Ireland’s most northerly hotel implements a suite of energy upgrades
Background
The family run Ballyliffen Lodge and Spa, Ireland’s most northerly 4* hotel, has been in operation for the past 20 years. The hotel boasts an average annual occupancy of over 92% per year. It hosts around 100 weddings and events per year and boasts a leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, and spa. Located on the Inishowen Peninsula, the hotel is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which is part of the reason why the owners are continuously striving to make Ballyliffen greener and more sustainable. They have invested over €1m on a number of energy upgrades which have significantly cut costs and reduced carbon emissions. The upgrades have had a major beneficial influence on Ballyliffen’s future sustainability, while also protecting and conserving the beautiful surrounding environment.
We are located in an area of stunning natural beauty so if we can protect that and maintain that going forward, that’s very important. We want to the hotel to be sustainable for future generations.
The Project
The project: Ballyliffen Lodge and Spa implemented the following energy upgrades with an investment of over €1 million including the support of SEAI business grants:
Installed 288-kilowatt solar array in nearby field.
Investment - €450,000.
A solar array was installed in a field to the rear of the hotel with an east to west layout to maximise generation. Large civil works were undertaken due to the challenging topography of the land. The solar panels were laid out in such a way, that from afar, they resemble the roofs of houses, so they blend in with their surroundings.
Installed a woodchip heating system with 500-kilowatt boiler and heat control system.
Investment - €450,000.
Ballyliffen upgraded its heating system to include a woodchip boiler. The hotel is now in a very healthy position with its heat and hot water solutions. A 500-kilowatt boiler is in a hangar facility at the back of the hotel. The trees go through an 8-year life cycle, so they are being replanted as soon after being cut.
Installed a Building Management System, heat controls and sensor LED Lighting
Investment - €100,000
A new Building Management System was installed to keep track of water and energy use. A Heat Boss control system was also installed and allows the hotel to individually control the heating in all the areas, for example, if a guest room is unoccupied, the heating system will remain on frost control only, so the room isn’t being heated while no one is staying there. The system is linked to the hotel’s reservation system and learns guest behaviours. LED sensor lights were installed in applicable areas throughout the hotel.
Transferred laundry in-house
Investment €100,000
Bringing the laundry service in house was a significant investment that has led to a significant payoff. Washing, drying, and pressing machines were purchased and commissioned to clean and press bed linen and towels etc. The hotel has enjoyed great savings and improved operations considerably. Significant carbon savings have also been made as the laundry no longer needs to be transported to an external facility.
Results
The energy upgrades have had major savings on energy bills.
Estimated savings include;
- €60,000 on electric bills
- €50,000 on heating bills
- Around 40% on current water bills.
Next steps
Ballyliffen is currently in the process of investigating the introduction of a natural spring well to serve the hotel's water demands. The project is in the preliminary stages, but there are early signs that the well can potentially provide up to 90% of the hotel's water demands. Waterless urinals and EV car charging is also being reviewed. They are also planning on upgrading the hotel guestrooms TV's distribution system.
Business Energy Upgrade Scheme
SEAI has launched the new Business Energy Upgrade Scheme, ideal for the hospitality sector. The scheme, funded by the Climate Action Fund, offers up to €120,000 for a range of common building upgrade measures including pumps, solar thermal, automatic controls, heat pumps, ventilation, and wall insulation. The scheme is open to all businesses and small public bodies who are upgrading a building they own or occupy. Apply online and get approval within minutes