Dublin's Sandymount Hotel has retained its status as ‘Europe’s Leading Green Hotel’, winning the award for a second year running at the World Travel Awards.
The venue beat off competition from the likes of ICE Hotel in Sweden, Vila Vita Parc in Portugal and Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo in Cannes to take the title for the second consecutive year.
Truly Honoured
Commenting on the accomplishment, family directors at the Sandymount Hotel John and Gerard Loughran asserted, “We are truly honoured to again scoop the award for ‘Europe’s Leading Green Hotel’. 2017 was a successful year for us, achieving a four-star upgrade from Fáilte Ireland following significant refurbishment and winning this award for the first time.
“Heading into 2018, we wanted to ensure we progressed our eco-friendly and sustainable approaches and have a ‘green’ team in place at the hotel. Our dedicated green team ensure we continuously find ways to introduce additional measures to offer the best environmentally friendly practices, in line with our overall guest offerings and experiences. We are delighted to be recognised as ‘Europe’s Leading Green Hotel’ 2018 and we thank everyone who voted for us.”
Meanwhile, World Travel Awards vice-president Sion Rapson said, “Going eco-friendly and having a sustainable business practice approach is vastly important in today’s hospitality industry. The environment has never been as topical as it is currently, showcasing the effects of our lifestyle decisions on animals, the planet and our health. Whilst a positive consumer experience is at the heart of hotels, it is encouraging to see those, such as Sandymount and fellow nominees, have managed to combine both, reducing their impact on the environment and giving back through global initiatives whilst also ensuring guest satisfaction and value for money.”
Eco-Friendly Approach
In 2013, the Sandymount Hotel took an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to achieve a greener, cleaner hotel by reducing both energy and water consumption. Fast forward to 2018 and 95% of the ‘green’ award winning hotel’s waste is now recycled. The venue uses biodegradable compostable coffee cups and lids. When catering for large conferences and events and with busy guests looking to grab a coffee on the go, the hotel's operators assert that it is important that these are 100% recyclable.
Furthermore, 100% compostable eco-friendly straws are used in the hotel's Line Out Bar. The venue also collects and recycles discarded soap and toiletries, and the installation of aerator shower heads has reduced the water consumption of the hotel's showers by 47% per guest.
Meanwhile, 26% of the electricity used by the hotel comes from renewable sources, with the venue now using 22% less electricity than it did in 2013, largely due to a switch to 100% energy efficient lightbulbs. Rewards and incentives are also offered to guests who help the hotel take a ‘greener’ approach.
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
