Environmental Policy

Castlemartyr Resort is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations. To this end we are implementing policies and procedures to reduce the impact our business has on the environment and to help secure the long term sustainability of the Tourism Industry.

Overview of Strategy and Action Plan

An environmental action team was formed in July 2009 to help incorporate environmental management into our everyday business operations.

The Green Failte Award scheme for environmental management in the hospitality sector was identified as providing a framework conducive to implementing an environmental management system in the Hotel.

The main focus of the team has been to recycle more, thereby reducing landfill waste.   In addition, we aim to reduce energy and water usage, and to constantly look at the best environmental practice throughout the Resort.

Our Programme for Change

Electricity
Reducing our carbon footprint is foremost in our programme for change. The production of electricity generates a significant proportion of Ireland’s green house gas emissions and by focusing on our supply and consumption of electricity we have been able to reduce our own carbon footprint. Our electricity is sourced from a supplier that has an environmental impact of 488.10g of CO2 emissions per kWh, this is 12% lower than the average for Ireland of 549.1g per kWh.

In June 2009 we installed energy efficient lighting, where applicable, throughout the Resort and launched an energy awareness campaign amongst our staff.


Waste
Significant resources are consumed in running any business and this has a triple environmental impact from the depletion of natural resources, energy use in processing of raw materials and landfill gas emissions from uncontrolled waste disposal.

Our target in 2009 has been to reduce the volume of waste we send to landfill by improved recycling practices within the hotel and reduction of packaging entering the hotel.  Glass, cans, plastics, paper, hazardous waste and cardboard etc are segregated and collected for recycling.

Water
Changing attitudes towards the efficient use of water is an important environmental issue especially in the context of global warming.


Social, Ethical and Environmental Procurement
Local and Irish suppliers are used where possible to provide food and products used throughout the Hotel.

The ethics employed in the kitchen has always been the same, use only the best ingredients, and wherever possible use local produce.   We are fortunate that in East Cork we are surrounded by an array of producers producing the freshest and best local meat, fish, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, much of which is organic.

Eco friendly cleaning products are used throughout the hotel.


When you come to visit us you may like to help us by:

Taking note of our bedroom toweling policy.
Taking note of our Leisure facility towelling policy.
Turning off lights and electrical equipment when leaving your room.