How The O'Donoghue Ring Collection Embraced Sustainability

A Green Business Journey with Fifty Shades Greener

 

Background: Embracing Sustainability in Hospitality

 

The O'Donoghue Ring Collection, a renowned hotel group in Ireland, manages some of Killarney and Kerry’s most iconic properties, delivering top-tier hospitality. By 2020, the team realised it was time to weave sustainability into the very fabric of their business. With three bustling properties, Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre, and Killarney Avenue Hotel, serving countless guests daily, they knew it was a big challenge but an essential one to take on.

 

Killarney Avenue Hotel

The Challenges: Reducing Impact, Boosting Efficiency

Their sustainability journey certainly wasn’t without hurdles:

Energy & Water:

Without a system to monitor usage in real-time, spotting waste and energy inefficiencies was tricky.

Waste Management:

Like many in hospitality, they generated substantial waste, from food to packaging, without clear steps to reduce or reuse.

Employee Engagement:

Getting the whole team on board with sustainability goals proved difficult, as strategic goals didn’t always align with everyday practices.

The Solution: Partnering with Fifty Shades Greener’s Green Business Programme

To address these challenges, the O'Donoghue Ring Collection needed a well-structured approach to implement changes in energy, waste, and water usage. With full funding provided by the Kildare & Wicklow ETB (KWETB), they joined Fifty Shades Greener’s Green Business Programme. This partnership offered a guided, practical path toward their green goals, focusing on three key areas: real-time energy monitoring, waste reduction, and water conservation. The financial support from KWETB made it possible for the team to implement sustainable practices without financial barriers, driving impactful and measurable results.

Real-Time Monitoring:

With DcSIX technology, each property began monitoring energy and water in six-minute intervals. This data-driven approach helped the team quickly identify and tackle inefficiencies.

Circular Economy Initiatives:

The team embraced a circular mindset, partnering with local suppliers to repurpose materials (like coffee grounds) rather than sending them to landfill. This effort reduced waste and strengthened ties with the local community.

Team Engagement & Training:

From top management to new hires, everyone received sustainability training. This created a cultural shift where sustainability wasn’t just a strategy but part of the daily routine.

Measurable Success Across the Collection’s Properties

Through the Green Business Programme, the O'Donoghue Ring Collection implemented over 50 specific sustainability actions at each location achieving the Fifty Shades Greener Gold Award, leading to impressive utility reductions.

At the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa:

  • 3% reduction in water usage per guest
  • 61% reduction in food waste
  • 11% reduction in energy consumption per guest
  • 18% drop in carbon emissions

At the Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre:

  • 51% reduction in water usage per guest
  • 67% reduction in food waste
  • 22% reduction in energy consumption per guest

At the Killarney Avenue Hotel:

  • 36% reduction in water usage per guest
  • 69% reduction in food waste
  • 12% reduction in energy consumption per guest

Overcoming Challenges: Tackling Landfill Waste

While they achieved notable gains in energy and water efficiency, reducing landfill waste posed a challenge due to factors like local waste processing limits. Despite these setbacks, the team is committed to exploring new ways to manage waste, including innovative waste-processing partnerships.

Building a Culture of Sustainability

One of the most rewarding outcomes has been the shift in employee and guest attitudes towards sustainability. Every team ember, from the newest hire to senior managers, was empowered to contribute to the group’s goals. At the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, each department began tracking its own resource use, making green practices part of their everyday operations.

Guests also embraced the green ethos. Initiatives like towel and linen reuse programmes not only cut water consumption but also engaged guests in sustainable practices. And while towel and linen reuse programmes have been in place for quite some time, they remain a simple yet effective way to cut water and energy use significantly, especially when paired with guest education and innovative tracking systems to ensure their impact is maximised. Feedback from eco-conscious travellers has also been overwhelmingly positive, as guests appreciate the chance to be part of a sustainable experience.

Innovation and Community Impact: Partnering with Killarney Urban Farm

As a sustainability leader in the community, the O'Donoghue Ring Collection partnered with Killarney Urban Farm, Ireland’s first hydroponic farm servicing local businesses. This partnership supplies fresh produce to the hotels’ restaurants, cutting down on food transport emissions and supporting local agriculture. The farm also hosts tours and sustainability workshops, showcasing the power of the circular economy and educating both guests and locals.

Killarney House Gardens

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement Goals

The O'Donoghue Ring Collection has achieved a lot but knows this is just the beginning. Future sustainability goals include:

  • Further Waste Reduction: Tackling landfill waste remains a priority. 
  • Expanding Circular Economy Efforts: The team is keen to build more local partnerships to lower the environmental impact of food services. 
  • Energy Innovations: The group is exploring renewable energy sources and further efficiency gains.
  • Industry Certifications: Pursuing top sustainability certifications to highlight their ongoing commitment.

The Financial Benefits of Sustainability

Adopting sustainable practices has not only reduced their environmental footprint but also made financial sense. By cutting back on energy, water, and waste, the collection has significantly lowered operational costs, making them more competitive in a challenging market. Their sustainability leadership also appeals to eco-conscious guests, offering a distinct edge in the hospitality sector.

Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Hospitality

The O'Donoghue Ring Collection’s partnership with Fifty Shades Greener shows what’s possible with a structured, data-led approach to sustainability. Their journey highlights the importance of:

Employee Engagement:

An informed, motivated team drives meaningful change.

Data Tracking:

Real-time data uncovers inefficiencies and highlights progress.

Community Collaboration:

Working with local businesses strengthens sustainability efforts.

Long-Term Commitment:

Sustainability is an evolving journey that requires adaptation and continuous improvement.

The O'Donoghue Ring Collection proves that even large hospitality businesses can achieve environmental and financial wins with the right approach, setting a green example for the industry. If you’re inspired by their success and want to lead your own sustainability transformation, our Green Manager Programme can guide you every step of the way. Gain practical, data-driven skills and earn a Level 4 Certification in Environmental Sustainability Management from the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality to drive meaningful change within your organization. Start your sustainability journey today and help shape the future of hospitality with green leadership.

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa