Bank of Ireland study reveals how three companies are turning sustainability ambitions into measurable results.
Ireland’s hospitality sector is moving beyond cost-saving green initiatives to embrace comprehensive sustainability strategies that deliver both environmental and commercial benefits, according to new research from Bank of Ireland.
The shift represents a fundamental change from the industry’s earlier approach to environmental measures, which focused primarily on operational savings since the late 1990s.
“The changing landscape of trends and preferences has led to a more proactive approach that looks beyond savings and focuses on more sustainable and socially responsible operations”
Today’s hospitality businesses are implementing what experts describe as more proactive, socially responsible operations.
Proven environmental returns
“The changing landscape of trends and preferences has led to a more proactive approach that looks beyond savings and focuses on more sustainable and socially responsible operations,” said Gerardo Larios Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector for Bank of Ireland.
Three Irish hospitality businesses exemplify this transformation, demonstrating how sustainability initiatives can generate concrete, measurable outcomes.
Randles Hotel, a family-run four-star property with 75 bedrooms on Killarney’s Muckross Road, has achieved a reduction of 225 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through its sustainability programme. The initiatives have also delivered material savings to the hotel’s profit and loss account.
The hotel’s environmental credentials were recently recognised with Gold Level Green Business Certification from 50 Shades Greener, validating the effectiveness of its approach.
Similarly, Dublin’s Roganstown Hotel and Country Club, a 52-bedroom hotel and golf resort, has discovered unexpected benefits from its green investments. The property’s upgrade to a Building Management System has identified further opportunities for environmental improvements, including converting Air Handling Units from gas to biomass and enhancing performance through air recycling.
The resort has also seen ecological benefits from its reforestation programme around the golf course, with increased wildlife populations providing what management describes as “extremely gratifying” results. The introduction of robot mowers has reduced both fuel consumption and manpower requirements while decreasing fertiliser usage.
Strategic competitive advantage
Clíste Hospitality, Ireland’s leading hospitality management company, views comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance strategies as essential for long-term success.
“A holistic ESG strategy is not just a responsibility – it’s a competitive advantage,” the company states. “By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and integrity, Clíste aims to create lasting value for guests, employees, investors, and the communities they serve.”
The company’s approach reflects broader industry recognition that sustainability measures extend beyond environmental considerations to encompass social impact and governance practices.
Banking sector support
Financial institutions are responding to the sector’s transformation by developing specialised support mechanisms. Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability for Corporate & Commercial at Bank of Ireland, outlined the bank’s commitment to facilitating the transition.
“Bank of Ireland is committed to providing a series of lending and sustainability supports to empower our Corporate and Commercial customers to decarbonise their businesses and align with Ireland’s net zero ambitions,” Shirley said.
The Bank’s initiative reflects wider recognition within Ireland’s financial sector of the need to support businesses in meeting national decarbonisation targets.
To learn more, download the report here
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
