Our Environmental Commitments overview for 2025
We recognise the impact of our operations on the environment and are dedicated to minimising any detrimental effects. Upholding our tradition of caring for Connemara's flora and fauna, we strive to improve our practices in energy, waste management, and water usage. Together, we can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment and ensure environmental issues remain a priority.
Green Initiatives
- Green Committee: Representatives from all departments actively promote environmental best practices.
- Training: Team members are periodically briefed on environmental policies.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient lighting and a biomass heating system are used.
- Recycling: Comprehensive recycling programs for paper, metal, plastic, glass, polystyrene, and food waste.
- Water Management: Wastewater is treated on-site; rainwater is recycled for irrigation.
- Composting: Applicable waste is composted in gardens, kitchens, and guest rooms.
- Organic Practices: Herb and vegetable gardens are maintained organically.
- Local Sourcing: Food is sourced from local producers to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Solar Energy: Onsite solar array generates 25% of annual energy needs.
- EV Charging: Four EV charging points and an electric shuttle van encourage sustainable transport.
- Clean the World Project: Recycling soap and hygiene products to reduce single-use plastics.
Conservation Efforts
- Catch and Release: A Strict policy to maintain salmon populations.
- Collaboration: Working with local fishing communities and ecological engineers on habitat restoration.
Future Objectives
- Energy Reduction: Expand solar array and investigate geothermal options.
- Waste Reduction: Eliminate single-use plastics and reduce food waste.
- Native Species: Replace non-native species with native trees.
- Carbon Neutral Visits: Provide opportunities for guests to offset their carbon footprint.
- Paperless Communications: Aim for fully paperless internal communications by 2025.
Green Hospitality Programme
As members of The Green Hospitality Programme, we adhere to recognised environmental standards, ensuring good environmental performance and offering guests a "Greener" hospitality experience.
Guest Feedback and Responsible Marketing
Guest feedback is crucial for improving our environmental practices. We use web-based marketing and recycled materials for brochures and leaflets, avoiding mailshots.
By implementing these initiatives, Ballynahinch Castle continues to lead in environmental sustainability, ensuring the preservation of Connemara's natural beauty for future generations.