Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Bavaria

At the WalhallaHotel Regensburg Hoeferer, sustainability is not just an afterthought, but an integral part of their operations. The hotel is proud to be certified to GSTC-Recognized Standards and carries the Ecolabel or Eco Flower (EU) and PEFC certifications. It demonstrates a solid commitment to green practices, boasting a variety of eco-friendly services and facilities. Utilizing solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, the hotel powerfully integrates renewable resources to energize its premises. The building's architectural design is crafted to maximize the benefits of airflow and natural sunlight, reducing reliance on air-conditioning, artificial lighting, and heating. Notably, the facility features triple-glazed windows, providing superb insulation to regulate both heat and cold.

Besides energy conservation, the hotel implements a range of sustainable practices. Rainwater is diligently harvested and reused, and the use of non-toxic cleaning agents ensures an environment that is both safe and healthy. Committed to serving fresh, organic food at the restaurant, a considerable portion is procured from local suppliers, simultaneously bolstering local economies and reducing transportation-induced carbon emissions. LED lighting is used throughout the premises, reducing energy consumption further. A dedicated environmental manager oversees these practices, and all employees receive training to follow environmental policies. For guests keen on reducing their carbon footprint, the hotel offers bicycles for local exploration and electric car charging stations. Waste management at the hotel is also carefully considered, with waste separated into at least three categories, organic waste composted, and a policy in place to avoid disposable cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery. These initiatives, coupled with the provision of eco-labeled or non-chlorine bleached toilet paper, and toilets that flush up to 6 litres per flush, demonstrate the hotel's comprehensive approach to sustainability. The establishment further strengthens its green credentials by being a zero-energy building, with an automatic system that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room. To ensure ongoing efficiency, an energy audit is carried out at least once every five years.

MASEVEN München Messe Trudering showcases sustainability in every facet of their operations. Using hydro and geothermal energy sources, they remain at the forefront of renewable energy utilization in hospitality. The hotel's architectural design prioritizes airflow and natural light, greatly reducing the need for air conditioning, lighting, and heating. They further bolster their energy efficiency with LED lighting and an automated system that powers down lights and electrical appliances when rooms are unoccupied.

Eco-friendly initiatives extend beyond energy management at MASEVEN. The hotel's green roof, combined with the usage of building materials from sustainable resources, contribute to a lower environmental impact. A system for rainwater collection and reuse, along with the treatment and reuse of wastewater, underline their commitment to water conservation. They also employ non-toxic cleaning methods, using 180-degree hot steam instead of chemicals. Furthermore, guests are encouraged to minimize their environmental footprint by offering incentives for opting out of daily room cleaning. Other commendable features include the use of 100% organic cotton for bed and bath linens, composting organic waste, separating other waste into at least three categories, and the provision of sustainable bamboo bikes for guests to rent.

Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz is a testament to the importance of integrating sustainability from the very beginning of a project. Throughout the planning and development phases, careful consideration was given to topics such as resource conservation and the environmental impact of building materials. Partnerships were formed thoughtfully through comprehensive selection processes to ensure the hotel's vision of eco-friendliness was realised.

The hotel's commitment to sustainability is noticeable in its choice of construction materials. Wood, a natural and renewable resource, is widely used, supplemented with ecological natural fibre boards in both the interior and exterior of the building. These composite panels not only enhance the aesthetics but also significantly improve the indoor climate by regulating humidity and absorbing pollutants from the air. Additionally, Avaneo Hotels are committed to offering guests a natural and healthy sleeping environment, evidenced by their bed systems constructed from 100% natural materials. The intention is to provide a high-quality sleeping experience while keeping environmental impact to a minimum.

Hotel Das Rübezahl's commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in their philosophy, having been an integral part of their operations since its inception in 1959. For over three generations, the Thurm family has championed sustainability practices such as economical energy usage, regional produce sourcing, and resource-saving construction, among others. Key to these efforts is the use of advanced technologies such as photovoltaics and a state-of-the-art combined heat and power plant that has been meeting 90% of their electricity needs since 2021. Additionally, the hotel is equipped with energy-saving devices, primarily employing LED lamps with timers and motion detectors. Innovative measures like heat recovery from their cold stores to heat their pool and whirlpool further reduce energy usage.

The hotel not only promotes climate-friendly holidays, allowing guests to offset their carbon footprint with sustainable reforestation projects, but it also takes significant steps towards resource conservation. By employing water-saving devices and utilizing rainwater for tasks like flushing toilets and watering flowers, the hotel reduces conventional water consumption by up to 15% annually. Additionally, a commitment to local sourcing reduces transport-related emissions, and their Beauty Alm emphasizes the power of nature through the use of pure and natural cosmetics. Mobility solutions, including e-car charging stations, rental bicycles and e-bikes, and free local public transport for hotel guests, contribute to a low-impact travel experience. Furthermore, a robust commitment to biodiversity is evident in their natural compensation areas tended by six bee colonies, regular mountain tours educating guests about local flora, and dedicated spaces for threatened species.

Boutique Hotel Hardthaus, despite its intimate size of just 13 rooms, maintains a strong commitment to sustainability. It showcases an eco-friendly blueprint, with a green roof and construction materials sourced from sustainable resources. The hotel's design has been thoughtfully devised to maximize the use of natural light and facilitate air circulation, resulting in decreased dependence on artificial lighting and air conditioning. Moreover, the implementation of triple-glazed windows contributes to a consistent and comfortable indoor climate, thereby curtailing the need for heavy use of energy-consuming heating or cooling mechanisms.

The property's commitment to the environment extends to its operations. LED lighting illuminates the premises while non-toxic cleaning products are used throughout. Toilets have been designed to flush using only up to 6 litres of water, and guests are informed about the policy of changing towels only upon request. This, along with the use of toilet paper made from non-chlorine bleached paper or one with an eco-label, reflects their water and resource conservation efforts. Waste management is also a priority, with waste separation into at least three categories and composting of organic waste. Energy conservation is further ensured by an automatic system that switches off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their room. On the culinary front, the hotel serves organic food at its restaurant, with most ingredients being locally sourced and a vegetarian menu option available. The property also conducts an energy audit every five years, showcasing its ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

ARBERLAND Tagungshaus takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Certified by TripAdvisor GreenLeaders, Klima Umwelt Pakt Bayern, and as a Fairtrade Partner, the hotel's environment-friendly ethos extends across its operations. Energy is derived from renewable biomass, ensuring reduced carbon footprint. The use of non-toxic cleaning products, LED lighting, and the appointment of an environmental manager reinforce their dedication to green principles.

An essential aspect of the hotel's eco-friendly approach involves measures aimed at resource management and conservation. Toilets with reduced flush volume and signs encouraging guests to reuse towels are implemented for water conservation. Composting of organic waste and separation of waste into at least three categories highlight their efficient waste management system. The commitment to local and organic food sourcing for their restaurant, where a vegetarian menu is also provided, adds a gastronomic dimension to their sustainability practices. The hotel also provides bicycles for guests, promoting eco-friendly mobility. Added to all this, the establishment conducts an energy audit every five years, reinforcing its commitment to efficient energy use. A final noteworthy feature is their effort to reduce plastic usage in rooms, and their use of refillable hotel supplies and digital guest maps.

Brauhaus 3, an adults-only retreat, emphasizes sustainability without sacrificing luxury. Championing the German ethos of craftsmanship, most furniture in the property is made by the local family of carpenters, primarily using regional woods and natural materials while minimizing plastic use. Even the air conditioning system, often a concern for environmentalists, is powered by the surplus electricity produced by their photovoltaic systems, further ensuring energy self-sufficiency. Solar thermal technology is also employed to heat the property's water.

Every detail at Brauhaus 3 is meticulously planned to enhance sustainability. The establishment features charging points for electric vehicles and encourages waste separation with separate bins for plastic, paper, organic and residual waste. LED lighting technology and motion detectors optimize energy consumption, while water-saving toilets and rainwater cisterns for garden irrigation help conserve water. Refillable cosmetics, soda streamers for tap water, and ecological cleaning practices further enhance the property's eco-friendliness. The commitment to sustainability extends to promoting regional products and artists, celebrating local craftsmanship and talent. Guests are greeted with a welcome box of regional goodies, packed in reusable containers to minimize waste. By choosing Brauhaus 3, visitors can enjoy a comfortable, luxurious stay, confident in the knowledge that they are also making an eco-conscious choice.

Berggasthof Hotel Igelwirt, a recipient of the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders certification, is an exemplar of modern sustainable hospitality. This eco-friendly property proudly utilizes geothermal energy, an innovative renewable energy source. The structure of the hotel is thoughtfully constructed with materials from sustainable resources and employs triple-glazed windows to optimize indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. An ingenious rainwater collection system is in place, and the hotel also has a system for reusing wastewater after treatment.

This sustainability ethos extends to every corner of the property. From the use of non-toxic cleaning products to the implementation of a comprehensive waste management system, Berggasthof Hotel Igelwirt has incorporated eco-friendly practices into daily operations. This includes composting organic waste and separating other waste into three distinct categories. The property also functions as a zero-energy building, with the air conditioning and heating automatically switching off when windows are opened. Additionally, the hotel's restaurant takes pride in offering locally produced ingredients and a vegetarian alternative menu, reducing its carbon footprint while promoting diverse culinary experiences.

Hilton Munich Park, certified by ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and ISO 50001, demonstrates a laudable commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and energy management. An explicit environmental policy statement underpins their dedication to eco-friendly initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation. The property operates with efficient LED lighting throughout the premises, while a dedicated environmental team trains employees to adhere to sustainable policies. They also measure their carbon footprint using a recognized CO2 measurement tool, fostering an awareness of their environmental impact.

Guests can relish the ease of sustainable living, as Hilton Munich Park provides amenities such as bicycles and electric car charging stations. Toilets are designed to conserve water, flushing with only 6 liters per flush, while an automatic system turns off lights and electrical appliances when rooms are vacated. Waste is diligently separated into three categories, with organic waste being composted. In the kitchen, most ingredients are locally sourced, promoting a farm-to-table approach, and a vegetarian menu caters to diverse dietary preferences. Participating in Hilton's internal "Travel with Purpose" program, Hilton Munich Park is powered entirely by renewable energy from Entega, hosting climate-neutral meetings in partnership with SouthPole, and collaborating with TooGoodToGo. They exemplify the harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability, pledging annual goals for reducing energy consumption, water use, and waste.

At Schlossberghof Marzoll, the commitment to sustainable living is evident in its eco-friendly practices and policies. The hotel harnesses solar radiation as a renewable energy source and incorporates sustainable resources in the construction of its buildings. The property features energy-efficient triple-glazed windows and implements a robust rainwater collection system. With a commitment to maintaining the environment, Schlossberghof Marzoll partakes in eco-friendly initiatives, such as reforestation and wildlife conservation.

To ensure a minimal environmental impact, the use of non-toxic cleaning products is standard across the premises. The hotel's restaurant supports a sustainable food culture, serving organic meals prepared predominantly with locally sourced ingredients, including a diverse vegetarian alternative menu. LED lighting illuminates the property, while waste management protocols include separating waste into three categories and providing recycling bins in guest rooms. Measures such as providing bicycles to guests, availability of electric car charging stations, composting organic waste, and signage encouraging mindful towel usage reflect a broader commitment to sustainable practices.

AD1716 Apartments exemplify green hospitality with their extensive eco-friendly practices. Utilizing solar radiation as a renewable energy source, the establishment showcases the remarkable blend of the past and the future. Notably, two buildings, aged over 300 years, have been completely refurbished using natural building materials. This meticulous renovation process included installing a wooden structure within the existing stable block and re-plastering the walls of the main house with pure natural mortar for insulation.

The buildings have been designed to maximize airflow, minimizing the need for air conditioning. Features like triple-glazed windows that block heat and cold, and the rainwater collection system further underscore the commitment to sustainability. In line with this, non-toxic cleaning products are used across the property and LED lighting illuminates the premises. Complementary bicycles, electric car charging stations, and eco-labeled toilet paper reflect the property's attention to details. Further, guests are welcomed to comfortable rooms equipped with automatic systems that turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use, fostering energy conservation. The conscious waste management, which includes separating waste into at least three categories and composting organic waste, embodies the property's commitment to a greener planet.

A mere 20-minute drive from Munich, Pension am Weberhof provides an inspiring model of eco-friendly hospitality. As a steward of the environment, this establishment champions renewable energy, sourcing power from both solar radiation and biomass. The heart of its sustainability efforts lies in its very structure, constructed from sustainable resources and designed to optimize natural light, thus minimizing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

An array of environmentally friendly amenities and policies underscores the pension's commitment to sustainability. Triple-glazed windows block excessive heat or cold, while an innovative rainwater collection system is in place to conserve water. Non-toxic cleaning products and LED lighting are used throughout the premises, reducing harmful chemical emissions and energy use. The staff is well-trained in following these eco-conscious guidelines, fostering a culture of environmental respect.

In addition, bicycles are made available to guests for emission-free local transportation, and electric vehicle owners will find charging stations at their disposal. The pension also conscientiously manages water use and waste, featuring low-flush toilets, eco-friendly toilet paper, and an effective waste separation and composting system. Moreover, the prohibition of single-use cutlery and plates reinforces their dedication to waste reduction. The commitment to sustainability even extends to the kitchen, where the majority of meal ingredients are locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy.