Decarbonising Luxury: A Smart Move for the Future

In a landmark move towards sustainable hospitality, Parknasilla Resort & Spa has undergone a significant energy transformation. Nestled on the stunning Ring of Kerry, this historic Irish resort has taken bold steps to reduce its carbon footprint and Mastertherm Heat Pumps were at the heart of the change.

The Challenge: Outdated & Inefficient LPG Heating

Before the retrofit, Parknasilla’s leisure centre was powered by aging LPG gas boilers and over-20-year-old Air Handling Units (AHUs). Despite upgrades in 2012 to condensing boilers, the system was energy-intensive and costly:

  • Daily LPG usage: 3,500 kWh (~492 litres)
  • Annual LPG usage: 1,277,500 kWh (~179,580 litres)
  • Annual CO₂ emissions: 536,101 kg
  • Annual fuel cost: €143,664

All pumps ran at fixed speed, 24/7, consuming unnecessary power — a clear sign that an upgrade was long overdue.

The Retrofit: Next-Gen Efficiency by Mastertherm

Mastertherm delivered a fully customised retrofit, replacing the old LPG system with a cutting-edge cascade of five BA60iS heat pumps, alongside high-performance auxiliary systems. Key upgrades included:

  • AHUs: New Dantherm heat recovery systems for the pool and changing rooms
  • Water heating: Two 500L heat pump calorifiers + new heat exchangers
  • Circulation: Smart, appropriately sized pumps for efficient flow
  • Controls: Integrated automation with remote monitoring for optimal operation
  • 2 no. outdoor Jacuzzi heated at 37˚

This complete overhaul not only modernised the plant room but also set a new benchmark for low-carbon heating in the hospitality industry.

The Results: Dramatic Reductions Across the Board

The impact of the retrofit was immediate and substantial:

Metric Old LPG System New Heat Pump System Savings
Annual Energy Use 1,277,500 kWh 145,611 kWh 87%
CO₂ Emissions 536,101 kg 69,900 kg 87%
Annual Fuel Costs €143,664 €27,000 €116,664 (81%)

The system is supported by SEAI grant funding, which shortens the payback period and boosts ROI. Plus, the Dantherm unit uses 40% less electricity, and smart pumps cut consumption by about 50%.

What Parknasilla’s MD Has to Say

“From a business perspective, cost saving is very strong. The efficiency and layout of plant rooms is quiet, modern, and effective with easy remote control. Guests appreciate our move to greener energy — and our staff find the system much easier to maintain.”
— Tony Daly, Managing Director, Parknasilla Resort & Spa

Why It Matters

Parknasilla’s retrofit proves that sustainability and luxury can go hand-in-hand. Beyond the numbers, it’s about aligning with a greener future, providing guests with comfort while drastically cutting emissions. With nearly all of the resort’s plant rooms now running on heat pump technology, Parknasilla has positioned itself as a leader in climate-conscious hospitality.

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