Brack Tours Celebrates Sustainable Tourism Network Certification
Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) is proud to announce that Brack Tours has been awarded the Silver Sustainable Tourism Network Certification, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing sustainability journey. This achievement reflects almost two years of focused effort, cultural transformation, and a deep commitment to embedding responsible tourism practices across the business.
This certification follows a robust independent audit which recognised Brack Tours’ strong sustainability foundations, its measurable environmental targets, and its genuine team‑wide engagement with sustainable practices. The auditor highlighted that the company’s “sustainability mindset is now integrated into the business,” underlining the team’s enthusiasm and proactive approach.
Driving Measurable Environmental Action
Brack Tours has set clear, ambitious sustainability targets, including a 5% reduction in electricity and gas use and a 4% reduction in water consumption in 2025, with further reductions planned for the year ahead. The team has successfully implemented smart operational controls – from solar‑powered energy (20% of office supply) to eco‑mode dishwashing, dual‑flush systems, LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and an energy supplier generating over 58% renewable electricity. These efforts represent meaningful steps toward environmental improvement while acknowledging challenges such as shared‑building energy data and irregular gas monitoring – areas the team is actively addressing with building management.
Working closely with fellow members and shared-office space owners to champion sustainability practices, support community outreach initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.
The company has also completed its carbon footprint calculation using the government‑recommended Climate Toolkit 4 Business, and has offset remaining emissions through a Gold Standard solar PV project supporting renewable energy development and community training.
Waste, Water & Wildlife: Responsible Tourism In Practice
Brack Tours’ waste‑reduction leadership stands out: after achieving a 33% cut in general waste in 2024 – far surpassing its 6% target – the business has now set a bold goal to reduce waste by 50% of its 2025 baseline. Waste is carefully segregated, monitored by the Green Team, and supported by staff training and regular bin audits to ensure proper sorting.
Water conservation measures, Leave No Trace staff training, wildlife protection policies, and community‑based conservation activities (including the “Love Your Lough” initiative and donations to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) further demonstrate Brack Tours’ commitment to thoughtful, responsible tourism.
Culturally, Brack Tours’ tours adhere to the rules of iconic sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway, while communication with driver and guide partners on expectations ensures guests are made aware of the importance of respect for heritage, nature, and local communities whilst visiting the destinations for consistent messaging.
A Company Culture Being Rooted In Sustainability
The audit praised the Brack Tours team for its clear cultural shift – what began as cautious engagement has evolved into an enthusiastic sustainability culture. Team members now take part in annual volunteer days, including community clean-ups in Newry town centre and conservation days at Castlewellan Forest Park. Staff training on Leave No Trace and other sustainability practices to ensure sustainability is always a part of the conversation – from contracting with accommodation and experience providers to planning with clients and making those suggestions for travel options or experiences that embrace sustainability while limiting impact on the community and landscapes where possible.
This spirit also extends to business decisions, like replacing Christmas cards with donations to local charities and designing tours using a hub‑and‑spoke model to reduce unnecessary travel emissions.
Comments On The Certification
Speaking on the achievement, Rob Rankin, Director of Sustainable Tourism Network, said:
“Brack Tours has shown outstanding dedication to embedding sustainability across its operations. Their achievement of the Silver STN Certification is richly deserved and reflects not only the strength of their initiatives but the genuine commitment of the entire team. It has been a pleasure for the Sustainable Tourism Network to support their journey – their openness, hard work, and eagerness to learn set a powerful example within the Irish tourism sector.”
Nuala Saul, Managing Director of Brack Tours
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive Silver Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network. This recognition celebrates the collective effort of our team, who have embraced sustainability with real enthusiasm – from rethinking operational habits to participating in hands-on conservation projects. We’re deeply grateful to the STN team for their expert guidance, encouragement, and partnership throughout the process. This achievement marks an important milestone, but it’s only the beginning. We’re excited to continue raising the bar and delivering responsible, unforgettable travel experiences for our guests.”
