The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre (which has worked closely with the Local Authority prevention Network and The Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Office) has achieved the 3-Star Eco-certification through the Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP). This thorough, independently audited Eco-certification is awarded by Sustainable Travel International to tourism businesses around the world who achieve the necessary standards in all areas of their business.
“Our approach to eco-tourism and sustainability runs through every level of the business,” states Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. “We’re proud of the many changes we’ve made, from the sustainable technologies built into the underground visitor center, to the turbo hand dryers in the toilets that use less energy and avoid use of paper hand towels; from the use of local suppliers and contractors, to the increased use of online marketing and communication with the local community. Eco-tourism isn’t just a project – it’s a way of doing business.”
Some waste and energy management initiatives undertaken by the Visitor Center were super simple – like the use of see-through trash bags for recycling areas, and the addition of pictorial signs on bins to help non-English speaking visitors. Signs have been added to the site, which encourage staff to turn off appliances and equipment. The company recently took over the café operation and refocused the food offering on more local products and suppliers, which visitors to the Cliffs have been very excited about. The visitor center also undertook an exercise in 2011 to measure its carbon foot print, and has achieved carbon neutrality through reductions in energy efficiency and the purchase of offsets.
The Cliffs of Moher have collaborated with STI since 2009, including a project with an STI-sponsored research student based at Sligo Institute of Technology, who worked alongside the Cliffs of Moher Green Team to develop and implement the required policies and procedures. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the first Irish tourism businesses to achieve STEP Eco-certification. This Achievement comes on the heels of being awarded the 2010 Green Award for the Entertainment & Leisure industry.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of 28 finalists in a global online campaign to find the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The final 7 will be announced on 11th November 2011.
Three LAPN related initiatives have been nominated for environmental awards, giving due recognition to the great work being done in the programme.
a
Thomond Park Stadium has been shortlisted as a finalist for a Green Awards 2011 in the Entertainment and Leisure Category.
They have also launched their Community Fund which will include sponsorship of local environmental and waste prevention awards. They also took part in Earth Hour 2011.
Well done Thomond Park!
a
Galway County Council has been shortlisted in the Local Authority category of the 2011 Green Awards.
This is in recognition of all the great work being done in Galway over the years to protect the local environment.
For example, click here to see the environmental guide for business that Galway County Council has produced Changing Behaviour – Saving Resources
a
a
The Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Office organised a Batucamob to be held at the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare on Saturday November 20th 2010.
This was part of the European Waste Reduction Week (EWWR) initiatve and the event was nominated as a finalist (out of over 4,000 initiatives) for a 2011 EWWR Award where it won a special commendation.
Well done indeed!
