Environmental Policy

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Here at Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort we are committed to the implementation of measures to help protect and sustain the environment for future generations of guests and team members.

We recognise the impact of our operations on the environment and are committed to identifying and minimising any detrimental effect that may occur. By working together we can contribute to a cleaner and safer environment and ensure environmental issues remain a focal point and receive due attention.

In delivering our commitment we will comply with relevant environmental legislation and take a proactive approach to future requirements and obligations.

In line with this we continually strive to improve our environmental practices in a range of areas to:

• Conserve natural resources through the responsible use of energy, water and minerals.
• Monitor and improve our recycling in areas such as energy consumption, reduction of waste materials and water consumption.
• Work with suppliers to reduce carbon footprint.

• Promote efficient energy management.
• Monitor water usage and encourage water conservation in all areas.
• Manage waste and develop recycling to a higher percentage every year, and therefore less to land fill.
• Communicate these policies and relevant environmental strategies to team members, suppliers and guests.

The following actions have been taken by us and continue to be taken to minimize our footprint on the environment.

• We have two Easy Go Charging points onsite.
• All food waste and waste office paper is collected for composting.
• All garden waste is composted and then reused in the garden.
• Cardboard packaging, newspapers, magazines, glass, cans, plastic bottles and used light bulbs and batteries are all returned to our suppliers or collected for recycling. We are committed to further reducing waste to landfill.
• All heating, hot water, refrigeration and electrical equipment is serviced and maintained annually, to make the most economical and efficient use of power
• When replacing electrical equipment only “A” rated appliances are purchased.
• We have an energy usage monitoring system. We are gradually replacing light bulbs used in the hotel with low energy led versions.
• We bottle our own water for use in our bedrooms and restaurant. All glass bottles are reused.
• We use an onsite natural reed and willow bed treatment system which purifies all wastewater generated by the hotel, this, in turn, provides a rich environment for many birds.
• We have established a herb garden for use by our kitchen.
• As much as possible of our food is sourced from local producers thereby reducing food miles (the distance that food must travel to get from field to fork). Products such as meat, fresh fish, smoked fish, salads, eggs and cheeses are mostly from the locality. As much produce as possible is sourced from small artisan producers. Our kitchen team also forage in the immediate area.
• Over the past 15 years our tree planting has created a new habitat for birds and other wildlife.
• We are currently transitioning to chemical free cleaning products.
• We send e-invoices where possible to reduce the amount of paper that we use and we also re-use paper at the front desk and offices. All external staff communication is via email.
• We support environmentally sustainable tourism by encouraging guests to walk while staying at the hotel. We have walking maps available at reception and book local walking guide for walks.
• We consider the environment when making purchasing decisions and we try to use suppliers who are also trying to minimize their environmental impact.

At Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort we take the potential negative effects on the environment that the activities of our business can cause very seriously.

Our future objectives are:

• To improve our energy usage.
• To further reduce our waste generation.
• To provide opportunities for guests to carbon neutral their visit.

You can play your part:

• Towels left hanging in the bathroom will be left for you to reuse, others will be changed.
• Please try not to run water unnecessarily and inform a member of staff if you notice any leaks.
• Please turn off all lights and electrical equipment when leaving your room.
• Please close the windows if the heat is on in your room. To regulate heating turn the valve in your bathroom, anti-clockwise for on and clockwise for off, and turn the radiator off in your room. Please contact reception if assistance required.
• Place glass and plastic bottles, used batteries, newspapers and magazines in the bedroom dustbin. These will be collected by Housekeeping for recycling. Please use the bathroom dustbin for other waste.
• We welcome any questions or suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Reception.

Natural Area Focus

We encourage our guests to leave the car behind and explore the area.

Interpretation and Education

Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort provides its guests with literature (books, leaflets etc.) and maps on the local area. We are always happy to give further information and make recommendations based on sound local knowledge.

Benefiting Local Communities

We work actively with other local business whether through informal referrals or through formal partnerships. We employ as many local personnel as possible and purchase as many quality local products and services as is possible. We also contribute to local fundraising activities.

Visitor Feedback

Visitor feedback is important in helping us maintain and improve our products and services, including our environmental practices.

Responsible Marketing

We use web-based marketing activities as much as possible and have a strict policy of not using mailshots. We keep in contact with regular customers through the use of e-zines. Recycled paper and card are used in the printing of brochures and leaflets.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Ireland is a network of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. As increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes, increases. Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage. Techniques designed to minimise the social and environmental impacts to these areas are incorporated into the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Education Programme.

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:

At the heart of Leave No Trace are seven principles for reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities. These are:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Others
3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Minimise the Effects of Fire

Leave No Trace Ireland promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. The programme strives to build awareness, appreciation and respect for Ireland's natural and cultural heritage and is dedicated to creating a nationally recognised and accepted outdoor ethic that promotes personal responsibility.

It encourages all outdoor enthusiasts (e.g. walkers, mountain bikers, canoeists, orienteers, horse riders) to do their part to maintain those lands used by the public for the benefit of the environment and for future generations.

Practicing a Leave No Trace ethic is simple. Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.

“Take only photos, leave nothing but ripples”

Download a digital copy of our Environmental Policy here