TWO environmentally conscious Kerry hotels this week showed off their green credentials as part of a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative called Greening Irish Hotels.
The Derrynane Hotel and the Dingle Skellig Hotel were among 56 nationwide to engage in the unique programme which aims to reduce the environmental impact of the businesses.
Speaking at the launch of the final report of the programme, EPA director, Larry Stapleton, said the project had resulted in reduced costs for hotels, giving a win-win outcome for business and the environment.
“The Irish hotels industry has been environmentally benchmarked for the first time in this pilot programme which has delivered the blueprint for better, greener business for Irish hotels,” he said.
“What we would like to see happen now is that the momentum from this programme will be carried forward,” Mr Stapleton added.
As part of the project training sessions and workshops were held with over 600-person training sessions delivered.
Detailed environmental reviews were carried out and cleaner production plans created for the participating hotels, while best practice standards were identified.
According to the EPA, by the end of last year the programme resulted in:
• the diversion of 1,113 tonnes of waste from land- a reduction of more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 output
• the reduction of more than 5,000 tonnes in water consumption.
The programme also identified future industry opportunities for energy savings, waste and water savings and CO2 reductions.
