Shelbourne Sustainability
The Shelbourne Hotel prioritises environmental responsibility, embedding sustainability into our core business strategies. As an iconic establishment with a 200-year history, we recognise the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. We aim to drive positive environmental and social change across our operations, supply chain, and the communities we serve.
Sustainability Initatives
At The Shelbourne, we are dedicated to sustainability, evidenced by our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. This commitment is guided by five key initiatives that integrate sustainable practices into the daily operations of the entire hotel, helping us achieve our sustainability goals.
Water Conservation
Our maintenance team monitors monthly water consumption, and sensor-controlled urinals and sensor taps in public toilets reduce usage. Slimline cisterns and double flush systems are installed in all toilets, with regular spot checks conducted. A rainwater harvester is installed onsite to water the window boxes.
Energy Efficiency
We procure 100% Green Electricity and use state-of-the-art, efficient equipment. LED lighting is installed throughout, and a Building Management System ensures precise control. Guestrooms operate a towel and linen reuse program with key card-activated power.
Community Social Responsibility
We promote sustainable transport, encouraging public transport and walking to local attractions. See here for information on getting here via public transport . The Bike to Work scheme is available to all associates, supporting eco-friendly commuting options. The hotel aims to fundraise and donate to 5 charities annually. Additionally, staff are informed on best practice operations through regular trainings. The hotel operates a TakeCare committee which prioritises staff and community wellbeing.
Green Purchasing
At The Shelbourne Hotel, we prioritise sourcing food from local suppliers to minimise food miles and support the community. Our Green Procurement Policy is available to view here for more information.
Waste Management
The Shelbourne Hotel aims to minimise waste across all operations. The hotel practices waste segregation, employs smart toiletry dispensers, sends electronic invoices, provides zero waste dishes, removes single-use plastics where feasible and replaces paper menus in guest rooms with QR codes. Our team is constantly implementing innovative solutions to reduce waste where possible. The hotel is a proud member of Repak Ireland.
Shelbourne Environmental Management Policy
The Shelbourne Hotel, together with Marriott International, is committed to contributing to a cleaner and safer environment, protecting and enhancing it, making a positive and long-term sustainable impact within the Tourism Industry. We aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the hotel by reducing waste, water and energy use through responsible and sustainable business practices.
VIEW OUR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT
VIEW OUR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICYGreen Hospitality – Silver Award Certification
The Green Hospitality Awards are an internationally recognised third-party environmental & sustainability certification awards programme which requires businesses to follow a set of defined criteria and implement an Environmental Management System which builds towards a full sustainability programme. We are honoured to have received the Silver Award from Green Hospitality, a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability. This recognition highlights our dedication to implementing eco-friendly practices, from energy and water conservation to waste reduction and responsible sourcing. As we celebrate this achievement, we are already focused on the future, with the ambitious goal of reaching gold level certification by the end of 2025. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is at the heart of our operations, driving us to continually enhance our efforts and promote sustainable tourism.
Food Waste Reduction Initiatives
The Shelbourne is dedicated to operating as a responsible business and minimising its environmental impact through sustainable practices, as demonstrated by our commitment to The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste Certification. Recognising the importance of environmental sustainability, we are focused on reducing our ‘Food Print’ and fostering a food waste-conscious environment. The culinary team and the Food and Beverage Team at the hotel continues to revise food preparation techniques and reduce waste where possible.
FOOD WASTE
Producers
Designed to celebrate wonderful Irish local produce and inspired by global flavours, your culinary journey at The Shelbourne Hotel is firmly rooted in excellence and sustainability. Featuring farm-fresh ingredients or the highest quality artisanal beverages, every moment reflects our centuries-old tradition of delighting our guests with the best.
Lambay Whiskey
Lambay Whiskey is a collaboration between Cyril Camus of the renowned Camus Cognac House and Alexander Baring of the Baring family, who have owned Lambay Island since 1904. The whiskey is crafted using independently sourced Irish whiskey, finished in hand-selected Camus Cognac casks, and matured in the Sea Cask Room on Lambay Island, which imparts a unique maritime character. In 2025, Lambay Whiskey plans to begin distilling on the island in one of the world’s first off-grid, offshore whiskey distilleries.
Keelings
Keelings Select, based in North County Dublin, is a trusted Irish food distributor serving the catering and hospitality sectors. We focus on quality, sustainability, and local sourcing when possible. Recognised with top industry awards, we pride ourselves on strong grower relationships, excellent service and a passionate commitment to customer satisfaction and consistency.
Drumshambo Gunpowder Gin
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin was created by PJ Rigney and his wife Denise at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Inspired by PJ’s extensive travels across Asia, the gin combines local Irish botanicals like meadowsweet with exotic ingredients such as Chinese gunpowder green tea, star anise, and citrus fruits. Distilled by hand in medieval copper pot stills, it has garnered international acclaim, including being named Wine Enthusiast’s “Spirit Brand of the Year” in 2022.
Shellfish Ireland
Hauling pots at dawn, working tides, and moving fast to keep the catch fresh, Shellfish Ireland lives by the rhythm of the sea. Since 1987, they’ve partnered with local crews to land Ireland’s best crab, prawns, scallop and lobster from the wild Atlantic waters off West Cork. They do the hands on, hard work for you to enjoy the very best shellfish that ends up on your plate at The Shelbourne.
Lucky Saint
Lucky Saint is the #1 dedicated alcohol-free beer brand in the UK, launching with the award-winning alcohol-free Superior Unfiltered Lager in 2018 before being joined by the alcohol-free Superior Hazy IPA in 2024. Lucky Saint is served at all bars and restaurants at The Shelbourne.
Slaney Farms
Located in Co. Wexford, Slaney Farms is a family owned and operated business headed up by John Stafford. Harvesting local traditionally grown varieties of potato, the farm operates sustainable practices to deliver optimal freshness to the Culinary Team at The Shelbourne.
Rye River Brewing Company
Passionate about how they make their beers, hand selecting ingredients with different combinations for different brews, RRBC created the bespoke Shelbourne Whiskey Stout to be dark as midnight and bursting with notes of espresso and dark chocolate elevated by a touch of smouldered beechwood.
Working Together
For more information on our sustainability policies, goals and plans, please explore these links:
Marriott International Serve 360
Marriott Sustainability Information