A Greener Future

At the g Hotel & SPA, we are committed to creating a sustainable future, aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following action plan outlines our dedicated approach to addressing global challenges—from reducing poverty and hunger to promoting clean energy, responsible consumption, and biodiversity. By embedding these goals into our daily operations, we aim to contribute meaningfully to a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally resilient world. This is our commitment to making a positive impact and leading by example in the hospitality industry.

We are on a journey to significantly improve our policies and practices to help build a greener future. Producer to plate is vitally important to us when creating menus to suit our guests. Living on an island rich in agricultural history makes it easy to access the freshest of seafood and organic produce from local Irish suppliers. From our ethically sourced Fonte Coffee to our freshly sourced catch of fish & seafood from Mary’s Fish Galway, we are working with suppliers who are taking their business to a more sustainable future. Our guests are made aware of our efforts and are encouraged to help us achieve our objectives.

 

1. No Poverty:

• Prioritize hiring staff from the local community to create job opportunities.
• Offer skills training and career development programs for employees.
• Purchase food, supplies, and services from local vendors to stimulate the local economy.
• Encourage staff to participate in community service or volunteer programs.

2. Zero Hunger:

• Conduct regular audits to track food waste and identify areas for reduction.
• Create sustainable menus with plant-based options, which have a lower environmental impact and can help alleviate food insecurity.

3. Good Health & Wellbeing:

• Offer a range of healthy dining options that prioritize whole foods, organic ingredients, and balanced meals, accommodating dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the hotel to ensure health and safety for guests and staff.
• Regularly gather feedback from staff on health and wellness services to improve offerings continually.
• Invest in ongoing health and wellness training for staff to better support guests.

4. Quality Education:

• Provide continuous training and education for staff, including hospitality skills, customer service, and personal development.
• Partner with local colleges and universities to offer internship opportunities for hospitality students.

5. Gender Equality:

• Offer flexible working hours, remote work options, and parental leave policies to support all employees, especially caregivers.
• Provide regular training on gender sensitivity, unconscious bias, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

6. Clean Water & Sanitation:

• Ensure handwashing stations with soap and hand sanitizer are accessible in all public areas.
• Maintain high hygiene standards in all bathrooms, including regular cleaning and restocking of supplies.

7. Affordable & Clean Energy:

• Place stickers on switchboards to promote energy conservation.
• Ensure efficient cooking systems and regularly check air conditioning and heating.
• Enhance overall energy efficiency by investing in energy-efficient appliances like LED lighting and water-saving fixtures.
• Recycle materials such as old wires, batteries, and printer ink cartridges.

8. Decent Work & Economic Growth:

• Source products locally and prioritize Irish suppliers.
• Provide fair wages and benefits to all employees.
• Invest in training programs covering sustainability practices, customer service, and management.

9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure:

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint.
• Explore renewable energy options, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to generate clean energy.
• Implement water conservation measures, including low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste to minimize environmental impact.
• Prioritize local sourcing for food, amenities, and other products to support the local economy.

10. Reduce Inequality:

• Provide an evacuation wheelchair and build accessible facilities, such as ramps, to ensure inclusivity.
• Organize charity events that support equality and inclusivity.

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and consider renewable energy sources like solar panels.
• Implement water-saving fixtures and encourage guests to reuse towels and linens.
• Offer a Bike-to-Work scheme for employees.

12. Responsible Consumption & Production Patterns:

• Ensure eco-friendly disposal of used oil.
• Reduce food waste and implement waste management programs focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling.
• Segregate food waste into compost bins and eliminate single-use plastics.
• Encourage guests to reuse towels and linens to reduce water consumption.

13. Climate Action:

• Encourage guests to conserve energy by turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use.
• Place signage in guest rooms and public areas to promote energy-saving tips.
• Implement a towel and linen reuse program to reduce water and energy use in laundry.
• Use Ecosia as a search engine to support reforestation, as they plant a tree for each search.
• Provide training and resources for waste segregation, including recycling bins in guest rooms.
• Use eco-friendly cleaning products and amenities whenever possible.

14. Life Below Water:

• Eliminate single-use plastics (e.g., plastic straws, bottles) and promote reusable alternatives.
• Partner with local organizations for beach clean-up events.
• Educate guests about ocean-friendly practices, such as using reef-safe sunscreens and respecting wildlife.
• Source sustainable, responsibly caught seafood and engage with suppliers on sustainable practices.

15. Life on Land:

• Create green spaces with native, pollinator-friendly plants to promote biodiversity.
• Avoid chemical pesticides in gardening, opting for natural alternatives.
• Support local conservation efforts and educate guests on wildlife preservation.
• Use recycled paper products and promote paperless systems in the hotel.
• Use Ecosia as the primary search engine on hotel computers to support reforestation.
• Install bird boxes, bee hotels, and bug houses in our green spaces.

16. Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions:

• Implement and uphold policies for equality, diversity, and fair treatment in the workplace.
• Promote ethical sourcing to ensure fair trade and transparent supply chains.

17. Partnerships for the Goals:

• Collaborate with local businesses, NGOs, and government entities on sustainability projects.
• Host events and workshops to promote sustainability within the community.
• Partner with suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices.
• Publicly share our sustainability efforts and encourage similar initiatives within the industry.
• Create a dedicated sustainability page on our website to keep the public informed.

This action plan outlines our commitment to sustainability and our proactive efforts to make a positive impact on the environment and our community. We aim to uphold these principles and continuously explore new ways to improve and achieve our sustainability goals