CARBON FOOTPRINT
We follow the process of metering, measuring, monitoring, evaluating and managing our waste, energy, water in order to reduce our carbon footprint. We are happy to report we have been making steady progress in reducing consumption across all areas, with overall carbon footprint reduced by 31.9% from 2023-2025. Implementation of the following conservation measures have assisted in achieving this result.
• Energy conservation measures such as the introduction of systems to monitor and control temperatures in individual rooms.
• 100% our light bulbs have been changed to LED lighting.
• Additional insulation has been fitted throughout all accessible attic areas to assist in retaining heat and preventing excessive use of fossil fuels and ensuring Jacuzzi covers are in place (in bridal accommodation) to retain heat.
• Food waste monitored on a continual basis in order to minimise wastage. We aim to reduce our overall food waste by 10% in 2026
• All waste produced at Cabra castle is either recycled or converted to energy with 0% going to landfill.
• Our food waste management partners remove our waste and convert to fertiliser digestate and Bio fuel –in 2025 59.7MWH of energy was produced from food waste at Cabra castle, resulting in 74.7 tonne of co2 emissions saved by diverting from landfill. 23.9 tonne of fertiliser digestate was generated.
• Installation of our own 580 panel solar farm in August 2024 renewable energy accounted for 30% of our total usage in 2025. For remining needs we source green energy only.
• From 2024-2025 our overall reliance on energy produced by the national grid reduced by 12.9% with 1% excess solar energy produced also exported back to the grid.
• Gas usage has been reduced by 8% comparing KWH consumption 2024 -2025
• All waste glass is crushed and recycled as glass cement, while used cooking all is also recycled and converted into bio fuel.
• A comprehensive waste monitoring and management system is in place to ensure correct waste segregation across the property.
• All cardboard packaging is baled and recycles while loose plastics and paper are also segregated for recycling.
• We have our Green Procurement policy in place and are actively working with suppliers to have them reduce reuse and recycle packaging with the vast majority of supplier within 100km radius.
• Most of our food products are produced within Cavan and the surrounding area where possible.
• Encourage guests and staff to walk or use public transport.
• In 2024 an additional 6 EV charge points were installed on the ground to ensure our eco conscious guests can reliably commute and recharge upon arrival.
• Our partnership with the cycle to work scheme / Travelhub / Bike-to-work actively encourages our staff avail of this wonderful scheme reducing carbon for transportation to and from work.
CO-OPERATION
- By Adopting new ideas / adapting practices and embracing change we continuously ensure progress is made with the aim of further reducing our overall environmental impact. We recognise that to do this, collaboration with key stakeholders is necessary as such:
- A Suggestion box is in place for our staff to become actively involved / make suggestions on how we can further improve.
- Waste Management programme in place with waste separation available in guest rooms, staff areas and public areas.
- All our staff follow our ‘Think Before You Print’ policy.
- 'Meat free Mondays’ for staff meals every week.
- We encourage guests to follow our 7 steps to a greener stay with literature available in guest bedrooms and also on pre-arrival confirmation email.
COMMITMENT
- We follow a strict waste separation policy with all waste segregated into general, recycling and compostable.
- Oil Filtration System is in use which reuses oil, consuming less and saving in oil used. This results in less deliveries, less pickups and reduction in carbon footprint, all used oil is recycled and converted to Bio fuel.
- A Green Meetings Programme is in place with no plastic glasses or water drums used. Stationary station rather than stationary per person, resulting in less paper & pen usage.
- We aim to further reduce the use of single use, non-compostable plastics.
- Fully biodegradable cups and eco-friendly packaging is used for take-away breakfast items.
- We use environmentally friendly soap & shampoo in our bedrooms with very limited single use toiletries available.
- We have significantly reduced our single use plastics throughout our F&B operations.
COMMUNITY
- Working together with a common understanding.
- Continuous Promotion of our ‘green’ message through our social media channels.
- Tree Planting on the hotel grounds with over 5,000 trees planted since 2019.
- Regular clean ups of our local surroundings.
- Donating old / unwanted goods, & lost property to local charity.
- Responsible recycling of batteries / old ink cartridges with ERP – the proceed of which help fund Barretstown Kids which is a specially-designed camp in County Kildare, Ireland, that provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious and often life-threatening illnesses
BIODIVERSITY
Cabra castle is set on 100 acres of rolling parkland surrounded by mature stands of native broadleaf woodland, comprising of Sessile and pedunculate Oak, Beech, Birch, Ash, evergreens such as Holly, Yew, and rhododendron.
Up until 6 years ago, our 2018/19 season, Cabra Castle played host to many golf enthusiasts with an onsite 9-hole golf course, however, as part of a major redevelopment, the decision to close the course was made, & we have returned our grounds to nature allowing us to focus instead on our beautiful surroundings.
Since then, 40% of the grassland was returned to native meadow, which is sensitively managed. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are applied and meadows surrounding the manicured lawns are only cut once per year. Native wildflowers including the Marsh Orchid have returned & this species rich Meadowlands is attracting, many pollinators, moths and butterfly such as the meadow brown, painted Lady, and silver winged fritillary.
In 2025 More species of bees and butterflies were identified as visitors to our habitat such as the peacock butterfly, ringlet, red admiral, white cabbage, speckled brown, common blue to name but a few. Our surroundings also play host to many species of Bee. The common carder bee, white tailed bumblebee, buff tailed bee and common garden bee have been spotted by pollinator enthusiasts all of whom have been mapped on the national biodiversity mapping portal.
A 1 km wooded walkway has been introduced to allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in nature, while also providing a wonderful home these many pollinators present on site.
Copse planting along the boundaries comprising of 5000 native transplants were planted in the 2019 -20 season. Native species such as oak, Alder Birch, Beech and pine were planted. Pollinator friendly species such as Rowan, Blackthorn, Whitethorn, Holly, Willow, Guilder Rose, Beach Rose and Dog Woods were planted as understood planting.
Extensive planting of trees has continued over the past 24 months with over 400 native species bedded with plans in place for further planting.
The Granary constructed in 2024 at Cabra Castle, - is surrounded by many pollinator-friendly species - to ensure our Biodiversity efforts are continued., while planting at the Terrace garden and recently opened Moon gate garden (2026) has also been considered with pollinators in mind. Emphasis will continue on Carbon offsetting for all future projects.