Times are changing here in Northern Ireland and the tourism trend is bucking towards more Eco friendly accommodations and experiences. The modern day tourist is becoming more aware of their footprint and their needs are changing. So welcome Room2 Hotel Belfast to the scene, Belfast’s first low carbon hometel, leading the pack in offering a more sustainable experience.
Also how great to see our wee Belfast awarded number 10 in the world for best sustainable destination in the world 2024 voted by Trip Advisor travellers. Belfast was the only city in the UK to be on the list and is testament to our city and the people in it. See here.
For eco-conscious travellers, the winners stand out for their commitments to sustainability as measured by various inputs from data partners at Global Destination Sustainability Movement and internal Tripadvisor data points, including destinations where Tripadvisor users were most likely to be found discussing sustainability in positive reviews.
Lets take a look at how Belfast is rocking the world right now.
Northern Ireland’s first hometel Room2 is made up of 175 rooms, four collaborative event spaces, a trendy restaurant and bar, a delightful tea room and a welcoming lobby. The hotel runs on 100% electric and low carbon renewable energy and has a zero waste to landfill policy. This allows the guest to feel like they are doing their bit for the environment and protecting the future of our planet.
They have achieved Gold rating by Green Tourism. Green Tourism is an internationally acknowledged certification and an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice. The process targets 15 principles across People, Planet and Places, making sure that we include all parts of business.
Room2 offer bedrooms for short stays or Studios for longer stays including a Kitchenette. Not forgetting the Room2 Family Loft rooms perfect for family stays. Spaces are beautifully designed and fitted with carefully selected pieces from a range of local designers and skilled craftsmen, making the most of local talent.
The special thing about Room2 Belfast is their commitment to using local artists in the design and interiors of their hotel. They have hand picked local makers who are bringing our culture and creations alive by designing the likes of lamp shades and hand painted murals. There is also an art gallery that is a dedicated space to showcase and champion the best local independent makers, designers and emerging artists.
Room2 Belfast is part of the Lamington group, striving towards a Net Zero Carbon roadmap 2030 and hoping to inspire others along the way.
“Our shift to net zero comes from a deep desire to do the very best for our clients, our people, and our communities in which we operate. The devastating impacts of climate change the world is increasingly experiencing will only get worse. I cannot actively grow a business I know is contributing further to this problem, so I want to be part of the solution.”
ROBERT GODWIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
What Room2 Belfast offers that others don’t.
100% electric
The building is powered by electricity, meaning no natural gas are used. With some renewable energy generated through the PV panels on the roof and the rest purchased from renewable sources like solar, hydro and wind offsite.
Circular economy
We pride ourselves in giving waste a new lease of life. For example, we turned our old unused soap bottles from room2 Chiswick into a stunning welcome desk, recycled fishing nets into carpet, and used orange waste and mycelium to create organic-shaped lampshades.
Health and wellbeing
Our goal is to create environments that have a positive impact on health and wellbeing of our guests and employees. This includes incorporating abundant biophilia into the design as well as closely monitoring air quality. In addition, Winnie’s cafe and bar sources local, seasonal ingredients to limit the carbon footprint of our dishes.
Zero waste
We didn’t like the look of bins in the market so we went about designing and manufacturing our own 3-in-1 recycling bins. They separate general waste, mixed recycling, and food waste in one easy place. room2 Belfast has a zero waste policy, where nothing will end up in landfill. All waste is recycled or turned into energy.
Air source heat pump (ASHP)
An ASHP works just like a fridge by extracting heat from outside air to heat and cool the building. This helps reduce electricity consumption, lowers carbon emissions as it uses a natural source of renewable energy 💨 and the energy generated also heats water.
Low energy lighting
All energy lighting is LED and appliances are A rated, where available. These implementations lower energy consumption and you can’t even tell!
Occupancy enabled
The lighting and heating systems detect movement in the room. So despite what your parents told you, you now no longer need to turn lights off when you leave the room. Pretty ‘smart’ right?
More pressure with less
Ultra low flow showers give the full impact of a power shower, but with around 40% less water.
In conclusion Room2 Belfast is dedicated to creating environments that have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of all visitors, employees and planet. Continuing a net zero commitment, the hometel runs on 100% electric and low carbon renewable energy, and is committed to a circular economy, thereby eliminating waste and pollution through circulating products and materials.
They have done the hard work with no compromises on quality or comfort, so you can stay, proud to be supporting the shift to a greener future.
Green Tourism in Northern Ireland is the way forward. We need to protect our beautiful environment for the future and make use of our amazing local produce. Inviting tourists to come enjoy Northern Ireland without leaving a trace.
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is an independent charity dedicated to creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Northern Ireland by delivering on improving environmental education in every school in Northern Ireland, increasing public engagement for communities in need and raising environmental standards for the places where people spend time: where they live, work and relax. See ways on how you can make a change today in 4 simple steps.