra Pak water cartons. We are committed to cutting single-use plastics and encourage the use of non-disposable products wherever possible. This focus on waste reduction extends to our purchasing practices as well, where we evaluate items based on their environmental impact, particularly looking at reusable packaging and containers.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is a priority at Clontarf Castle. Our maintenance team check our water usage daily to find areas for improvement and ensure we are using water as efficiently as possible. All guest rooms and public areas are fitted with water-saving technologies, including water restrictors in showers and sinks to reduce consumption without compromising the guest service’s and experience.
Our team and guests are encouraged to follow water-saving practices, such as opting into our bed linen reuse program. In addition, we use only environmentally friendly cleaning and washing products that minimize water pollution. We aim to reduce our water consumption per guest night to under 230 litres, proving our commitment to protecting this valuable resource.
Energy and Emissions Management
At Clontarf Castle, we’re focused on using energy more efficiently and leave a positive impact on the environment. One of the ways we do this is through the use of solar panels, which help generate renewable energy for the hotel. In the first six months after installing the solar panels, they produced enough energy to reduce our carbon emissions by over 16 tons. This is the same as planting around 278 trees in the local area, helping us take a big step toward a greener future.
We use smart building management systems (BMS) to check and control energy usage in real time, and energy-efficient LED lights are installed throughout the castle. In guest rooms, key card systems ensure that electricity is switched off when the room is unoccupied. These measures are complemented by staff training programs, which encourage energy conservation at every level of operation.
Supporting Local Communities and Biodiversity
Clontarf Castle’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond our grounds, engaging directly with the local community and fostering meaningful partnerships. We proudly collaborate with local suppliers to source fresh, sustainable food. For example, we work with Wright’s of Marino, renowned for their premium fresh and smoked fish, and Gahan Meats, which supplies high-quality meat sourced from Irish farms. These partnerships ensure that our guests enjoy the finest local produce while supporting local businesses and reducing our carbon footprint by keeping supply chains short.
We’re also committed to preserving the environment, taking active steps to protect biodiversity. As participants in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, we implement initiatives that protect pollinators, such as bees, which are essential for a thriving ecosystem. Our staff is trained to use environmentally safe Ecolab chemicals, which not only provide effective cleaning solutions but also minimize harm to the local ecosystem. This focus on sustainable practices in both our kitchen and accommodation services underscores our dedication to balancing luxury with environmental responsibility, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
New EV Charging Stations: A Step Toward Green Tourism & Sustainable Transport
One of our most exciting initiatives at Clontarf Castle is the installation of EasyGo electric vehicle (EV) charging stations outside the castle’s main entrance. This addition marks a significant step toward reducing transport-related carbon emissions and making it easier for our guests to embrace sustainable travel. With four overnight chargers and two quick chargers available in green-designated parking spaces, we offer convenience for eco-conscious travelers who can now recharge their vehicles while enjoying the luxury of the castle.
In addition to the EV charging stations, we’ve introduced another eco-friendly option for our guests: Moby electric bikes. These e-bikes are available for hire, providing a sustainable and fun way to explore the local area, for more information about our Moby Bike partnerships Check out our blog for insights on top places to visit and the convenient Scan, Pay, Go process. By offering both EV chargers and electric bike rentals, we are making it easier than ever for our guests to reduce their carbon footprint during their stay.
These steps align with our broader environmental goals, showcasing our commitment to green tourism and sustainable transport. Whether guests are driving an electric vehicle or opting to explore on two wheels, Clontarf Castle is proud to offer sustainable options that enhance the guest experience while protecting the planet.
Responsible Marketing and Ethical Purchasing
At Clontarf Castle, we approach marketing with transparency and integrity. We ensure that all our promotional materials reflect the genuine conditions of the hotel, avoiding misleading imagery or promises. This is part of our broader commitment to ethical practices in all areas of operation, including our purchasing decisions.
We prioritize sourcing locally whenever possible to reduce transportation-related emissions and support small Irish businesses. When importing goods is necessary, we ensure they are sourced from Fair Trade suppliers. Additionally, we work with our suppliers to minimize packaging waste and aim to buy in bulk where possible to reduce overall environmental impact.
Continuously Improving for a Sustainable Future
While we are proud of the strides we have made, we recognize that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. At Clontarf Castle, we regularly assess our practices to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact. This includes setting ambitious sustainability targets for reducing energy consumption and waste production, as well as continuously educating both staff and guests on how they can contribute to our sustainability goals.
Our efforts are guided by a commitment to creating a greener future, not just for our guests but for the generations to come. We aim to be a leader in the sustainable hospitality sector by balancing luxury and environmental responsibility. By staying dedicated to our core values, we hope to inspire positive change within the industry and beyond.
The Wrap Up
We didn’t want to overwhelm you with numbers and figures, but if you’re interested, you can view our Sustainability Policy here Clontarf Castle Hotel is more than just a historic landmark; it’s a testament to how luxury and sustainability can coexist. Through initiatives in waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and support for local biodiversity, we are making meaningful strides towards a more sustainable future. Our new EV charging stations and partnerships with local suppliers underscore our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while ensuring our guests enjoy the exceptional experience they expect.
As we continue on this journey, we invite our guests to join us in protecting the planet. Together, we can ensure that Clontarf Castle remains a cherished destination for generations to come, offering not only unforgettable experiences but also a commitment to creating a better, greener world.
Luke McLeod
Luke is a seasoned travel writer, with years of experience around Europe, America and at home in Dublin.
If it’s not discovering some of Clontarf’s finest coffee shops, Luke can be found in the city centre tracing over historic steps of Irish history or chatting with some of his favourite artisan producers in the town.
Wether it’s a pub for a quiet pint, a day trip from the capital or a dainty market to spend your Saturday morning, Luke’s travel tips will ensure your stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel is a unique experience.
