Dalata Leads The Way In Sustainability With Green Tourism Certification Gold Across Entire Hotel Portfolio

Written By: Sara Alhariri

Sara Alhariri

I was a dedicated journalist to The US Sun, the Sun UK, the Irish Sun, and the Scottish Sun and a producer for Fox News Media for some time, too.My value is in sharing this content with my network on LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.—it will get the eyes of media executives who handle travel reporting on it immediately. It will bring more visibility to the brand for sure. Like reporting and PR in one.

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June 20, 2024 18:24 GMT+5:30

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Dalata Hotel Group shines as a leader in sustainability, achieving Green Tourism Certification Gold across its entire portfolio of hotels.

Dalata Hotel Group, the leading hotel operator in Ireland with an expanding footprint in the UK and continental Europe, proudly announces that it achieved Green Tourism sustainability certification for all its Clayton, Maldron, and partner hotels in 2023. The Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility is highlighted by attaining the ‘Gold’ standard for all 48 previously assessed hotels and additional Gold and Silver certifications for two new properties. Furthermore, 45 hotels that applied for the ‘Green Meetings’ certification were all awarded the ‘Gold’ standard.

These certifications reflect Dalata’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint, engaging with local communities, and improving accessibility for guests and staff. The ‘Green Meetings’ standard evaluates the eco-friendliness and social responsibility of meeting and event practices. To earn a ‘Gold’ certification, businesses must exhibit a robust environmental philosophy, implement significant sustainable practices, and consistently maintain and review them.

Continued Commitment to Sustainability

Dalata’s recognition by Green Tourism underscores its comprehensive sustainability efforts. The Group achieved a notable 27% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions per room sold in 2023 compared to 2019, putting it on track to meet its goal of a 20% reduction in energy-related emissions per room sold by 2026.

Dalata is investing in energy management projects across its existing hotel portfolio, with modern, energy-efficient buildings playing a crucial role. Notable examples include the Maldron Hotel Merrion Road in Dublin and the Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park in London, both designed with an ‘A’ Building Energy Rating (BER) and incorporating metering, LED lighting, and advanced green technologies to minimize carbon emissions.

A significant new initiative this year is the Green Meetings certification, with all hotels featuring Meetings & Event facilities applying and achieving the Gold standard. Dalata is the first hotel group to receive the highest level of Green Meeting Gold Certification for all hotels in Ireland and the UK.

Additionally, Dalata is actively working towards participating in the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) with a focus on the building sector. The Group is ambitious about the sustainability of its new developments. For example, the building conversion project at St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh is designed to operate with zero on-site carbon emissions. External consultants estimate that this conversion will achieve approximately 70% lower embodied carbon and 50% lower whole life cycle CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) compared to a hypothetical new-build structure.

Caitriona Conroy, Head of Operational Risk & Sustainability, at Dalata Hotel Group, said: “As a leader in the hospitality industry, we remain committed to contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. Retaining the Green Tourism ‘Gold’ score for most of our hotels is a testament to our commitment to sustainability across all levels of our organisation and we will continue through our actions plans to build on our ‘Gold’ standard awards. I would like to thank all the hotel teams and managers for their dedication in sustaining key sustainability credentials across our portfolio. I also wish to express gratitude to Green Tourism for their continued guidance and recognition of our sustainability achievements.”

Andrea Nicholas, CEO, of Green Tourism, said: “It is fantastic to see how their progressive approach to sustainability has enabled Dalata Hotel Group’s leadership team to achieve both Green Tourism and Green Meetings Gold certification at so many of their hotels across Ireland, the UK and Europe. We are delighted to have been able to support them since 2019, advising on best sustainability practice and monitoring to enable them to reach the exceptional environmental performance standards they are now achieving as a Group.”