Green Small to Medium Size Enterprise Award Application
The Westport Woods Hotel & Spa
The Westport Woods Hotel has engaged in a sustainable and environmental strategy, involving continuous improvement in all aspects of the hotel, for the last seven years. The focus is on minimising environmental impact while at the same time making a profit. The major achievement is in reducing CO² emissions by over 65% and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill from 240 tonnes a year right down to 40 tonnes in 2008, this will be 30 tonnes by the end of 2009. The hotel has not used oil for heating in over two years
Recycling, re-use and waste minimisation
The focus on this section has really paid off, the hotel was sending more than 240 tonnes of waste to landfill six years ago – this year it will be about 30 tonnes. Glass goes to the Rehab bottle bank. A recycling area has been built as a holding area for waste and accommodates paper, cardboard, two grades of plastics, light bulbs, polystyrene, cooking oil, printer cartridges, batteries and aluminium. Food waste is handled by a specialist Big Hanna composter which reduces the compost volume by 90%. This compost along with ash from the pellet boilers, leaf mould and mulched grass is all used on the grounds. Waste cooking oil is now converted to bio diesel and reused.
Bedrooms are fitted with green bins so guests can join in the environmental effort and bins are supplied in all public areas. For the last seven years the leisure centre has achieved the White Flag ILAM (Institute of Leisure & Amenities Management) for water management and recycling.
Biodiversity/improving natural habitats
A nature trail is being developed in the woodland around the hotel and an arboriculture plan, including constant replanting, is being followed. The pathways have been cleared and are used for pony trekking as part of the go!kids! children’s club. This is an area of focus for 2010.
Use of “green” suppliers or materials
As many suppliers as possible have green credentials or supply environmentally friendly products, increasing this number by 20% was set as a goal for 2009 and has been achieved. We now have 24 green suppliers.
Energy and/or water efficiency
Oil has been replaced with Irish supplied sustainable wood pellet and solar heating systems. Electricity use has been significantly reduced. All new building incorporates best energy practices in air tightness and insulation, and retrofitting of the 1960s section is ongoing. Lighting uses LED or CFL bulbs and 3W LED corridor lights have been replaced with 2.3W which give better light.
The ongoing water management programme includes monitoring and controls. Hippo bags are fitted in all cisterns, sensors in urinals and push taps introduced to cut down on water use. Flow regulators were fitted on taps in 111 rooms this year. Tests are underway on low flow shower heads. 11 new bathroom pods were fitted in 2008 and had ‘planned for’ ultra efficient fittings.
In the leisure centre a wood pellet boiler heats the swimming pool and a liquid pool blanket retains heat and reduces energy use. The exercise bikes are dynamo driven and 12 individual TV sets have been replaced with 2 low energy screens. A more efficient control system has been introduced for air handling. Natural light coming through large windows all over the hotel reduces need for artificial light. Heat flow meters have been fitted.
Minimising traffic/use of private vehicles/green transport strategies
Guests are encouraged to arrive by train and are offered complimentary transport from the station and staff and management use trains for travel to and from Dublin for meetings. An online Green Tourism Survey was carried out for the Westport Woods Hotel & Spa by Simply Zesty, social media partners; the results will be out in October. Bicycles are supplied for the use of guests. Guests are provided with walking maps of Westport and are encouraged to enjoy ‘low octane’ entertainment.
Efforts to support the training, safety, diversity, health and engagement of your staff
Employees are encouraged to cycle or walk to work. The ‘Green Team’ comprised of employees is dedicated to implementing simple new ideas for a better way to do profitable business. Employees are completely involved in the whole greening process and many of the best energy saving ideas have come from them.
Staff undergo regular Environmental and Health & Safety training including Manual Handling and Chemical Training. The hotel follows the Fáilte Ireland Optimus and Best Practice programmes. This is evidenced by a short listing for the Small Firms Association HR Awards in 2007. The SEI award for co-ordinated Energy Management and ILAM Quality White Flag Awards help in better management and in continually raising standards.
Employees have free leisure centre membership to encourage activity, and are offered discounted use of the spa.
Community involvement and support for the local economy
The hotel works closely with the local Tidy Towns committee and the town council on environmental issues and is also an active member of the Destination Westport marketing group. Environmental work experience is provided for hotel management students with an emphasis on environmental procurement and energy management. Michael Lennon addresses conferences and student groups regularly on environmental issues including the SEI, IHF and Céifinn Student conferences. He has also been interviewed on national television and radio on environmental issues in business.
The hotel was a case study in the Fáilte Ireland Review of Good Environmental Practice and Policy in Tourism and by the Department of the Environment. Michael Lennon is a member of the Environmental Review Committee of Equestrian Holidays Ireland. For the past three years the hotel has won the Environmental Section of the Mayo Business Awards.
Achievements 2008/2009
Waste has been reduced by 25% (40 tons to 30 tons)
The number of “green” suppliers has increased by c. 20%
A focus has been put on better environmental water management. Accurate readings are available since Mayo County Council installed new meters. Up to this point, we relied on estimates, making it very difficult to calculate key performance indicators.
Water restrictors were fitted to taps in 123 bedrooms which reduced flows to 4 litres per minute.
Eleven new bedrooms were fitted with water efficient taps and shower heads.
The future/projections
Our aim is to become carbon neutral. The hotel continues self-audit guidelines laid down by the Green Hospitality Awards. The Clean Technology Centre provides an ongoing monitoring system and benchmarks against Irish and international industry standards. The energy consumption has reduced from 2.8 to 2.4 megawatts per annum. In overall terms energy costs have remained static despite a 30-40% rise in costs over the last three years.
Ronan Meally Consulting Engineers conducted a complete energy audit and feasibility study in 2006/7. In the future we plan to look at natural gas/micro CHP units in the hotel and invest in grey and brown water systems.
Showing posts with label Westport Woods Hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westport Woods Hotel. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Green Small to Medium Size Enterprise Award Application
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Westport Woods Hotel & Spa, Green Hospitality Award Member
Top 12 Reasons of 'Why' Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is Going Green
1. 52% of visitors to Ireland would seek to stay in a hotel that has reduced its environmental impact – 35% would pay more! (Fáilte Ireland 2008 Visitors survey)
2. 33% of USA Travellers would be willing to spend more for a hotel with environmental certification (Tripadvisor 2008 US Traveller survey)
3. Green Hotels have lower costs. Green Hospitality Award winners demonstrate substantial reductions in costs – Energy – up to 25%, Water – up to 50%, Waste – up to 75%. (GHA Statistics 2007)
4. International Corporations (US, UK & European) with Corporate Social Responsible programmes and Carbon Neutral programmes are requesting environmentally friendly hotels when booking accommodation, meetings rooms etc (Irish Hotel Sales Managers 2008)
5. Discover Ireland will introduce a “Green” filter on the www.discoverireland.ie website in 2009 (Fáilte Ireland Environment Unit 2009)
6. Green Hospitality Award members can maintain their competitiveness by becoming more environmentally friendly, continually improving their business and giving recognition to colleagues whom walk the walk and save raw resources.
7. Green Hospitality Award members can ensure they are legally compliant with fast changing environmental legislation which are regularly updated.
8. GHA members are continuously updated with Best Practice through the GHA Regional Workshops, Website and newsletter and members have access to a suite of tools, templates, benchmark workbooks etc that can add immediate value to the organisation
9. GHA members can access fully independent advice covering all areas of environmental management – Practices & Procedures, Waste, Water & Energy Management
10. Staff morale is appreciably improved where businesses implement environmental management principles
11. GHA members have access to Best Practice Guidelines and Case Studies which are regularly updated and reviewed
12. GHA is the best value for money environmental management programme available within the Irish Market and delivers on-site reviews and audits to maximise member’s performance.
As written by Maurice J Bergin, Green Hospitality Awards (GHA)
18 May, 2009
1. 52% of visitors to Ireland would seek to stay in a hotel that has reduced its environmental impact – 35% would pay more! (Fáilte Ireland 2008 Visitors survey)
2. 33% of USA Travellers would be willing to spend more for a hotel with environmental certification (Tripadvisor 2008 US Traveller survey)
3. Green Hotels have lower costs. Green Hospitality Award winners demonstrate substantial reductions in costs – Energy – up to 25%, Water – up to 50%, Waste – up to 75%. (GHA Statistics 2007)
4. International Corporations (US, UK & European) with Corporate Social Responsible programmes and Carbon Neutral programmes are requesting environmentally friendly hotels when booking accommodation, meetings rooms etc (Irish Hotel Sales Managers 2008)
5. Discover Ireland will introduce a “Green” filter on the www.discoverireland.ie website in 2009 (Fáilte Ireland Environment Unit 2009)
6. Green Hospitality Award members can maintain their competitiveness by becoming more environmentally friendly, continually improving their business and giving recognition to colleagues whom walk the walk and save raw resources.
7. Green Hospitality Award members can ensure they are legally compliant with fast changing environmental legislation which are regularly updated.
8. GHA members are continuously updated with Best Practice through the GHA Regional Workshops, Website and newsletter and members have access to a suite of tools, templates, benchmark workbooks etc that can add immediate value to the organisation
9. GHA members can access fully independent advice covering all areas of environmental management – Practices & Procedures, Waste, Water & Energy Management
10. Staff morale is appreciably improved where businesses implement environmental management principles
11. GHA members have access to Best Practice Guidelines and Case Studies which are regularly updated and reviewed
12. GHA is the best value for money environmental management programme available within the Irish Market and delivers on-site reviews and audits to maximise member’s performance.
As written by Maurice J Bergin, Green Hospitality Awards (GHA)
18 May, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
To all budding Badminton Breeders
Horse Sport Ireland Courses coming up in May and June that may be of interest to breeders in the Mayo area.
The first one starts next Monday evening May 18th:
Mare & Stallion Selection and Assessment: runs over 3 Monday evenings 7-10pm including light refreshments
This course is a must for any current or potential Sport Horse Breeder! During this course participants will research the pedigree of their own horses, discover the types of stallions to use for different breeding goals and measure a return on the investment. This course will include an assessment of existing and potential broodmares.
West: Drummindoo Stud, Westport, Co. Mayo
May 18th & 25th and June 8th
Care & Handling of Young Stock: 2 day course €80 (Lunch included)
This short course will be held in two regional centres in 2009. Including practical demonstrations by experienced breeders, participants will learn all the skills required to best manage their young stock from birth to three years of age.
West: Drummindoo Stud, Westport, Co. Mayo
June 15th & 22nd
If anyone would like more information or to register for these courses they can contact Lorraine or Nadia Rea on 045 854532/ nrea@horsesportireland.ie.
www.horsesportireland.ie
The first one starts next Monday evening May 18th:
Mare & Stallion Selection and Assessment: runs over 3 Monday evenings 7-10pm including light refreshments
This course is a must for any current or potential Sport Horse Breeder! During this course participants will research the pedigree of their own horses, discover the types of stallions to use for different breeding goals and measure a return on the investment. This course will include an assessment of existing and potential broodmares.
West: Drummindoo Stud, Westport, Co. Mayo
May 18th & 25th and June 8th
Care & Handling of Young Stock: 2 day course €80 (Lunch included)
This short course will be held in two regional centres in 2009. Including practical demonstrations by experienced breeders, participants will learn all the skills required to best manage their young stock from birth to three years of age.
West: Drummindoo Stud, Westport, Co. Mayo
June 15th & 22nd
If anyone would like more information or to register for these courses they can contact Lorraine or Nadia Rea on 045 854532/ nrea@horsesportireland.ie.
www.horsesportireland.ie
Friday, May 15, 2009
Green Entertainment and Leisure Award at the Westport Woods Hotel & Spa
Green Entertainment and Leisure Award
The Westport Woods Hotel is implementing an ongoing programme minimising their environmental impact while maintaining a profitable business. This hotel’s green vision leads the Irish hotel industry and has succeeded in reducing CO² emissions by 70% since 2004.
Recycling, waste minimisation and litter control
Huge strides have been made in reducing waste going to landfill - from 240 tonnes to less than 40 tonnes per annum, Guests are invited to join in by using the ‘green bin’ in all bedrooms. All waste is segregated and recycled or composted if possible. An ultra-efficient Big Hanna composter allows composting of cooked waste.
Boidiversity/improving natural habitats
An arboricultural plan is being followed for the extensive woodland and over 2,000 new hardwoods have been planted. A nature trail is being developed.
Use of “green” suppliers or materials
The new playground has a Playtop surface comprised of recycled car tyres and incorporating Nike Grind. The adventure area is surfaced with natural treebark from local suppliers. Other green suppliers include Kelly’s Sawmills (sustainable Irish timber), Balcas wood pellets, Ecowood chips and Henkle Ecolab who supply environmentally friendly phosphate free chemicals. Electricity is supplied by Airtricity. All hotel literature is printed on sustainable paper and even the distinct hotel treeline logo complements the green vision in all branding.
Energy and/or water efficiency
Oil has been replaced with Irish supplied sustainable woodchip, woodpellet and solar heating systems. Electricity use has been significantly reduced. All new building incorporates best energy practices in air tightness and insulation, and retrofitting of the 1960s section is ongoing. Lighting uses LED or CFL bulbs. Ice is made at night time to reduce day time peak demand. The ongoing water management programme includes monitoring, controlling and acting. Hippo bags are fitted in all cisterns, sensors in urinals and push taps introduced to cut down on water use.
In the leisure centre a wood pellet boiler heats the swimming pool and a liquid pool blanket retains heat and reduces energy use. The exercise bikes are now dynamo driven and 12 individual TV sets have been replaced with 2 low energy screens. A more efficient control system has been introduced for air handling. Natural light coming through large windows all over the hotel reduces need for artificial light.
Have you had an energy audit and what savings have you achieved to date
Ronan Melia Associates conducted a complete energy audit in 2006/7. The hotel follows self-audit guidelines laid down by the Green Hospitality Awards. The Clean Technology Centre provides an ongoing monitoring system and benchmarks against Irish and international industry standards. The energy consumption has reduced from 2.8 to 2.4 megawatts per annum. In overall terms energy costs have remained static despite a 30-40% rise in costs.
Minimising traffic/use of private vehicles/green transport strategies
Bicycles and bicycle racks are supplied for the use of guests and employees are encouraged to cycle or walk to work. Guests are encouraged to take the train to Westport and a free pick up service is available. Guests are invited to walk or hike locally and horse trekking from the hotel’s own stables provides an alternative to quad bikes, driving or other high-energy use entertainment.
Initiatives that help improve the safety, security or health of workers
The ‘Green Team’ comprised of employees is dedicated to implementing simple new ideas for a better way to do profitable business. Employees are completely involved in the whole greening process and many of the best energy saving ideas have come from them.
Staff undergo regular Environmental and Health & Safety training including Manual Handling and Chemical Training. The hotel follows the Fáilte Ireland Optimus and Best Practice programmes. This is evidenced by a shortlisting for the Small Firms Association HR Awards in 2007. The SEI award for co-ordinated Energy Management and ILAM Quality White Flag Awards help in better management and in continually raising standards.
Employees have free leisure centre membership to encourage activity, and are offered discounted use of the spa.
Initiatives that improve the local economy and/or help the local community
Westport is the current national Tidy Towns winner and the hotel is involved in that effort. The local Tidy Towns organisation have put the hotel forward for a biodiversity award. Michael Lennon General Manager regularly speaks at national conferences on the greening experience and takes the opportunity to promote Westport. The hotel works closely with the Town Council and Town Architect following guidelines such as reinstating the old demesne wall, closing two entrances and introducing beech hedging. The hotel is very involved in the umbrella marketing organisation Destination Westport which actively promotes the town nationally and internationally and part-funds Tidy Towns.
The Westport Woods Hotel is implementing an ongoing programme minimising their environmental impact while maintaining a profitable business. This hotel’s green vision leads the Irish hotel industry and has succeeded in reducing CO² emissions by 70% since 2004.
Recycling, waste minimisation and litter control
Huge strides have been made in reducing waste going to landfill - from 240 tonnes to less than 40 tonnes per annum, Guests are invited to join in by using the ‘green bin’ in all bedrooms. All waste is segregated and recycled or composted if possible. An ultra-efficient Big Hanna composter allows composting of cooked waste.
Boidiversity/improving natural habitats
An arboricultural plan is being followed for the extensive woodland and over 2,000 new hardwoods have been planted. A nature trail is being developed.
Use of “green” suppliers or materials
The new playground has a Playtop surface comprised of recycled car tyres and incorporating Nike Grind. The adventure area is surfaced with natural treebark from local suppliers. Other green suppliers include Kelly’s Sawmills (sustainable Irish timber), Balcas wood pellets, Ecowood chips and Henkle Ecolab who supply environmentally friendly phosphate free chemicals. Electricity is supplied by Airtricity. All hotel literature is printed on sustainable paper and even the distinct hotel treeline logo complements the green vision in all branding.
Energy and/or water efficiency
Oil has been replaced with Irish supplied sustainable woodchip, woodpellet and solar heating systems. Electricity use has been significantly reduced. All new building incorporates best energy practices in air tightness and insulation, and retrofitting of the 1960s section is ongoing. Lighting uses LED or CFL bulbs. Ice is made at night time to reduce day time peak demand. The ongoing water management programme includes monitoring, controlling and acting. Hippo bags are fitted in all cisterns, sensors in urinals and push taps introduced to cut down on water use.
In the leisure centre a wood pellet boiler heats the swimming pool and a liquid pool blanket retains heat and reduces energy use. The exercise bikes are now dynamo driven and 12 individual TV sets have been replaced with 2 low energy screens. A more efficient control system has been introduced for air handling. Natural light coming through large windows all over the hotel reduces need for artificial light.
Have you had an energy audit and what savings have you achieved to date
Ronan Melia Associates conducted a complete energy audit in 2006/7. The hotel follows self-audit guidelines laid down by the Green Hospitality Awards. The Clean Technology Centre provides an ongoing monitoring system and benchmarks against Irish and international industry standards. The energy consumption has reduced from 2.8 to 2.4 megawatts per annum. In overall terms energy costs have remained static despite a 30-40% rise in costs.
Minimising traffic/use of private vehicles/green transport strategies
Bicycles and bicycle racks are supplied for the use of guests and employees are encouraged to cycle or walk to work. Guests are encouraged to take the train to Westport and a free pick up service is available. Guests are invited to walk or hike locally and horse trekking from the hotel’s own stables provides an alternative to quad bikes, driving or other high-energy use entertainment.
Initiatives that help improve the safety, security or health of workers
The ‘Green Team’ comprised of employees is dedicated to implementing simple new ideas for a better way to do profitable business. Employees are completely involved in the whole greening process and many of the best energy saving ideas have come from them.
Staff undergo regular Environmental and Health & Safety training including Manual Handling and Chemical Training. The hotel follows the Fáilte Ireland Optimus and Best Practice programmes. This is evidenced by a shortlisting for the Small Firms Association HR Awards in 2007. The SEI award for co-ordinated Energy Management and ILAM Quality White Flag Awards help in better management and in continually raising standards.
Employees have free leisure centre membership to encourage activity, and are offered discounted use of the spa.
Initiatives that improve the local economy and/or help the local community
Westport is the current national Tidy Towns winner and the hotel is involved in that effort. The local Tidy Towns organisation have put the hotel forward for a biodiversity award. Michael Lennon General Manager regularly speaks at national conferences on the greening experience and takes the opportunity to promote Westport. The hotel works closely with the Town Council and Town Architect following guidelines such as reinstating the old demesne wall, closing two entrances and introducing beech hedging. The hotel is very involved in the umbrella marketing organisation Destination Westport which actively promotes the town nationally and internationally and part-funds Tidy Towns.
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