Green Tourism
Sustainability
We are delighted to have been awarded silver status by Green Tourism. They operate a certification programme which recognises the commitment of tourism businesses who are actively working to become more sustainable. Their environmental assessors work with us to give professional advice on areas such as:
Reducing energy use
Saving water
Efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal
Ethical buying
Staying local & seasonal
Minimising food miles
Promoting biodiversity
Our Buildings
Our building is newly insulated with a weberplast acrylic finished render to reduce heating costs and new corridor window fittings to assist with natural ventilation other than motorised.
We have energy saving card devices in our rooms which cuts off all standby power and any lights left on by cutting power when the card is removed saving energy.
We also have censored lights in public toilets cutting off lights throughout the night or when toilets are idle saving electricity, energy and costs.
Transportation
Our team repurposed an empty building into a secure space for our guests to leave their bikes while staying overnight, this has proved to be a very successful team driven project especially with our proximity to the Waterford Greenway.
We also currently have a bike to work scheme in place for our employees.
Operations
All lights are on motion sensors in the corridors and all meeting rooms lights and air-conditioning are turned on as late as possible for guests arrival and on departure guests ensure that all electrical items are off.Â
We recycle in all areas of the hotel using a cardboard compactor, food composting, recycling bins and general waste bins.Â
We use wooden cutlery for takeaway, paper cups for takeaway coffee and paper notepads at the moments but we are working to improve this constantly.
We also, use large batch chemicals with automatic dispensers to minimise over-use and waste.
Maintenance and cleaning
Our Housekeeping team are trained to ensure electricity items are off in bedrooms.
We use recommended products from our nominated supplier using dispensers for specific dilution. We also have signs in the rooms for towel reuse and we have recently begun to upgrade single use toiletries to larger pump bottles to minimise waste.
Â
GIVING BACK
We work with PREM on their charity events such as Golfing to raise money for Beyond The Moon. We have also done fundraising for Ukraine in the hotel and added and to PREM funds to distribute. We always support sponsored events with discounted accommodation during their travels.
We also support our local Community events like Waterford FC in their monthly Community publication, working with national support groups like HUGG with reduced rates and local clubs with vouchers for raffles and much more.
Some more initiatives
Our Suppliers
Where possible we try to use local suppliers, we use local suppliers for landscaping.
Our People
Since starting working with Green Tourism we have been training our staff on environmental awareness.
Community Work
We work closely with Rehab and in particular their Vita Hub here in Waterford, also link in with Down Syndrome Ireland, Waterford Area Partnership on their newly launched Workability programme. We also work with local schools and their TY and LCA student for their work experience and placement needs. The SETU hospitality department send students for actual on-site experience which is of a great benefit to them and us. Â Â
