Cork International Hotel reduces plastic use items by more than 80%

Switching flipcharts to whiteboards, pens to pencils and paper coasters to leather coasters are just some of the measures being introduced by Cork International Hotel to make conferences and banquets more environmentally friendly.

The hotel, which hosts an average of 500 meetings and events every year, has launched a policy that sets out five commitments to help make conferences more sustainable: waste reduction, energy efficiency, training and education, community commitment, and research and reinvestment.

Waste reduction: The hotel is committed to managing waste and reducing landfill waste by 10% and food waste by 20% year-on-year. The hotel has trained team members to separate landfill, recycling, and organic waste. All bedroom and meeting room bins are segregated so guests can dispose of waste appropriately.

The hotel has successfully reduced its single use plastic items by more than 80% and aims to build on this by switching from disposable items in meeting rooms to reusable alternatives.

Energy efficiency: Cork International Hotel is prioritising monitoring, efficient sourcing, and good practice when it comes to energy efficiency. LED bulbs have replaced halogen, where possible, and they will promote using natural light in meeting rooms. Air conditioning is individually controlled per room.

The hotel has installed electric charging points and runs an electric shuttle to and from Cork Airport while promoting regular bus route alternatives to driving.

Training and education: The hotel has developed standard operating procedures for consistent sustainability training to team members and they have the opportunity to join the ‘Green Team’ in the hotel.

Community commitment: The hotel recognises the importance of engaging and uplifting the local community. The Community Spirit Awards were founded and organised by the Cork International Hotel in 2021, partnering with local sponsors, to recognise local heroes each month.

Research and reinvestment: Trigon Hotels have a committed working group to ensure sustainability projects and practices are prioritised for investment.

Recently, Cork International Hotel has invested in electric car charging points, upgraded inefficient equipment, and replaced their diesel shuttle bus to an electric vehicle.

Edel Kavanagh, Deputy General Manager, Cork International Hotel, said: “We are deeply committed to sustainability at Cork International Hotel. Focusing on UN sustainable development goals to guide our practices and policies, our aim is to become a sustainable business embedded in the local community.