Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links has been awarded the Green Key certification following an 18-month auditing process across its hotel, spa, conference, dining, and golf facilities.

Green Key is an international standard for environmental and social sustainability in tourism, operating in over 90 countries. The certification requires organizations to meet criteria for environmental responsibility, social sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion. It is recognized by Google Travel under its Sustainability Labelling program.

Located 20 minutes outside Dublin on the coastal stretch known as "The Velvet Strand," the four-star resort occupies the former family home of the Jameson Whiskey family.

Operational Upgrades and Waste Reduction

To meet certification standards, the resort established an internal task force to direct sustainability projects across its operations, including guest rooms, dining facilities, event spaces, grounds, and the Jameson Golf Links.

Operational updates include:

• Guest Rooms: Removal of single-use plastics, central management of heating systems, streamlined waste recycling, and opt-in policies for daily linen and towel replacements.
• Food & Water Management: Revised kitchen procedures to reduce food waste, installation of filtered water refill stations for guest use, and rainwater harvesting using traditional Jameson barrels for grounds maintenance.
• Golf & Facilities: Replacement of petrol-powered golf machinery with electric and hybrid models.

Biodiversity and Community Partnerships

The resort has established local environmental partnerships:

• Dublin Beekeeping Association: Six beehives have been installed on the resort grounds to support biodiversity, managed by the golf course superintendent in the role of beekeeper. The team also conducts local educational outreach regarding the environmental role of bees.
• Portmarnock Community Association: Joint initiatives focus on local dune protection and beach cleaning efforts.

Leadership Statement

William Kirby, General Manager at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, stated:

“Naturally I am thrilled we have achieved the Green Key Certification. There has been a huge collective effort and commitment from the team, with everyone getting behind our shared goals to improve how we behave, operate and educate ourselves and our customers when it comes to sustainability. But it’s not something which now stops, there are always further improvements to be made to help us take the business forward in the most sustainable way – and it’s a challenge we all relish!”

For further details, information is available at www.portmarnock.com.