Hotel Owner April 2018 | Page 19

HOTEL CONCEPT OF THE MONTH | THE IVEAGH GARDEN MONTH IN REVIEW Hotel Concept of the Month: The Iveagh Garden In a bid to become Europe’s most sustainable hotel, the IVEAGH GARDEN, has opened its doors powered solely from a natural source that lies beneath the property T he four-star Iveagh Garden Hotel on Harcourt Street, Dublin, opened in February this year with the unique concept of sourcing all of its power from an underground river, in a bid to become Europe’s most sustainable hotel. The Iveagh Garden Hotel is the first and only hotel in Europe to develop a unique low energy system that creates the lowest carbon footprint possible. The revolutionary system uses natural energy that is harvested on site, with an underground river that flows 50 metres below the hotel nature, it’s the most important asset we acting as an energy reserve for cooling and have, and I want to use it.” heating the hotel without burning fuel. The development team led by owner The entire heating, cooling and hot water system was removed from the building Brian McGill and his son Barney set a and while the plan added millions to the target to create the lowest carbon footprint renovation cost, natural energy at zero cost possible for the Iveagh Garden when should eventually repay the expenditure. compared to any hotel in Europe, despite The innovative changes included: the building being 40 years old. This without burning fuel n The onsite gas turbine also produces hot water for hotel use which is stored on each floor close to ensuites and bathrooms. n Waste water is dispensed with gravity so no pumping energy required n Harmful pollution is eliminated, and n Existing plumbing and heating systems heating/cooling systems swap energy decision required the removal of a heating that ran on fossil fuel were removed to between areas that required higher or and plumbing system which ran on fossil make way for a revolutionary system which fuels and replacing it with a system that uses natural energy harvested on site. uses natural energy and smart concepts. n An underground river that flows 50 A costly decision, but in the words of the meters below the hotel acts an as energy owner Mcgill: “You cannot put a value on reserve for cooling and heating the hotel lower temperatures. n Traditional power lifts were removed and have been replaced by smart low energy lift systems to carry guests to each floor. Additionally the Georgian facade of the hotel has been carefully restored and the interior features a blend of modern styling with original features and includes 152 bedrooms ranging from deluxe to premium suites with balconies overlooking the historic Iveagh Gardens. It also features Elle’s, a spacious ground floor bar and bistro which provides a social space for guests and local executives to relax in. Serving a concise seasonal menu designed by head chef Darren O’Brien, dishes feature the highest quality local Irish produce. Downstairs At The Iveagh is a versatile function room that accommodates up to 300 standing, ideal for corporate events, weddings and social occasions. April 2018 www.hotelowner.co.uk 19