Killashee Honoured with Prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award
Killashee Hotel in Co. Kildare is delighted to announce its receipt of the esteemed Green Tourism Gold Award, a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability. With an impressive score of 81%. The Green Tourism certification is an internationally recognised program that celebrates organisations dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Developed and overseen by experienced sustainability experts, the certification provides a practical framework to help businesses make positive environmental impacts, achieve cost savings, enhance their reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
The Green Tourism platform is structured around 15 ambitious goals, categorized into three core areas:
- People: Communication and community engagement
- Places: Emphasizing destination, food and drink, and biodiversity
- Planet: Focusing on energy, water, waste, and carbon emissions
Earlier this year, Killashee took a significant step forward in its sustainability journey by establishing a dedicated Green Committee. Over recent months, this passionate team has been instrumental in gathering vital data, raising awareness, and implementing the necessary policies to ensure that the hotel's green initiatives are both impactful and enduring.
Ger Alley, General Manager at Killashee, remarked on the achievement, stating, "This award is more than just an accolade; it reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, which is a cornerstone of our business philosophy. We firmly believe that adopting environmentally responsible practices is crucial not only to our success but also to the wellbeing of the communities we serve. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exceptional team for turning this vision into reality, and to our guests for their continued support on our journey towards a greener future. A special acknowledgment goes to our Green Committee members for their unwavering dedication: Greg Kelly, Ciaran O’Connor, Jakub Firley, Laura Kelly, Kenneth Brennan, Jacqui Butler, Magda Egan, Peter Kesztler, Nishal Chennigadoo, Brian Curtis, and Prabath Gamage.”
Killashee’s Green Tourism Gold Award is a proud milestone, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to creating a sustainable future. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Killashee remains at the forefront, setting a benchmark for environmentally conscious practices in Ireland.
As part of our ongoing ESG strategy, Killashee is making significant investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in 2024. Central to this effort is the installation of a cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) system, featuring 488 Canadian TOPHiku6 Tier 1 solar panels. This solar array is projected to generate 233,316.7 kWh per year, enabling us to meet approximately 20% of our total electrical demand with clean, solar energy.
The environmental impact of this solar installation is substantial:
-The equivalent of planting 1,411 trees annually
-Neutralizing approximately 60.2 tons of CO2 emissions each year, or 117,943 kg of CO2 emissions avoided annually
- Offsetting the equivalent of 165,585 km driven in a typical car annually
In addition to our solar investment, Killashee is expanding and upgrading our electric vehicle charging infrastructure in partnership with EasyGo. We are excited to announce the introduction of 10 AC charging bays and 2 Rapid DC chargers, strategically located in prime parking spots onsite.
-Rapid Charging: Our 75 kWh Tritium Dual Chargers are designed for guests who need a quick charge, perfect for short visits like meetings or casual catch-ups over coffee.
-AC Charging: Our 10 new Etrel Duo chargers are ideal for overnight guests or those enjoying extended stays, providing a slower, steady charge.
A key feature of our new EV infrastructure is that several of the AC chargers will be powered directly by our solar array, offering our customers 100% green, sustainable energy for their journey to and from Killashee. Killashee's investments in solar power and EV charging are pivotal components of our broader ESG strategy, reflecting our commitment to leading the way in sustainable hospitality.
