Businesses can reduce energy, waste and water costs by as much as 50pc below the Irish average by implementing efficient environmental strategies, according to the Green Hospitality Programme (GHP).
The GHP is offering businesses the opportunity to embrace the green economy by providing free workshops.
The GHP, an Irish certification programme, aimed at the tourism and hospitality industry, awards businesses who meet required environmental criteria. It is highlighting the many benefits of good environmental practice to Irish businesses through a series of free workshops across Ireland in 2011.
The next stage in the workshop series will take place in Dublin and Cork, and the GHP is inviting interested hospitality businesses to attend to discover the benefits that can be achieved by going green.
The upcoming workshops in Dublin and Cork will include a special Energy Master Class on the following topics: ‘Buying Energy Smartly’, ‘Power Optimisation’ and ‘21st Century Lighting for Hospitality Businesses’.
There will also be two general workshops taking place in each location, one for certified GHP members and one for new members or interested parties who want to learn more about the certification process. All Green Hospitality members are encouraged to attend one of the workshops in order to keep informed of developments in environmental management and developments in the GHP.
“Our hotel and guesthouse members have made savings of up to €2,000 per bedroom annually by being environmentally proactive. This can make a significant difference to businesses looking to compete in these challenging times. What the GHP is saying to Irish tourism and hospitality businesses is, ‘can you afford to ignore the opportunities presented by going green?'”, said James Hogan, director of GHP.
“By adopting the green criteria, they are not only having a positive impact on their bottom lines, but they are also achieving an internationally recognised environmental certification, becoming legally compliant and tapping into a whole new market both in Ireland and abroad, which is demanding environmentally friendly businesses,” he added.
The workshops will take place on 20 April, at the International Airport Hotel, Cork, and 4 May, at the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin.
The workshops are open to anyone who might be interested.
