Environmental Policy Statement

We have recently implemented the following changes:

• Installed Solar panels in late August of 2023 which has contributed to 3% of our energy consumption since the installation.
• Converted to an eco-friendly recycling plastic for packaging our products as part of our commitment to sustainability.
• Effectively implemented a cutting-edge heat exchange system within our Visitor Experiences buildings. This advanced technology enables us to effectively recover and recycle excess heat produced during our operations, leading to a reduction in our overall energy consumption and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
• Optimised packaging for select products, reducing material required for our overall packaging.

The Burren Smokehouse is wholeheartedly dedicated to environmental stewardship, adhering to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism from management down to every member of our staff. We strive to offer a facility that not only attracts visitors to our region but also contributes positively to our local economy and community while safeguarding our environment.

Our commitment to these principles is specific and will be regularly assessed and reported to the administrators.

Working Together

• As highly engaged members of the Burren Ecotourism Network, we are actively involved in various events aimed at enhancing and promoting sustainability. We seize every opportunity to connect with fellow members of the network through attendance at training events, workshops, and activity days.
• Within our Visitor Centre, we offer numerous resources that highlight Burren Ecotourism providers. Our visitors have access to complimentary Geopark visitor maps, brochures, and leaflets providing information about the Burren. Additionally, we provide a detailed folder showcasing BEN members offering local accommodation, activities, and food businesses.
• Our Visitor Centre staff undergo training to effectively provide information on nearby attractions and make referrals to other destinations in the area.
• We are dedicated to actively promoting the Burren Ecotourism Network, the Burren Food Trail, and the Burren Adventure programme across our social media platforms, as well as through the display of posters and brochures in our Visitor Centres.

Objective:

1. Our aim for 2024 is to enhance participation and engagement in the Conservation Advocacy and Marketing sub-groups and committee meetings within the Burren Ecotourism Network.

A Cared-for Landscape

• As part of our sustainability commitment, we integrate the Leave No Trace principles into our operations. Visitors can explore these principles further at our visitor centre through leaflets, posters, and online resources available on our website.
• Additionally, members of the Burren Smokehouse Team have undergone Leave No Trace training to ensure the implementation of these principles throughout our operations.

Objectives:

1. Ensure that all staff members in our visitor centre and Production Lead complete the Leave No Trace training by the end of 2024.
2. Actively promote positive outdoor behaviours as part of our contribution to environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts.
3. Implement quarterly clean-up initiatives in the local area and surrounding park to actively contribute to environmental preservation and community engagement.

A Well Understood Heritage

• All our visitors have the opportunity to engage with the Burren Ecotourism, UNESCO Global Geopark, and Burren Food Trail plaques proudly exhibited outside our main Visitor Centre.
• We provide visitors with relevant and accurate interpretive information regarding the natural and cultural heritage of the region. As part of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO-supported global Geopark status, we take pride in offering this educational experience.
• Through film screenings and tour guide presentations, our visitors can delve into the heritage of Ireland’s ancient craft of smoking salmon. This experience is accessible in multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian.
• In addition to our traditional offerings, we offer a new and captivating learning experience called “Taste the Atlantic – The Salmon Experience“. This immersive journey explores Ireland’s salmon story, tracing its historical origins through legends and showing traditional methods. Furthermore, it delves into contemporary salmon aquaculture, highlighting the nutritional benefits of salmon and introducing visitors to the individuals for whom this practice is a sustainable modern way of life. The experience also educates visitors about the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on Goal 2 to end hunger and achieve food security, Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being, Goal 12 to ensure responsible consumption and production patterns, Goal 13 to combat climate change and its impacts, and Goal 14 ‘Life Below Water’ aimed at conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Objective:

1. Increase visitor numbers for the Taste the Atlantic experience to showcase and share the cultural, architectural, and national heritage.
2. Continue to align employees’ skills and capabilities with our sustainability goals and values by offering comprehensive training and providing necessary resources.

Vibrant Communities

• We extend a warm welcome to visitors of all abilities and provide facilities catering to those with limited mobility.
• Our visitor centre is equipped to accommodate overseas visitors, featuring universally recognized signage throughout the premises. Our staff members are trained to offer clear and understandable guidance to all visitors.
• Over their more than 30 years in business, Birgitta & Peter Curtin have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the conservation, promotion, and networking within the Burren region.
• As founding members of Slow Food Clare, Birgitta & Peter have been instrumental in organizing the Burren Slow Food Festival since 2005. They are also founding members of the Burren Ecotourism Network and serve as advisors to the Burren Geopark.

Objective:

1. We aim to ensure that all our visitors feel welcome by enhancing the communication of our story in a manner that is easily understandable, employing clear language and signage throughout our premises.

Strengthened Livelihoods

• The Burren Smokehouse proudly supports the local community by providing employment opportunities to individuals primarily from Lisdoonvarna and nearby towns such as Doolin or Ballyvaughan.
• We prioritise local service providers, tradespeople, and craftsmen whenever possible to support our community and promote economic growth.
• Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our sourcing practices. We exclusively use certified Irish Organic Fresh Salmon, sourced sustainably from the west coast of Ireland. For more information, please visit the Irish Organic Association website.
• Furthermore, The Burren Smokehouse ensures that 100% of our organic salmon, trout, and mackerel are sourced from Ireland.
• In addition to our own products, we proudly feature other artisan food products from the Burren, Clare, and across Ireland in our visitor centre and on our website for mail order customers.

Objective:

1. Create opportunities to enhance engagement and foster collaboration with local communities through various initiatives and partnerships.
2. Expand our network of local suppliers to increase the sourcing of raw materials from within the community, supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth.

Sustainable Tourism Management

• Our commitment to sustainability is prominently displayed through our Gold Ecotourism Ireland certification, Organic standards, and dedication to the Slow Food philosophy and sourcing local produce.
• We actively encourage environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, and the use of public transport, for visitors. Information on accessing our facilities via sustainable transport options is readily available on our Burren Smokehouse website. Additionally, many of our staff members live locally and choose to walk to work, further supporting our sustainable practices.
• We are a proud member of Origin Green, Irelands national food and drink sustainability programme with a global ambition: to make Irish food and drink the first choice internationally because it is trusted as sustainably produced by people who care.

Objective:

In 2024 we plan to achieve the following implementations:

1. Define an accurate water consumption calculation method & reduce water consumption by 5%.
2. Reduce electricity usage from the grid by 5%.
3. Reduce general waste produced on site by 5%.
4. Increase the purchase of products that are organic, local, fair-trade, and eco-friendly, supporting environmentally responsible practices and local economies.

The Burren Smokehouse is dedicated to preserving Ireland’s biodiversity and safeguarding the environment for future generations. We remain steadfast in our commitment to environmental practices throughout all aspects of our business, including production and our visitor centre. Regular monitoring and recording of our environmental impacts will continue, allowing us to assess our progress against our objectives.

Environmental Policy Statement

At the Burren Smokehouse, our commitment to contributing to Ireland’s biodiversity and conserving the environment for the future is unwavering. As a founding member of the Burren Ecotourism Network, we adhere to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism, which guides our environmental management approach.

We have developed our own environmental management statement, outlining our dedication to conserving energy, minimising waste, and maximising recycling efforts across all aspects of our operations. From production to visitor engagement, we prioritise sustainable tourism and responsible food production.

To enhance our sustainability, we have implemented various initiatives, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, upgrading lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures, and utilising Bio LPG for heating and hot water systems. Additionally, we have recently installed solar panels to further reduce our carbon footprint. We also prioritise sourcing locally produced, organic, and eco-friendly products.

Through continuous monitoring and reporting of our environmental impacts, we aim to achieve our objectives while promoting collaboration and engagement with local communities. We actively participate in the Burren Ecotourism Network and promote positive outdoor behaviours, aligning with the Leave No Trace principles.

Our commitment extends to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors, supporting the local economy by sourcing locally and employing locally, while also preserving Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage. We strive to be leaders in sustainable tourism management, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.

We are dedicated to regularly reviewing and updating our environmental policy to incorporate advancements in sustainability practices and emerging environmental challenges. By staying adaptive and responsive to changing circumstances, we ensure that our environmental efforts remain relevant, effective, and aligned with our overarching goals of environmental preservation and sustainable business operations.

As we move forward, we will continue to set ambitious targets, such as reducing water and electricity consumption, minimising waste production, and increasing the purchase of sustainable products. Our commitment to environmental stewardship remains steadfast as we work towards preserving Ireland’s biodiversity and leaving a positive impact on the environment for future generations.