Easy Wins Case Study - Pembroke Kilkenny
Background
Since 2004 Pembroke Kilkenny has been catering to the singles and couple’s leisure market as well as the corporate segment, offering a premium, personal experience to its guests.
The hotel has won multiple awards including Ireland’s Boutique Hotel of the Year, Taste of Kilkenny, Best Breakfast, Top 10 Hotels in Ireland on TripAdvisor and No1 Restaurant in Kilkenny. In 2025, Pembroke Kilkenny was named a finalist in the SEAI National Energy Awards, a testament to its commitment to embedding sustainability and operational excellence across the business. As a signatory to Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, Pembroke Kilkenny’s focus on guest experience is underpinned by its commitment to environmental responsibility. With support from SEAI, Pembroke Kilkenny has taken a phased approach to decarbonise their hotel for the benefit of its guests, staff, the local area and the wider environment.
Energy saving measures
The hotel underwent a series of significant energy upgrade works, including kitchen upgrades featuring induction hobs, window upgrades to improve insulation, and the installation of heat‑recovery ventilation to enhance indoor air quality. The hotel also received heat pumps to support low‑carbon heating, air curtains to reduce heat loss at entrances, and smart controls to optimise energy use across the building.
Results
With the support of SEAI, across all 3 phases of the energy upgrade projects, total annual savings achieved by Pembroke Kilkenny are as follows:
- 477,316 KWh Annual Energy Savings
- 107 Tonnes Annual Carbon Savings
- €36,090 Annual Cost Savings*
At time of application – based on prices as at 2019, 2022 and 2025.
*Cost savings correct at time of grant application and calculated at market energy rates.
We’re very conscious that as a leader in sustainable hospitality and with our links into the community, we are in a position to be a positive influence and share what we’re doing. We are delighted with that because it influences – our people, other people and other businesses to start their sustainable journey.
Advice to other businesses
Get a comprehensive Energy Audit and conduct a full review of your operational processes. From there, identify priority areas for improvement and develop a long‑term masterplan. However, begin implementing quick‑win elements as early as possible, this helps build internal experience, maintain momentum, and create the confidence that comes from early success.
