The Ross

The Ross Hotel 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.

The Ross is a cool, design-led, family-owned luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Killarney town center, mere footsteps from the incredible Killarney National Park.

Protecting the incredible landscape and environment is a top priority at both The Ross and its sister hotel, The Killarney Park. With this commitment in mind, they consistently work to enhance their environmental practices across areas such as energy conservation, reduction of single-use plastics, and efficient water usage. Additionally, they are dedicated to developing a variety of ecotourism experiences for their guests to enjoy.

The Ross are founding members of The Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group, a collective of hotels with more than 3,000 bedrooms that put environmental protection at the forefront of their operations.

Just some of their outstanding initiatives:

Energy Efficiency & Management

• Electricity and LPG consumption monitored monthly with real-time alerts for unusual usage
• Use of loggers, sub-meters, and the Cognition platform to track and reduce energy use
• Reduced boiler temperatures and scheduled equipment usage
• Lighting sensors installed throughout the hotel
• Staff training and awareness campaigns to encourage energy conservation
• Guests encouraged to participate in energy-saving efforts

Water Conservation

• Water consumption measured with meters and real-time monitoring
• Monthly assessment of water usage per room and guest
• Hippo bags in toilets, flow restrictors, aerators, and sensor taps installed
• New bathrooms fitted with low-flow equipment
• Regular leak checks and staff awareness initiatives to avoid water waste
• Completed Uisce Eireann water stewardship program
• Guests encouraged to reuse towels

Waste Reduction

• Portion control and creative use of food scraps to minimise food waste
• Made-to-order coffee and toast; leftover toast donated to a local pig farmer
• Cling film-free kitchen, using reusable plastic boxes instead
• Avoidance of polystyrene; organic fish sourced in insulated systems
• Deposit return scheme for bottles and cans
• Reusable napkins and zero waste cocktails
• Roof garden for fresh herbs
• Ongoing staff training in waste segregation and reduction

Supporting Local & Sustainable Sourcing

• Use of local suppliers and products wherever possible
• Menu changes for sustainability (e.g., replacing avocados with broad beans)
• Encouragement for tourists to support local businesses

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

• Refill station for water
• Cling film-free kitchen
• Reusable napkins

Staff Wellbeing & Engagement

• Monthly green meetings to discuss sustainability and gather staff ideas
• Staff training and induction processes include sustainability
• Alkimmi app used for communication and sustainability updates
• Prioritisation of staff mental health and a supportive work environment

Community Involvement

• Participation in Tidy Towns initiatives
• Coffee cup project involvement
• Donation of paper bags to local charities for reuse
• Staff collection of deposit return bottles and cans, with proceeds donated to local individuals in need

Check out their website to see all the incredible work they do.