Hoteliers Back Sustainability
The majority of hoteliers plan to undertake significant sustainability initiatives over the next year, according to a survey by the Irish Hotels Federation. It found that 87% of its members are planning sustainability investments, with a view to cutting waste, emissions and costs.
"Each property plans to invest in the region of €160,000," said Michael Magner, president of the Irish Hotels Federation. "This would involve areas such as retrofitting, renewable energy and other efficiency reduction measures such as LED lighting."
The survey was conducted ahead of a sustainability conference in Dublin, which was co-organised by the IHF and Fáilte Ireland and attended by 200 hoteliers. It forms part of Fáilte Ireland's "Climate Action Programme" initiative, which is designed to help the tourism sector hit its climate targets.
Michael Magner said sustainability remained a priority for the sector despite, and in some ways because of, the other pressures it currently faces.
"What we've learned is that sustainability can drive innovation, boost efficiency and enhance competitiveness and then overall be better for the environment," he said. "Food waste reduction is a big priority for our sector, along with the elimination of single-use plastic within our properties and water conservation."
Research from Fáilte Ireland indicates that 75% of global travellers plan to travel more sustainably in the next year which, given Ireland's reliance on aviation, poses a particular challenge for businesses here.
Mr Magner said the key was to try to make up for those emissions by reducing the sector's footprint in other ways.
Speakers at the "closed doors" conference included Craig Bennett, The Wildlife Trusts; Richard Burrett, Earth Capital; Declan Meally, SEAI; Colin Moran, SBCI; Colette Shirley, Bank of Ireland; Andres Fellenberg, EarthCheck; Chris Austin, Cliste Hospitality; Dara Cruise, Neville Park Hotels; Tom Randles, Randles Hotels; and Carmel Lonergan, Trigon Hotels.
Pictured are Craig Bennett, The Wildlife Trusts; Jenny De Saulles, director of sector development, Fáilte Ireland; Richard Burrett, Earth Capital; and Paul Gallagher, chief executive, Irish Hotels Federation.
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