Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Dooley’s Hotel, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a responsibility. We’re proud of our long-standing dedication to reducing our environmental impact, supporting our local community, and creating a greener future for generations to come.

What we’ve done so far:

Over the past few years, we’ve taken major steps to reduce our environmental footprint:

• Cutting Carbon: We’ve tracked and reduced our annual energy use, with electricity-related emissions seeing a significant improvement from previous years.
• Energy Efficiency:Through smart upgrades and behavioural changes, we’ve seen reductions in our energy usage, while continuously working to improve efficiency across all departments.

Key actions include:

Motion-sensor lighting in shared areas to reduce unnecessary energy use.

Room key activation systems that ensure electricity is only used when a guest is present.

Efficient heating and lighting systems throughout the building.

• Sustainable Guest Amenities:We’ve transitioned many of our bathroom products — such as body wash and body lotion — to products with recyclable packaging. Our reception key cards are now made from sustainably sourced materials. We’ve replaced bulky guest information booklets with minimal, durable guest directory cards using QR codes to reduce paper waste.
• Waste Separation: Our waste is carefully segregated into cardboard, recycling, compost, general waste, and glass — with processes in place to minimise landfill contribution.
• Water Conservation: We’ve installed eco-friendly flush systems that reduce water usage in guest and staff areas. We actively promote a towel wash initiative, encouraging guests to keep unused towels hung up on their designated towel hangers to significantly reduce water and energy consumption associated with laundry.

What we’re doing now:

We’re building on that strong foundation with impactful ongoing efforts:

• Monthly Energy & Carbon Tracking: Every month, we analyse our electricity, gas, and water usage in detail — alongside costs and associated emissions — allowing us to take swift action and stay accountable.
• Participating in Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme: As part of this national initiative, we’re taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint, integrate sustainability into our operations, and help lead the Irish tourism industry toward a more climate-resilient future.
• Improving Waste Metrics: We continue to refine our waste tracking — using detailed data such as bin volume, collection rates, and estimated densities to ensure we manage waste responsibly and efficiently. We have also begun using Waterford Food Bank's 'Bottle Return Scheme', which provides them with recyclable bottles to fund meals for people in need.
• Supporting Staff & Community Engagement: Sustainability is part of the Dooley's Hotel culture. Staff are encouraged and trained to support greener operations, and we regularly collaborate with local suppliers who share our values. All our involvement with Sustainability is showcased to our team on a 'Sustainability Board' in the canteen.

What’s next for us:

We’re committed to going even further:

• Reducing Our Emissions Year-on-Year: We’re setting annual reduction targets and exploring renewable energy and heat-efficient technologies to replace or reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Smarter Water Use: Plans are underway for lower-flow systems and greywater recovery where feasible, helping us further reduce consumption and improve efficiency.
• Better Waste Solutions: We're evaluating composting partnerships and enhanced recycling solutions to reduce general waste even more. One solution which will arrive in the future are designated bins in each room of the hotel: waste, recyclable, and compost.
• Smart Front-Desk Automation: We’re planning for digital check-in options to help reduce wait times, streamline guest arrivals, and cut down on paper waste. This automation allows our team to focus more on personal service, while also reducing the energy demands of operating a full-service desk around the clock. It’s a small change with a big impact — improving guest experience and sustainability.
• Guest-Facing Initiatives: We aim to involve you — our valued guest — in the journey. Look out for tips on reducing your environmental impact during your stay, and options for eco-conscious bookings.

Join Us:

Sustainability is a shared journey. Whether you're staying for a night or a week, your choices matter — and together, we can make a real difference.

Thank you for supporting responsible hospitality.

– The Team at Dooley’s Hotel