Our Environment
Hodson Bay Group is committed to reducing our carbon footprint across every aspect of our operations, supported by group‑wide collaboration, targeted investment and continuous improvement. Our sustainability initiatives focus on practical outcomes, including carbon reduction, energy efficiency, waste diversion, sustainable procurement and enhanced biodiversity, ensuring sustainability is embedded in how we operate and serve our communities.
We have achieved accreditation and industry recognition through the Green Hospitality Programme, underpinned by a €3.5 million investment across our hotels. This commitment has delivered a 25.7% reduction in CO₂ emissions, significant reductions in energy and water use, a 78% waste diversion rate, the planting of 20,000 native Irish trees and ongoing progress toward eliminating single‑use plastics. 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, supported by cleaner technologies, smarter systems and our expanding guest‑led sustainability initiative, “Keen to be Green”.
€3.5 Million Investment in Green Infrastructure
Our retrofit programme represents one of our most significant sustainability achievements to date. Fossil fuel‑based heating systems have been removed and replaced with advanced air‑to‑water heat pumps, enabling the full electrification of heating and hot water alongside the installation of mechanical heat‑recovery ventilation. These upgrades have contributed to a 30% reduction in energy consumption and deliver a projected reduction of more than 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to removing over 330 cars from the road each year.
To ensure accuracy, transparency and continuous improvement, each hotel is fully sub‑metered to track energy use at plant and process level. Performance data is monitored daily through remote management platforms aligned with IPMVP best practice and is subject to regular internal review and independent external audits, ensuring robust verification of results and ongoing performance optimisation.
reduction in carbon footprint across the group
of waste diverted from landfill
invested in Green Infrastructure
tonnes of carbon removed
Key Initiatives
Operational Green Plan
Our Operational Green Plan delivers measurable sustainability outcomes through targeted investment, strong governance and local engagement. We have invested €3.5 million in infrastructure upgrades, including replacing fossil fuel heating systems with advanced air‑to‑water heat pumps and mechanical heat‑recovery ventilation, enabling full electrification of heating, hot water and ventilation. This initiative reduced carbon emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes, contributing to a 26% reduction in the Group’s overall carbon footprint.
Energy reductions are being delivered across all hotels, supported by dedicated Green Teams in each property. We have already achieved a 29% reduction in energy consumption, and our target is a 36% reduction by 2030 therefore a further 7% reduction in energy consumption, in line with the Failte Ireland Climate Action Programme.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
We have reduced our carbon emissions by 26% and are on track to achieve an overall reduction of 37% by 2030. This progress has been driven by efficiency improvements, closer performance monitoring and the continued adoption of low‑carbon technologies across our operations.
Key carbon reduction achievements include:
- Total CO₂ emissions reduced from 4,161 tonnes to 3,091 tonnes
- Coordinated action across all hotels to improve energy monitoring and control
- Introduction of more efficient systems and low‑carbon technologies
- Increased awareness and accountability at operational level
This strong foundation supports our long‑term climate ambitions. Our Climate Action Plan sets out a clear pathway to achieving a 37% reduction by 2030, underpinned by further technological upgrades and more sustainable day‑to‑day operating practices.
Energy
Our energy consumption has reduced by 29%, reflecting our ongoing commitment to cleaner, smarter and more sustainable operations across all properties. This progress has been driven by targeted efficiency upgrades, a significant reduction in gas usage and continued investment in modern building systems.
Key energy performance outcomes include:
- Total energy use reduced from 18.35 million kWh to 12.98 million kWh
- Natural gas consumption reduced by 57.6% as we transition away from fossil fuels
- Increased electricity usage aligned with the shift to cleaner, electrified systems, resulting in a net reduction in overall energy demand
These results have been achieved through major plant upgrades, improved building management systems and stronger energy awareness among our teams. Together, these measures demonstrate a structured and data‑driven approach to long‑term energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
Waste
We have significantly reduced general, organic and recyclable waste across our operations, driven by stronger segregation practices, improved staff training and more efficient waste management processes that reduce disposal and increase material recovery.
Key waste reduction outcomes include:
- General waste reduced by 12.2%
- Organic waste reduced by 13.0%
- Recyclable waste reduced by 16.1%
These results have been achieved through better waste segregation across kitchens, housekeeping and public areas, supported by ongoing staff training and clearer procedures. By strengthening day‑to‑day waste handling practices and reinforcing the right behaviours across our teams, we have reduced the volume of waste sent for disposal while increasing the recovery of recyclable and organic materials.
Water
We have reduced total water consumption by 11.7%, supported by upgraded infrastructure, stronger controls, proactive monitoring and increased staff awareness, while continuing to deliver a high‑quality guest experience across all hotels.
Key water conservation actions and outcomes include:
- Total water use reduced by 11.7%
- Water use per sleeper night reduced by 19.1%
- Installation of low‑flow fixtures across all properties
- Regular maintenance programmes and leak detection
- Water‑efficient equipment introduced in kitchens and laundry facilities
- Ongoing staff training in water‑efficient practices
- Continuous monitoring and evaluation of water use to identify further improvement opportunities
- Installation of filtered water dispensers in every hotel, reducing wastewater and removing the need for bottled water in bedrooms, significantly lowering overall waste
Water conservation remains a core focus of our sustainability approach. By embedding these practical measures into day‑to‑day operations, we are limiting unnecessary water use while maintaining guest comfort, service quality and operational efficiency.
Tree Planting
We actively support biodiversity and ecological restoration as a core part of our Climate Action Plan. Through our partnership with the 100 Million Tree Project, we have planted 20,000 native Irish trees, contributing to healthier ecosystems and long‑term environmental resilience across the regions in which we operate.
Key biodiversity and nature‑positive actions include:
- Planting 20,000 native Irish trees to enhance local habitats and support sustainable rewilding
- Protecting and strengthening biodiversity in line with our wider Climate Action Plan
- Improving soil health and ecosystem resilience through native planting
- Enhancing natural landscapes across our properties to support guest experience and community heritage
By investing in biodiversity and habitat protection, we ensure that nature remains central to both the guest experience and the long‑term environmental wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Single-Use Plastics
We are committed to fully eliminating single‑use plastics across our operations as part of our long‑term transition toward more responsible and sustainable hospitality practices. This commitment reflects our focus on reducing waste, encouraging responsible consumption and minimising environmental impact across all areas of the business.
Key milestones and actions include:
- 100% elimination of single‑use plastics achieved at The Hyatt, Dublin
- Full elimination targeted across the wider hotel group by the end of 2026
- Removal of plastic items from guest rooms, food and beverage outlets and meeting spaces where viable alternatives exist
- Ongoing identification and adoption of sustainable alternatives across operations
This programme represents a significant milestone in our sustainability journey and demonstrates our commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable hospitality environment for our guests, colleagues and communities.
“Keen to be Green” Initiative
Our Keen to Be Green programme gives guests a clear and meaningful way to support our sustainability efforts during their stay. By choosing to participate, guests help reduce the environmental impact associated with daily servicing, supporting lower water and energy use, reduced chemical consumption and less waste. Participation continues to grow across our hotels as more guests choose to align with our sustainability approach.
Key features and impacts of the Keen to Be Green programme include:
- Reduced housekeeping frequency to lower water, energy and chemical use
- Re‑use of linen and towels to minimise unnecessary laundering
- Eco‑friendly cleaning cycles that reduce chemical consumption
- Measurable reductions in water, energy and waste linked to guest participation
- A scalable, guest‑led initiative that supports ongoing environmental improvement
Through Keen to Be Green, guests actively contribute to our sustainability journey, helping us deliver responsible hospitality while maintaining comfort and service quality.
Landfill Diversion
Reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill is a core element of our environmental strategy. Through improved processes and consistent operational practices, we have already achieved a 78% waste diversion rate, ensuring more materials are recycled, composted or reused.
Key waste diversion actions and outcomes include:
- 78% waste diversion rate achieved
- Improved waste sorting across general, organic and recyclable streams
- Increased recycling participation at property level
- More consistent composting practices to reduce landfill disposal
- Ongoing focus on maximising material recovery and responsible waste processing
These measures support our long‑term objective of minimising landfill impact, improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental harm associated with waste generation across our operations.
Green Hospitality Accreditations
We are making strong progress within the Green Hospitality Programme, which recognises best‑in‑class environmental performance across the sector. Our achievements to date reflect sustained improvements across carbon reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management, supported by robust governance and verified performance.
Our current Green Hospitality accreditations include:
- Gold and Silver accreditations achieved
- A clear ambition for all hotels to achieve Gold standard by the end of 2026
This progress is underpinned by continued delivery against our Climate Action Plan and reinforces our commitment to transparency, independent verification and responsible tourism leadership across the group.
Ambitious Targets for a Low-Impact Future
By 2030, we are accelerating our transition toward a cleaner, smarter and more regenerative operating model. Building on strong progress already achieved, our long‑term goals focus on deeper carbon reductions, improved resource efficiency, waste minimisation, biodiversity enhancement and the elimination of harmful materials. Sustainability is being embedded into strategic planning, capital investment and day‑to‑day decision‑making across the Group.
Our key 2030 objectives include:
- Reducing carbon emissions by 37% through continued efficiency improvements and low‑carbon technologies
- Further lowering energy and water consumption through advanced systems, automation and improved monitoring
- Achieving a 79% waste diversion rate across all properties through improved sorting, recycling and composting
- Expanding tree planting and habitat protection initiatives to strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
- Fully eliminating single‑use plastics by the end of 2026 across all operations
- Securing Gold Green Hospitality accreditation for every hotel, reinforcing verified performance and continuous improvement
Through these actions, we are embedding sustainability into every upgrade, operational process and guest experience, ensuring long‑term environmental responsibility while supporting resilient communities and a more sustainable hospitality model.