Our Environment
Hodson Bay Group is committed to reducing our carbon footprint across every part of our operations. Every sustainability initiative we implement is driven by this goal and supported by group wide collaboration, investment and continuous improvement.
We are progressing a wide range of initiatives under the Green Hospitality Programme, backed by a €3.5 million investment across our hotels. This commitment supports carbon reduction, energy efficiency, waste diversion, sustainable procurement and enhanced biodiversity. All actions are independently audited and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria, the EU Ecolabel and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
€3.5 Million Investment in Green Infrastructure
Our retrofit programme is one of our most significant achievements. Fossil fuel heating systems have been removed and replaced with advanced air to water heat pumps, full electrification of heating and hot water and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. This work delivers a projected reduction of more than 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, the equivalent of removing over 330 cars from our roads.
To ensure accuracy and continual progress, each hotel is fully sub metered to track energy use at plant and process level. Data is monitored daily through remote platforms aligned with IPMVP best practice and verified through both internal and external audits.
Our Targets
Key Initiatives
Investment in Infrastructure and Systems
We have invested €3.5 million in infrastructure upgrades, including the removal of fossil fuel heating systems and installation of advanced air to water heat pumps and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. This has allowed us to fully electrify heating, hot water and ventilation across our properties. The investment supports an annual reduction of more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and a 29 percent reduction in overall carbon footprint across the group.
Operational Green Plan
Through the implementation of our operational Green Plan, we have already achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption across all hotels, with continued progress monitored through sub-metering, remote energy tracking, and regular audits. We are targeting a further 19% reduction in energy consumption to achieve the milestones that have been outlined by the Failte Ireland Climate Action Programme for 2030.
Accreditation Targets
Our aim is for all hotels to achieve Silver accreditation under the Independent Green Hospitality Programme by the end of 2024 and Gold accreditation by 2025. We continue to measure our performance and invest in further reductions to support sustainable growth.
- Installation of low flow fixtures across all hotels
- Regular maintenance and leak detection
- Staff training in water efficient practices
- Water efficient equipment in kitchens and laundry facilities
- Monitoring and evaluating water use to identify opportunities for improvement
- Installation of filtered water dispensers in every property, reducing waste water and removing the need to procure bottled water for bedrooms, significantly lowering overall waste
Landfill Waste Reduction
We currently divert 77 percent of all waste from landfill, exceeding our 2024 target of 75 percent. Our goal is to reach 80 percent by 2026. Waste segregation, staff training, and partnerships with specialist waste providers support these improvements.
Food Waste Minimisation
We track and measure all food waste across our kitchens. By optimising portion sizes, training staff, and implementing food waste recording systems, we continue to reduce unnecessary food waste.
We are targeting 10% guest participation in 2026 and have already reached 7.9% . The programme invites guests to join us in responsible practices that reduce environmental impact throughout their stay. This includes mindful water use, energy efficient temperature settings, correct waste segregation and our chemical free green housekeeping service, which lowers electricity use, reduces water consumption and supports the reuse of towels and linen. All guest feedback is monitored to guide continual improvement.
We have already eliminated 95 percent of single use plastics across the group and aim to be fully free of single use plastics by 2026. Hyatt Centric is already fully single use plastic free. We continue to replace plastic items with reusable or biodegradable alternatives and communicate these efforts to guests throughout their stay.
The development of Yew Point demonstrates our commitment to protecting natural habitats while creating a truly regenerative tourism experience. Located on 145 acres of meadowland, ancient woodland and peaceful lakeshore, the resort will feature 36 sustainably built A-frame cabins designed to sit gently within the landscape. Built with zero concrete poured and using low impact construction on traditional screw piles, the resort preserves natural ground conditions and supports the movement of wildlife through dedicated corridors and native planting.
Operating fully off grid with renewable energy systems, Yew Point will showcase a zero carbon approach that reflects our long term environmental goals. We have planted 15,000 trees as part of the One Hundred Million Trees Project and continue to support local biodiversity through conservation partnerships, environmental volunteering and sensitive land management.
Guests will be able to slow down and reconnect with nature through immersive experiences, educational workshops and activities designed to foster appreciation of the local ecosystem. Yew Point is more than a place to stay. It is a restorative retreat within 145 acres of wildflower meadows, ancient forest and natural shoreline, created to inspire a deeper connection with the world around us.