- Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links achieved Green Key certification following an 18-month audit
- Green Key is the global international standard for sustainability in tourism, achieved by organisations in over 90 countries
- The resort has 134 bedrooms with single use plastics removed and central heating management
- Six beehives across the grounds encourage biodiversity in partnership with Dublin Beekeeping Association
- The property was acquired by the Sandman Hotel Group in 2019
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links has achieved the Green Key certification for its environmental efforts following an 18-month audit across its hotel, spa, conference, dining and golf facilities. Green Key is the global international standard for sustainability in tourism and has been achieved by organisations in over 90 countries. The 4-star resort is situated on the Velvet Strand, one of Ireland’s most uninterrupted stretches of coastline, just 20 minutes outside Dublin.
The hotel is now more efficient across all operating areas including bedrooms, restaurants, kitchens, conference facilities, spa, back of house, hotel grounds and Jameson Golf Links. A task force was established across the hotel’s team to drive forward environmental projects and ideas. In its 134 bedrooms, single use plastics have been removed and guests are asked to consider if they need daily linen and towel replacements. Heating has been upgraded so it can be managed centrally. Food waste has been reduced with new procedures in the kitchens and restaurants, along with improved waste collection systems. Guests are encouraged to fill their own reusable bottles via filtered water machines. Externally, the grounds are making use of rainwater collection using Jameson barrels. Electric and hybrid golf machines have replaced petrol ones.
The hotel has partnered with Dublin Beekeeping Association, with six beehives across the extensive grounds to encourage biodiversity. The golf course superintendent acts as Beekeeper. The team is also helping to educate the local population on the role bees have in the environment. Another partnership has been developed with Portmarnock Community Association, with initiatives including the protection of the dunes and ensuring local beaches are kept clean and tidy. The property was acquired by the Sandman Hotel Group in 2019 and has been reimagined to complement its seaside location.
William Kirby shared “Naturally I am thrilled we have achieved the Green Key Certification. There has been a huge collective effort and commitment from the team, with everyone getting behind our shared goals to improve how we behave, operate and educate ourselves and our customers when it comes to sustainability. But it’s not something which now stops, there are always further improvements to be made to help us take the business forward in the most sustainable way, and it’s a challenge we all relish!”
