Sustainability -
Working with Nature

“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. We have programmes for tree planting, wild flowers, bee keeping and more as part of our environmental initiatives. Within Powerscourt Estate, an educational, climate change discovery centre was opened in 2018. The Cool Planet Experience was set-up with the aim of educating audiences about their carbon footprint and ways to reduce it.”

Sarah Slazenger – MD Powerscourt Estate

Our Vision

Powerscourt House & Gardens 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. A pioneer on sustainability & nature-centered initiatives, experiences, and communications – where nature thrives and is protected for the enjoyment of everyone.

Our Mission – Business sustainable mission

To be known both nationally and internationally as Ireland’s premier sustainable visitor attraction. Where we will deliver a “fairer and greener” attraction experience by reducing our overall environmental impact. Our long-term mission is for Powerscourt Estate to be Net Zero by 2025. We strive to be an inspiration and benchmark for other attractions worldwide.

At Powerscourt House & Gardens, we believe that sustainable tourism is tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities (UNWTO, n.d.). We therefore aim to reduce our negative impacts and increase our positive effects.

Sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement, and we are aware that we have a lot to learn. So far, we have taken many steps on this journey through our energy and biodiversity management and the award-winning outreach and educational aspects of the business. We will continue to learn and engage with all stakeholders including our visitors to ensure our tourism business is an ecosystem for learning, change and importantly action.

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.

We aim to demonstrate this commitment to incorporate sustainability into everything we do – through addressing key areas within our business where we can have the most impact.

6 Pillars of Impact:

Resource Management
Habitat management: Biodiversity
Purchasing & suppliers
Climate change & Carbon offsetting
Responsible Sustainability Marketing
Social Responsibility: Education, People & community

Read our full Sustainability Policy –

1.7. Powerscourt Sustainablity Policy May 22

“We do not inherit the earth. We borrow it from our children”
We welcome all feedback on Powerscourt’s Sustainability Plans & Policies. There are x2 ways that you can feedback.

Call to reception at Powerscourt and fill out a visitor & sustainability Feedback form.
Send feedback in an email with the subject line “Powerscourt sustainability” to info@powerscourt.net.