Driving Sustainable Change at Claregalway Hotel

A Green Journey with Fifty Shades Greener

Introduction: A Commitment to Sustainability

Nestled in the heart of Galway, Claregalway Hotel is a 4-star, family-run establishment that blends warm hospitality with a strong commitment to sustainability. For Sarah Cantwell, Hotel & Accounts Administrator, sustainability wasn’t just a corporate buzzword—it was a mission. From the moment she joined the team in 2020, she was tasked with forming a Green Team and leading the hotel’s Climate Action Plan to reduce energy, waste, and water consumption.

But where to begin? Tackling sustainability in a busy hospitality setting can feel overwhelming, but Sarah and her team found their solution in Fifty Shades Greener.

Choosing the Right Path: Why Fifty Shades Greener?

Sarah and her team embarked on their Green Journey with Fifty Shades Greener (FSG) in 2021 after researching available supports for the hospitality industry. Through a connection at GRETB, they were introduced to FSG’s Green Business Online Programme—a structured approach to sustainability tailored specifically for hotels.

“The programme provided exactly what we needed to kickstart our data collection, build action plans, and track energy, waste, and water reductions,” Sarah recalls. A key factor in their decision? The programme’s accessibility, being fully funded for hospitality businesses at the time.

Since then, Claregalway Hotel has made significant strides, successfully achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold badges through the Green Business Programme. In 2025, they went even further, earning the prestigious Gold Award in the Global Business Certification in Hospitality—a testament to their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

From Overwhelming to Empowering: Implementing Sustainability with Ease

Like many businesses, Claregalway Hotel initially found sustainability data collection overwhelming. “When we first started tracking our sustainability KPIs, it felt daunting,” Sarah admits. “We weren’t sure how to read the data, let alone use it to drive change.”

However, with FSG’s guidance, workbooks, and structured approach, the team quickly adapted. What once seemed like an impossible task became an essential and even enjoyable part of hotel operations.

“The Green Business Programme was designed specifically for hospitality, which made all the difference,” Sarah explains. “The flexibility allowed us to implement changes at our own pace while ensuring all employees were engaged.”

Thanks to FSG’s approach, the team was able to:

Monitor and analyze their energy, waste, and water data monthly

Identify trends and take corrective actions to stay on track

Engage the entire hotel team in sustainability awareness

Measurable Impact: The Power of Data-Driven Change

Through dedicated efforts and continuous tracking, Claregalway Hotel achieved impressive reductions over the last two years.

These results demonstrate how structured sustainability efforts can drive real, measurable impact while benefiting both the environment and the hotel’s operational efficiency:

10% reduction in landfill waste

27% reduction in food waste

14% reduction in recycling waste

10% reduction in energy consumption

35% reduction in water usage

Sarah’s Experience in Her Own Words

"We didn’t always get the results we expected each month, but having the data allowed us to spot where we were falling behind and take action. It became a roadmap, guiding us to adjust our action plans and get back on track. Now, tracking our sustainability progress is second nature, and the improvements speak for themselves!"

A Journey of Growth: Lessons and Future Goals

Reflecting on the process, Sarah emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and team engagement. “The biggest lesson we learned was how to effectively track and interpret our sustainability metrics. This knowledge has been instrumental in shaping our ongoing action plans.”

Claregalway Hotel isn’t stopping here. Their next steps include:

Further reducing landfill waste by 6% and both food & recycling waste by 5%

Cutting energy and water consumption by an additional 10%

Installing Solar Photovoltaic panels within the next 18 months

Continuing their collaboration with Fifty Shades Greener to refine and expand their sustainable efforts

Encouraging Others to Take the First Step

For businesses considering sustainability certification, Sarah has a clear message: “Go for it.”

“The FSG team is incredibly supportive, and their expertise in hospitality sustainability is second to none. Their tools, workbooks, and structured approach make the process manageable and rewarding. If you’re looking to take the first step, this programme gives you everything you need to succeed.”

Claregalway Hotel’s journey proves that with the right support, commitment, and structured approach, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s an achievable reality.

Ready to Start Your Green Journey?

Sarah and the Claregalway Hotel team prove that sustainability isn’t just for big corporations—it’s achievable for any business with the right support. The first step? The Green Manager Programme, which gave them the foundation to track data, build action plans, and take control of their environmental impact.

If you're ready to take that first step, our Green Manager Programme is the perfect place to start. Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, lower costs, or lead the way in sustainable hospitality, we’ll give you the tools and expertise to make it happen.

Let’s make sustainability simple and achievable—get in touch today!