Sustainability

Sustainable Irish Hotels

At Ballyseede Castle Hotel, we are passionate about sustainability and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment by implementing effective green practices and procedures throughout the Castle. In April 2024, we were awarded the Silver Eco Award by Fifty Shades Greener and are now progressing towards the Gold and Platinum awards.

We actively began our green journey in 2020, and our fantastic team is key to our success in delivering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly service. Their invaluable input, insight and engagement are at the core of our achievements to date.

Many initiatives have already been introduced, while new ideas are emerging and evolving daily. We recognise that sustainability is a never-ending journey and are excited for the road ahead.

Carbon Footprint

We follow a process of metering, measuring, monitoring, evaluating and managing our waste, energy, water and carbon usage in order to reduce our environmental impact.

• We have retained our traditional keys rather than switching to plastic key cards.
• All of our light bulbs have been changed to LED lighting.
• Food waste is continually monitored to minimise wastage.
• Our food-waste management partners remove this waste and convert it into biofuel.
• We use green energy wherever possible.
• We have a Green Procurement Policy in place and are actively working with suppliers to help them reduce, reuse and recycle packaging.
• Most of our food products are sourced from Kerry and the surrounding area wherever possible.
• We hold meat-free days for staff meals.
• Electric car chargers are available in our car park.
• We have joined the Cycle to Work Scheme in partnership with TravelHub and Bike to Work, and actively encourage our staff to take advantage of this initiative.

Co-operation

• We are committed to adopting new ideas, adapting our practices and embracing change.
• A suggestion box is available to encourage staff to become actively involved and propose ways in which we can improve further.
• A waste-management programme is in place, with waste-separation facilities available in guest bedrooms, staff areas and public areas.
• All staff follow our ‘Think Before You Print’ policy.
• We encourage guests to follow our seven steps to a greener stay, with information available in guest bedrooms and in pre-arrival confirmation emails.

Commitment

• We are fully engaged in reducing our energy consumption and waste production through dedication, education, reduction and reuse. We aim to continue reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
• We follow a strict waste-separation policy, with all waste divided into general waste, recycling and compost.
• Our oil-filtration system allows cooking oil to be reused, reducing oil consumption, deliveries, collections and our overall carbon footprint.
• We use a shared stationery station rather than providing stationery to each individual, resulting in reduced paper and pen usage.
• We aim to dramatically reduce the use of single-use, non-compostable plastics.
• Fully eco-friendly packaging is used for takeaway breakfast items.
• We use environmentally friendly soap and shampoo in our bedrooms.
• We have significantly reduced single-use plastics throughout our food and beverage operations.

Community

• We believe in working together with a shared understanding of our environmental responsibilities.
• We promote our green message through our social media channels.
• We plant trees throughout the hotel grounds.
• We regularly clean up our local surroundings in partnership with Tralee Tidy Towns.
• Old or unwanted goods are donated to charity.
• Batteries are recycled responsibly.

Biodiversity

Ballyseede Castle is set on 30 acres of rolling parkland surrounded by mature native broadleaf woodland. Species found throughout the grounds include sessile and pedunculate oak, beech, birch, ash and evergreens such as holly, yew and rhododendron.

Native species including oak, alder, birch, beech and pine have also been planted.

Pollinator-friendly species such as rowan, blackthorn, whitethorn, holly, willow, guelder rose, beach rose and dogwood have been planted as understory planting.

The Belfry at Ballyseede Castle, which opened in 2024, was designed to support a variety of pollinator-friendly species and to ensure that our emphasis remains on carbon offsetting.

Mapping of the flora and fauna throughout our grounds is currently underway.

Our Future Plans

We are well on our way to achieving the Gold Eco Award with Fifty Shades Greener, with a long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral and eventually carbon positive.

Our Targets for 2024–2025

• Reduce packaging waste by 20%.
• Support locally produced goods and increase our number of local suppliers by 10%.
• Source greener and more environmentally friendly product options across all hotel departments and increase Fairtrade purchases by 10%.

What Can Our Guests Do to Help Us Achieve Our Aim? - Make a Green Choice

• Please turn off lights and televisions when they are not in use.
• Consider walking or using public transport.
• Use the recycling bins provided in your bedroom.
• Choose not to have a straw with your drink.
• Order only what you think you will eat at breakfast and throughout your stay.
• Ask to have the receipt for your stay emailed to you.

Hosting a Meeting with Us? Tips for a Green Meeting

• Communicate the meeting’s green agenda in advance so attendees are prepared.
• Notepads and pens are provided, but please think before using them. A shared stationery corner is available in each meeting room.
• Use a projector instead of printed handouts.
• Where possible, email meeting materials in advance so attendees can access them on their laptops.
• Type your notes during the meeting and email them to yourself.
• As part of our hotel policy, we have reduced single-use plastics throughout the hotel. Glassware and crockery are provided for beverages.
• Filtered bottled water is provided in all meeting rooms.

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