Shelbourne Sustainability
The Shelbourne is committed to responsible environmental and social practices across our hotel operations, supply chain and local community. As an iconic Dublin hotel with more than 200 years of history, we recognise our responsibility to manage our resources thoughtfully and support the communities in which we operate. Our approach focuses on practical measures across energy, water, waste, sourcing and community engagement, with our environmental performance monitored through established programmes and initiatives.
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Sustainability Initiatives
At The Shelbourne, we have introduced a range of measures across our hotel operations to manage resources responsibly and reduce waste. Our approach focuses on five key areas: energy, water, waste, sourcing and community engagement.
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Water Conservation
Our maintenance team monitors monthly water consumption across the hotel. Sensor-controlled urinals and taps in public toilets help manage water usage, while slimline cisterns and dual-flush systems are installed throughout the hotel’s toilets. Regular spot checks are also carried out to identify and address potential water loss.
Energy Efficiency
The Shelbourne sources 100% of its electricity from certified renewable energy under a Power Purchase Agreement with Energia. Energy management measures across the hotel include LED lighting throughout the property and a Building Management System to monitor and control building systems. Guestrooms also operate a towel and linen reuse programme, while key card-activated power systems help manage energy use.
Community Social Responsibility
We encourage guests to use public transport and walk to local attractions where practical. See here for information on getting here via public transport. The Bike to Work scheme is available to all associates, providing an alternative commuting option. The hotel also aims to support five charities each year through fundraising and donations, alongside regular training for associates on operational best practices. The hotel operates a TakeCare committee, supporting associate engagement and community initiatives across the hotel.
Green Purchasing
At The Shelbourne Hotel, we prioritise sourcing food from local suppliers where possible, supporting Irish producers and the local supply chain. Our Green Procurement Policy is available to view here for more information.
Waste Management
The Shelbourne has implemented a range of measures to manage and reduce waste across hotel operations. These include waste segregation, smart toiletry dispensers, electronic invoicing and the removal of single-use plastics where feasible. QR codes are also used in guest rooms in place of printed menus. The hotel continues to review its waste-management practices and identify opportunities to reduce waste across its operations. The Shelbourne is also a member of Repak Ireland.
Shelbourne Environmental Management Policy
The Shelbourne Hotel, together with Marriott International, is committed to responsible environmental management across our hotel operations. Our approach focuses on managing energy and water consumption, reducing waste and supporting responsible sourcing, with initiatives implemented across the hotel.
Our environmental performance and objectives are guided by our Environmental Management System and are outlined in our Environmental Policy Statement and Environmental Management Policy. These policies provide a framework for managing our environmental performance and identifying opportunities for improvement across our operations.
VIEW OUR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICYGreen Hospitality – Silver Award Certification
The Shelbourne holds a Silver Award from Green Hospitality, an internationally recognised, third-party environmental certification programme for the hospitality industry. The programme requires participating businesses to meet defined criteria and implement an Environmental Management System to monitor and manage their environmental performance.
The Shelbourne’s Silver Award recognises our work across key areas of hotel operations, including energy and water management, waste reduction, responsible sourcing and environmental awareness. The certification provides a structured framework for monitoring our environmental performance and identifying opportunities for improvement across the hotel.
Food Waste Reduction Initiatives
The Shelbourne is committed to reducing food waste across our culinary and food and beverage operations. Our teams continually review preparation, storage and service practices to identify opportunities to prevent and reduce food waste throughout the hotel.
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.
Helles Lager
Founded by brothers and industry veterans, Helles Lager has been crafting exceptional beer since 2006. After producing their own ales, stouts and porters at leading Dublin breweries and gaining international recognition, they established their own Bow Street brewery in 2021. Brewing lagers, ales and stouts on-site in small batches using the finest Irish malted barley, hops, water and yeast, Helles Lager combines traditional techniques with minimal automation to deliver consistently world-class beer.
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
