Dublin coastal resort recognised for environmental efforts following an 18-month audit across its hotel, spa, conference, dining and golf facilities
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links has achieved the highly regarded Green Key certification for its commitment to environmental excellence, after a rigorous 18-month auditing process.
Green Key certified
Green Key is the global international standard for sustainability in tourism and has been achieved by organisations in over 90 countries. Being Green Key certified means demonstrating a provable commitment to environmental and social sustainability criteria, as well as encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion for employees and customers. It is one of the leading ecolabels recognised by the Google-powered booking engine Google Travel as part of its ‘Sustainability Labelling’.
The hotel is now more efficient across all of its operating areas, including bedrooms, restaurants, kitchens, conference facilities, spa, back of house, hotel grounds and its famous Jameson Golf Links. A task force was established across the hotel’s team to help drive forward environmental projects and ideas.
In its 134 bedrooms single use plastics have been removed, guests are asked to consider if they need daily linen and towel replacements, and it’s been made easier to separate recycling waste. Heating has been upgraded so it can be managed centrally.
Food waste has been dramatically reduced with new procedures in the kitchens and restaurants, along with improved waste collection systems. Guests are encouraged to fill their own reusable bottles via filtered water machines. Externally, the grounds are making use of rainwater collection, using Jameson barrels – a fitting nod to the history of the property. Electric and hybrid golf machines have replaced petrol ones.
Local Partnerships
The hotel has also partnered with Dublin Beekeeping Association – the extensive grounds have six beehives to encourage biodiversity, with the golf course superintendent acting as Beekeeper. The team are also helping to educate the local population on what an important role bees have in the environment. Another partnership has been developed with Portmarnock Community Association, with initiatives including the protection of the dunes and ensuring local beaches are kept clean and tidy.
William Kirby, General Manager at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, said:
“Naturally I am thrilled we have achieved the Green Key Certification. There has been a huge collective effort and commitment from the team, with everyone getting behind our shared goals to improve how we behave, operate and educate ourselves and our customers when it comes to sustainability. But it’s not something which now stops, there are always further improvements to be made to help us take the business forward in the most sustainable way – and it’s a challenge we all relish!”
For more information about Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links visit www.portmarnock.com
