Sustainability

Sustainability at Markree Castle

At Markree Castle, sustainability is not just a goal; it is a core value that shapes how we operate, engage with our community, and care for the environment. We are proud to embrace green practices and are committed to making continuous progress towards a more eco-friendly and responsible future.

We began our dedicated sustainability journey in 2024 and are actively working towards achieving the Eco-Label award with Green Hospitality Ireland. Our ambition is to build on this foundation, striving for higher sustainability awards whilst transforming Markree Castle into a benchmark of eco-conscious hospitality.

Our incredible team has been instrumental in driving these efforts, bringing innovation, passion, and commitment to our green initiatives. We recognise that sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and we are excited to continue evolving and expanding our efforts.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

We are committed to understanding and minimising our environmental impact through metering, monitoring, evaluating, and managing our energy, water, waste, and carbon usage. Key initiatives include:
  • Retaining traditional keys instead of switching to plastic key cards.
  • Implementing a revised waste management system to encourage responsible disposal and reduce landfill contributions.
  • Gradually converting all lighting to LED bulbs.
  • Continually monitoring food waste to minimise wastage.
  • Installing a biomass system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Aiming to cut gas, electricity, and water usage by 5-10% by the end of 2025.
  • Developing a Green Procurement Policy, collaborating with local suppliers (within a 100km radius) to minimise packaging and transportation emissions.
  • Prioritising local and seasonal produce from Sligo and surrounding areas.
  • Providing electric car charging points in our car park.
  • Promoting sustainable travel schemes for staff, such as cycle-to-work initiatives.
  • Installing the HeatBoss system, which allows room-by-room heating controls, reducing heat consumption by up to 30%.
  • Offering locally sourced soap and shampoo from Voya in refillable dispensers, with single-use toiletries limited to essentials like dental kits and shower caps.

Cooperation and Engagement

Sustainability is a collective effort. By fostering collaboration, we aim to create a culture of environmental responsibility. Our initiatives include:
  • Encouraging staff participation through a suggestion box for green ideas.
  • Implementing waste separation stations across guest rooms, public areas, and staff facilities, with a target to reduce landfill waste by 5-10% within 12 months.
  • Promoting a 'Think Before You Print' policy among staff.
  • Sharing a '7 Steps to a Greener Stay' guide with guests via pre-arrival emails and in-room materials.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

We remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing energy consumption, waste production, and reliance on non-recyclable materials. Actions we have taken include:
  • Providing guests with reusable glass bottles for still and sparkling water.
  • Using fully biodegradable cups and eco-friendly packaging for takeaway breakfasts.
  • Offering locally sourced soap and shampoo in refillable dispensers, with single-use toiletries limited to essentials like dental kits and shower caps.
  • Significantly reducing single-use plastics across our food and beverage operations.

Supporting Our Community

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the local community, where we actively:
  • Promote green initiatives via social media channels.
  • Organise regular clean-ups of the castle’s surroundings.
  • Donate unwanted items, including lost property, to local charities.

Looking Ahead

We are dedicated to achieving the Eco-Label award with Green Hospitality Ireland and have implemented a biomass system to significantly reduce our gas usage. Our long-term vision includes becoming carbon neutral – and ultimately carbon positive.

Targets for the Future

  • Waste Reduction: Decrease landfill waste by an additional 5% over the next year through improved staff education, enhanced recycling infrastructure, and continued collaboration with suppliers to minimise packaging.
  • Renewable Energy: Increase the use of renewable energy across the estate.
  • Water Conservation: Install water metering devices across the property, monitor usage, and educate staff to achieve meaningful reductions in water consumption.

By taking these steps, Markree Castle is paving the way for a sustainable future while preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us for generations to come.
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