Fifty Shades Greener has announced details of a forthcoming event, ‘Less Shades, More Action‘, which will focus on sustainability goals in Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The event, which will take place in Dublin’s Mayson Hotel on Tuesday 28 April, will explore how hospitality businesses can cut their carbon footprint and operational costs through green upskilling and workforce-led action.
‘A growing disconnect’
“Hospitality businesses across Ireland are built on the very landscapes and cultural heritage that draw visitors in, commented Raquel Noboa, founder, Fifty Shades Greener (pictured). “Yet there is a growing disconnect between profiting from that natural beauty and taking responsibility for protecting it.”
The event will be hosted by comedian Barry Murphy, and will feature presentations from Dr Karl Thomas, founder of training company, Creatovation; Dr Susan Gill, manager of Climate Strategy and Skills, SOLAS; and Jason Conlon, assistant HR and sustainability manager, Mespil Hotel.
Sustainable practices
With the tourism sector responsible for 7.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, efforts by businesses to address energy use and encourage sustainable practices are paramount – as research by Fifty Shades Greener has found, by upskilling and training staff on sustainable practices, hospitality businesses can achieve up to a 30% reduction in energy usage and costs.
In addition, the forthcoming Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, which will come into full effect in September 2026, will require businesses to substantiate environmental claims, and could present compliance challenges for firms in the tourism and hospitality sector.
“The fact is that hospitality businesses have a responsibility to act,” Noboa added. “Implementing green upskilling and training for staff offers a practical solution – that benefits both the environment and businesses’ bottom line. This event is an opportunity for the hospitality sector to learn and move from awareness into action. Small steps, taken by the right people, can have a meaningful impact.”
For more information on Less Shades, More Action, visit https://www.fiftyshadesgreener.ie/less-shades-more-action.
