Powerscourt Estate receives the award as Ireland’s premier Sustainable Visitor Attraction ahead of Earth Day 2023. Powerscourt Estate* has become Ireland’s first premier visitor attraction to be certified by Sustainable Travel Ireland whose criteria are recognised by the UN mandated Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Powerscourt, House, Gardens and Waterfall is the first major Irish visitor attraction to achieve such an accolade.
Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow was named no. 3 in the World’s Top 10 Gardens by National Geographic**, second only to the Palace of Versailles and Kew Gardens in London. A pioneering spirit has always existed for environmental and nature protection on Powerscourt Estate with the Estate originally purchased for the use of hydroelectric power at Powerscourt Waterfall – Ireland’s highest Waterfall. Sustainable Travel Ireland is Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism training and certification organisation. The award to Powerscourt House and Gardens and Waterfall is based on a detailed online submission and an in-depth in-person assessment by an independent auditor using criteria recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC is an independent non- profit UN-mandated organisation that has developed criteria that serve as globally accepted
standards for sustainable tourism.
Over the last few years some of the sustainability initiatives which have been implemented on the Estate include an integrated energy management system (developed in association with Cool Planet Group), a waste reduction plan and biodiversity rewilding
initiatives such as wildflower meadows, a tree planting programme, and a bee sanctuary at the walled gardens. The long-term overarching mission at Powerscourt Estate is for the Estate to be recognised on a global stage for its sustainability initiatives, and to be Net Zero by 2025.
Speaking about the certification, Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director, Powerscourt Estate: “We are delighted to be Ireland’s first Visitor Attraction to be certified by Sustainable Travel Ireland. Over the last few years as a team, we have worked collectively on the Estate to make this happen.
However, sustainability was always front and centre of everything we do at Powerscourt. In 1961 Powerscourt Estate was bought with sustainability in mind. Our grandfather, Ralph Slazenger, saw the potential for creating renewable energy from Powerscourt Waterfall, which is the highest in Ireland. He was an innovative thinker and we have carried forward his open-minded attitude in the development of the Estate. The bottom line is that nature and the environment are integral to the estate and sustainability is vital for the future of Powerscourt. We see ourselves as custodians of Powerscourt for future generations and our aim is leave it in a better state for them. We see sustainability as vital for the future of Powerscourt.”
Speaking about the certification, Rob Rankin, Director of Sustainable Travel Ireland stated: “We are thrilled to see one of Ireland’s landmark visitor attractions blazing a sustainability trail and showing such great example to other Irish tourism businesses. And Powerscourt should be well rewarded for their efforts to do good. The bottom line is that pursuing true sustainability is not just beneficial to the environment and local community, it’s also great for the actual bottom line too. Amongst other benefits, research shows time and time again that customers want to spend their money with caring companies. And that those companies attract and retain better employees too. They also save lots of money by reducing their use of energy, waste and water.”
Sustainable Travel Ireland’s mission is to transform the Irish tourism industry into a regenerative business sector that respects and protects the environment, but also supports local communities and makes better places for people to live and work in. Powerscourt’s vision is for it to be known as one of Ireland’s most iconic sustainable visitor attractions, which is recognised on a global stage as a place of immense beauty and biodiversity. *Powerscourt Estate – the certification is for the touristic elements of the Estate – House, Garden and Waterfall. This is phase 1 of the sustainability strategy at Powerscourt. Phase 2 will incorporate the Garden Centre, Golf Club and Distillery.