Meet Phoebe Fairbairn: Wren Urban Nest
We were thrilled to be invited to discover Wren Urban Nest: ‘Dublin’s Most Sustainable Place to Stay’. Phoebe Fairbairn, the General Manager, was able to tell us all about this incredible project.
Wren Urban Nest is designed and built using the most advanced carbon reduction technologies, making it one of Europe’s most sustainable hotels in a major city centre.
The hotel design focuses on compact luxury and energy efficiency, with small format bedrooms decorated and accessorised with the best contemporary Irish craft; a showcase for Irish design from brand to bed, confidently supported with smart, sustainable technologies.
KOKORO: Wren Urban Nest is called Dublin’s most sustainable place to stay in Dublin. What types of sustainable practices are taking place at Wren?
PHOEBE: We source all ingredients and toiletries for Wren Urban Nest from local suppliers, including The Handmade Soap Company, Niks Tea, and Contour Coffee. Our Cosy and Snug ‘Nests’ are stocked with ethically-sourced bathroom amenities in recycled packaging along with complimentary water cartons from Irish supplier Cuilin.
We operate 100% fossil-fuel- free and that includes the kitchen in ALT Bar & Restaurant. Unlike other restaurants we do not rely on any gas for cooking, ensuring Wren’s zero carbon commitment is fully followed through in all aspects of the hotel operation. Chefs at Wren are committed to responsible food sourcing and active use of ‘ugly fruit and wonky veg’ to prevent delicious and nutritious produce going to waste
All of the little steps we take to lighten our carbon footprint collectively can make a big difference.
KOKORO: What makes Wren Urban Nest Carbon Neutral?
PHOEBE: Wren Urban Nest has been constructed using the most advanced sustainable technologies, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and allowing them to use 100% renewable electricity to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status, Wren is the first hotel in Ireland to comply with the World Green Building Council’s definition of ‘Net Zero Carbon’ without having to purchase carbon offsets.
KOKORO: How have technological advancements helped your ability to run The Wren sustainably? Do new advancements bring more advantages? (Little steps, Conscience, Commitments etc)
PHOEBE: The Smart HVAC system that Wren uses, reduces energy use whilst keeping the temperature cool in the Summer and cosy in the Winter. An advanced feature of this bespoke HVAC design also allows free energy sharing across the hotel. On cold winter days, the air source heat pump transfers heat from the west façade that is in the sun to the east façade in the shade. In Summer when there is no heating load, the energy is transferred to the hot water supply for showers and wash hand basins.
Wren's hot water, heating and cooling system design is based on a combination of highly efficient air source and water to water heat pumps with no fossil fuels being consumed, avoiding the production of large amounts of local pollution within an urban environment. Unlike every other hotel in Ireland, Wren burns no fossil fuels and runs on 100% renewable electricity.
KOKORO: What new initiatives and programs are you are working on for 2022?
PHOEBE: Wren Urban Nest sits on the former site of Andrews Lane Theatre an intimate and Indie venue that was founded in 1989 and closed in 2007 so it makes sense that our focus on sustainability should also encompass Irish Culture and the Arts. Located at the heart of creative Dublin, a city recognised for its thriving live music and theatre scene it is only fitting that ALT Bar and Restaurant within Wren create its own hub that pays homage to the history and heritage of the original building by hosting a series of scheduled workshops and events inspired by Irish culture, music and art. The program of events will cover a wide range of topics, including chef masterclasses and food and wine pairing workshops, panel discussions and acoustic performances.
To learn more about Wren Urban Nest, their website wrenhotel.ie and follow them on instagram wren_urban_nest
