Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations is officially Gold certified! Their commitment to minimising negative impacts while maximising positive effects is truly inspiring. From boosting biodiversity, to supporting local businesses, and championing community initiatives, they are setting a Gold standard for sustainable hospitality.

Brendan Vacations deliver authentic Ireland & Scotland vacations planned by locals.

We only do Ireland and Scotland. Our dedicated team of Celtic destination experts have over 55 years of experience in providing handcrafted, immersive vacations that combine people, places and culture—each planned, managed, and personally delivered by passionate, fun-loving locals.

Brendan Vacations, through its sustainability strategy “How We Tread Right” and the TreadRight Foundation, demonstrates a strong commitment to making a positive global impact. Since its inception, the TreadRight Foundation has supported over 60 projects worldwide. Launched in 2020, the “How We Tread Right” initiative outlines 11 sustainability goals aligned with the United Nations Global Goals, while their Climate Action Plan addresses business emissions. In 2022, The Travel Corporation, Brendan’s parent company, became the first global tour operator with validated net zero targets by the Science Based Targets initiative, further advancing their road to net zero and climate responsibility.

This Sustainable Tourism Network approved business is at the forefront of the industry, dedicated to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. They create unforgettable experiences for their customers while minimising negative impacts and maximising benefits to environments, communities, and the economy. Brendan Vacations strives to be environmentally innovative and socially responsible, investing both time and money to maintain positive ecotourism practices. These commitments have been verified through an independent on-site audit.

Just some of their outstanding initiatives:

Energy Efficiency & Carbon Reduction

• Uses 100% renewable electricity and gas (SSE Airtricity)
• Regularly reviews and records energy consumption in an Energy Management Plan
• Upgraded windows for higher insulation and installed LED lighting with motion sensors
• Signage in office areas to encourage energy conservation
• Ambitious targets to reduce electricity consumption by 10% per employee and gas consumption by 5% per employee by end of 2025
• Energy Management training for staff and sustainability squad
• Energy conservation guidelines for chauffeurs and a “Make Travel Matter” checklist for guests
• Explored future options: biomass boiler, PV solar panels, air source heat pumps
• Promotes bike-to-work scheme, secure bike storage, public transport, and carpooling for work travel

Carbon Emissions Management

• Calculates and offsets annual carbon emissions (2023: 46.3 TCO2e)
• Invested in server decommissioning and cloud migration to reduce energy use
• Annual carbon measurement and 10% reduction target by 2025
• Engages suppliers to share their sustainability policies

Waste Reduction & Responsible Procurement

• Monthly waste monitoring and quarterly bin audits
• Segregates waste into general, recycling, and food waste; maintains a single-use plastic-free zone
• Uses cloud-hosted platforms and FSC-approved paper to minimise paper use
• E-waste disposal program for responsible recycling and destruction of electronics
• Staff trained in waste management; several completed Sustainable Tourism Network’s Waste Management Course
• Sustainable Procurement Policy encourages guests to avoid single-use plastics and reduce paper waste
• Guests encouraged to download the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Checklist for waste reduction tips

Water Conservation

• Quarterly water usage reviews and ongoing exploration of submeters and flow-rate monitors
• Regular leak checks and water conservation staff training (e.g., tap use, ECO dishwasher mode)
• Provides filtered water in the office and reusable water bottles for staff
• Rainwater harvesting system for watering office plants
• Water risk assessments completed and reviewed every six months
• Sustainability Squad completed TOAST Water Management Course
• Guests encouraged to conserve water through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Checklist and use refillable bottles
• Chauffeurs provide carton water bottles and promote reusable bottles

Nature & Culture

• Offers MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences focused on nature and culture
• Preserves historic Georgian office building
• Follows TreadRight® Animal Welfare Policy and avoids unsustainable wildlife activities
• Guides guests on responsible wildlife interactions

People & Business Practices

• Provides employees with living wage, full contracts, and health insurance
• Adheres to child safeguarding, intellectual property, and anti-exploitation policies
• Ensures legal compliance and labour rights
• Stakeholder engagement through feedback and transparent sustainability communication
• Integrates sustainability into supplier agreements
• Prioritizes certified products, local suppliers, and circular economy initiatives