Sustainable Tourism Case Study: Cork's Vienna Woods

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Cork's Vienna Woods Country House Hotel is a historic property in Glanmire, Co. Cork, situated within 22 acres of woodland overlooking the Glashaboy River. Surrounded by nature yet conveniently located, the hotel offers the perfect base for exploring Cork, including Cobh, Midleton, Fota Island, East Cork and the scenic routes of west Cork.

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

• Energy Generation: In 2024, the hotel installed over 130 solar panels, which generate more than 45 MWh of clean energy annually and reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 73 tonnes.
• Sustainable Travel: The property partnered with EasyGo to install AC and DC electric vehicle charging stations for guests and visitors.
• Water Conservation: The hotel achieved estimated annual water savings of €16,000 through the installation of low-flow toilets, water-efficient showerheads, and the removal of bathtubs in a majority of guestrooms.
• Operational Efficiency: A strategic room allocation system concentrates occupancy to minimize heating and electricity usage during quiet periods, while a single-keycard policy prevents unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied rooms.
• Climate Action: The hotel participates in Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme to maintain structured monitoring of energy usage.
  
  

SOCIAL INITIATIVES

The hotel employs over 120 full- and part-time team members, prioritizing local recruitment and professional development through training and financial support for hospitality education. Employee wellbeing is supported by two-week advance rosters, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and on-site Mental Health First Aiders. Community engagement includes fundraising for Marymount Hospice and Ronald McDonald House, as well as sponsoring the annual "Darkness Into Light" walk. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary or discounted room hire for local community groups, including theatre groups and first responders.

GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

Sustainability governance is managed by the leadership team with a focus on long-term stewardship. The framework was established following a comprehensive sustainability audit through Fáilte Ireland's Climate Action Programme, resulting in measurable action plans for waste, energy, and operational efficiency. Sustainability responsibilities are integrated across all departments, where staff are trained in waste separation, energy monitoring, and digital communication to minimize paper use. Leadership prioritizes transparency by sharing these initiatives with both employees and guests.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

The €76,000 investment in solar panels delivers annual energy savings of approximately €29,000, with a projected payback period of 2.6 years. Economic resilience is further supported by a procurement policy that prioritizes regional producers, including Ballycotton Seafood, Bluebell Falls Goats Cheese, and McCarthy's Family Butcher. The hotel also maintains partnerships with local attractions such as Fota Wildlife Park and Midleton Distillery to drive footfall into the wider Cork tourism economy.