Green Policy
O'Callaghan Hotel Group Environmental Policy
O'Callaghan Hotels is committed to delivering an exceptional service to its clientele without compromising the local or global environment. The Group's General Manager has direct responsibility for directing the company's environmental management policy. This ensures that the Group grows and develops in a way which protects the environment thus contributing to global energy and environmental sustainability.
The Group was one of the first privately owned hotel chain in Ireland to install Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology (this technology allows the property to produce a great deal of its own electricity thus reducing on the importation of electricity) in its hotels back in 1993. This technology saves up to 25% of a hotel's energy consumption when compared with classical heating and cooling solutions.
O'Callaghan Hotels operates a partnership with a company that socialises in global energy management expertise. In the first year of this partnership over 9,000 conventional light fittings were replaced with energy efficient modern lighting, natural gas consumption was reduced by 36% and electricity import was reduced by 18% - saving a total of 1,027 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
By entering into this partnership, the hotel management can focus on providing a quality hospitality experience for customers, while knowing that greater energy savings can be made - and sustained - by partnering with an expert in energy management. In recognition of the Group's commitment to energy awareness and sustainable practices, the company was short listed for the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Energy Awards in 2007.
The O'Callaghan Hotel Group encourages guests to act in an environmentally sensitive manner by advising on how to reduce linen and towel changes, and also on how to prevent water wastage. Fittings have been amended on water supplies to minimise wastage, and phosphate free cleaning materials are used throughout the kitchen and house keeping departments. Each hotel operates a "Reduce, Reuse & Recycle" philosophy with waste management systems in all hotels. Along with the recycling of Glass, cardboard, disposable waste, paper and cooking oil (converted to Bio-Diesel), O'Callaghan Hotels are constantly examining new ways in which we can help the environment.
Ownership and responsibility for the Group's impact on global sustainability is taken as a matter of priority, and here at O'Callaghan Hotels we believe that the provision of an outstanding hospitality experience and environmental sustainability are mutually compatible.
| Over the last 3 years, O’Callaghan Hotels have reduced Electricity import by over 15%, Gas import by over 36% and heat demand by over 36% and at present are introducing a more in-depth recycling programme, so as to reduce domestic waste by up to 50%. |