A Sustainable Future
Powerscourt has become Ireland’s first visitor attraction to be certified by Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) whose criteria are aligned with the UN mandated Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The vision for Powerscourt 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.
Net Zero
Trees Planted
reduction waste
Our Commitment to Biodiversity
Our Biodiversity Vision
To safeguard and enrich the natural heritage of Powerscourt Estate by fostering biodiversity, supporting ecological resilience, and inspiring a shared commitment to nature among our visitors, staff, and community.
Our Unique Setting
Powerscourt Estate lies adjacent to the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
Listen to our Biodiversity Walk Audio Tour
Take a biodiversity audio walk with Head Gardener Alex Slazenger
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 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 to be recognised on a global stage for its sustainability initiatives, and to Net Zero operating emissions by 2030 (Scope 1 & 2 emissions).
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Sustainability has always been front and centre of everything we do at Powerscourt. In 1961 Powerscourt Estate was bought with sustainability in mind. Ralph Slazenger saw the potential for creating renewable energy from Powerscourt Waterfall, which is the highest in Ireland. He was an innovative thinker, and the family has 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.
The appreciation of the wonder and beauty of nature is central to everything we do at Powerscourt. Our sustainability slogan (Working with Nature) encapsulates our ethos and driving force. We believe that providing our guests with an awe-inspiring outdoor space, creating nature-based media communications, initiatives & experiences and providing educational outreach through “Rewrite Climate” (formerly known as Cool Planet) which will help our visitors reconnect with nature and hopefully inspire them to want to protect the natural world.
The sustainability journey of Powerscourt Estate was co-funded by the European Union, under the I-STARS SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME Project No. 101085914.
