Climate Action Programme

Return to Sustainability Home Page

As proud participants in the Fáilte Ireland Climate Action Programme, we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption across all departments. Over the past year, we have focused on measurable goals; from cutting food waste to introducing sustainable practices into daily operations involving both staff and guests. This programme supports our long-term vision of becoming one of the leading sustainable hotels in Cork, offering an eco-friendly hospitality experience grounded in action, education, and community collaboration.

Balancing Heritage and Innovation

As a protected Victorian country house built in 1756, we are restricted from making certain structural changes. However, our Proprietor, Michael Magner, perfectly summarises our approach: "Preserving our building’s heritage and traditions goes hand in hand with protecting the environment for future generations."   

Working with Fáilte Ireland, we learned that historical limitations do not mean inaction. We have successfully balanced our rich heritage with green innovation, turning challenges into strategic opportunities and making sustainability a part of our everyday conversation.   

Measurable Impacts

By bringing structure to our environmental planning and identifying easy wins, we have achieved fantastic milestones. Highlighted in our Fáilte Ireland case study, our targeted initiatives have generated impressive environmental and operational results:

• Water Optimisation: Estimated annual savings of €16,500 through targeted on-site water management and efficiency upgrades.
• Waste Handling: Potential net annual savings of €8,700 by addressing operational habits and enhancing waste tracking and separation.
• Food and Beverage: Potential annual savings of €1,500 by optimising food preparations and reducing food waste.

Practical Steps for a Greener Future

We believe in starting small, but starting now. To build a more responsible future, our ongoing focus areas under the programme include:

• Eliminating unnecessary lighting and actively reducing heating hours in underused areas of the hotel.
• Implementing smarter, structured monitoring tools for our energy and water usage.
• Expanding bespoke climate action training and engagement across all departments so every team member can be a champion for the environment.

Discover more about Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme.