At Viking Hotel, sustainability is not just a buzzword. We are passionate about reducing the hotel’s impact on the world around us, making Waterford a greener, more beautiful place to visit for everyone. We have implemented several tangible, measurable processes to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage our guests to share this journey with us. Small changes can make a big difference and if we work together, we can preserve the natural beauty of Waterford for future generations. Learn more about our sustainable initiatives, book our best available rates or a table in our restaurant exclusively on Viking Hotel Waterford’s official website.
Green Tourism
We are delight to announce that we have been awarded silver status by Green Tourism, an awards certification programme which recognises the commitment of tourism businesses actively working to become more sustainable. Their environmental assessors work with us to give professional advice in multiple areas within the hotel and give us insight into how we could best improve the hotel’s performance and reduce our carbon footprint. These standards are implemented by our management and staff and regularly reviewed and maintained to ensure compliance. Areas in which we have made improvements include:
- Reducing energy use
- Saving water
- Efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal
- Ethical buying
- Staying local & seasonal
- Minimising food miles
- Promoting biodiversity
Our Hotel in Waterford
In order to reduce heat and energy loss, our building has been newly insulated with a weberplast acrylic finished render. We’ve also installed new corridor window fittings to assist with natural ventilation and fresh air flow. For a number of years, we have had energy-saving power devices in our guest rooms. When the key card is removed, the power will be cut to the room meaning any lights or plugs left on will power off. This is ideal for energy saving and has no impact on the guest’s stay. We have sensor lights installed on our public restrooms so in hours of darkness, they will switch off when not in use saving electricity, energy, and costs.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Our housekeeping teams are trained to look out for ways to increase sustainability and reduce waste within the hotel. When turning down a room, it is part of their training to unplug electrical items left on. We use recommended products from our nominated supplier using dispensers for specific dilution reducing the use of plastic bottles. We use large batch chemicals with automatic dispensers to minimise over-use and waste. We have begun to upgrade single-use toiletries in our guest rooms to larger pump bottles to minimise waste. We recycle in all areas of the hotel using a cardboard compactor, food composting, recycling bins and general waste bins. We use wooden cutlery for takeaway, paper cups for takeaway coffee and paper notepads but and are constantly working to improve the usage of these items.
Getting Around
Waterford is well connected within Ireland by road, rail and public transport. The hotel is within walking distance of the city centre and it’s a pleasant walk on a warm day. We provide complimentary car parking throughout your stay and would encourage guests to make responsible choices when getting around Waterford. Cycling is very popular here, being so close to the Waterford Greenway and many of our guests travel with or hire bikes for their stay. Our team repurposed an empty building on the hotel grounds into a secure space for our guests to leave their bikes while staying overnight. We also currently have a bike-to-work scheme in place for our employees.
Knowledge is Power
We encourage guests to join us on our journey to improve the hotel’s sustainability rating and reduce unnecessary waste. Guests can reuse towels for the duration of their stay, hanging up towels that are still in use so they are not replaced by our housekeeping team. Simple things like unplugging electrical items and turning off the tap when brushing your teeth make a big difference over time. Choosing better transport options also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Waterford is filled with independent and unique shops. Shopping locally and second-hand supports the local economy and promotes the circular economy.
Book a stay in our Waterford hotel and enjoy exclusive access to our best available rates, guaranteed. We look forward to welcoming you.
