Courtesy: Edel Hughes | News Source: irishmirror.ie

A Co Clare hotel has become the first premises in Ireland to be awarded carbon neutral status.

Hotel Doolin, in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, has been recognised by The Green Hospitality Programme for its contribution to sustainability.

It is the only premises in Ireland to have achieved a ‘Carbon Neutral12 GREENMark’ award, following the implementation of a comprehensive carbon/energy reduction programme over the last number of years.

The programme focuses on minimising energy consumption, investing in green electricity and a viable, long-term solution to offsetting carbon emissions by planting native Irish woodland trees in a controlled location close to the hotel.

For every wedding held at Hotel Doolin, ten native trees are planted locally in partnership with Hometree.

This initiative has resulted in over 1,700 trees planted in the past two years.

Plastic bottles and single-use items are completely banned in the hotel with all napkins reusable and toilet paper made from recycled materials.

Rainwater is harvested and 75% of food supplied to the hotel is sourced within 50 kilometres.

General Manager of Hotel Doolin, Dónal Minihane, said:“We’re delighted to be the first hotel in Ireland to be officially certified as carbon neutral.

"We’ve always recognised our community and environment as key stakeholders within our business and every decision we make takes these into account.

“We’re a small hotel in the west of Ireland but we do feel a responsibility to lead the way in providing sustainable hospitality.

"Hopefully, bigger companies will see what can be done with a bit of creativity and teamwork and be inspired to follow suit.

“Not only has our investment ensured we can follow through on our ethical beliefs, we have also seen our business grow by 30% since we began sharing our story of  commitment to sustainable practices.

"Our customers - be they overnight guests, restaurant patrons or wedding couples – are increasingly taking sustainability into account when making their decisions.

"Our guests choose Hotel Doolin to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and food that is in abundance in our area so it is our responsibility and duty to respect it and safeguard it.”