Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Europe

Bohinj Eco Hotel is the first and only Green Globe certified hotel in Slovenia, known for its strong commitment to sustainability. It utilizes a deep energy well and heat pump for heating and water, uses Power LED lighting, and has an air conditioning system with sensors to reduce energy consumption. The hotel also focuses on eco-certified ingredients of local origin and the swimming pools help to heat the hotel.

This agro-tourism hotel transitioned to organic farming and agroecology. It utilizes local materials and ancestral techniques in its architecture and interior design. It provides organic produce from its own garden and orchard for breakfast and uses essential oils from the Algarve in its spa. It aims to integrate agriculture, architecture, and art.

Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a beacon of sustainable hospitality, integrating a host of eco-friendly policies and practices. Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar radiation and wind, this accommodation is 100% off-grid, operating solely on power generated from these natural elements. The building design itself is an ecological marvel, maximizing air flow and natural light to reduce dependence on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. Furthermore, the property employs triple-glazed windows that efficiently regulate indoor temperatures.

Water conservation is robustly addressed with systems for rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, and reuse. Waste management practices include separating waste into at least three categories, providing recycling bins in guest rooms, and composting organic waste. The eco-conscious philosophy extends to aspects like non-toxic cleaning products, LED lighting, and the provision of bicycles for guest use. Remarkably, Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a zero-energy building, achieving net-zero energy consumption annually through intelligent design and an automatic system that turns off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their rooms. An additional unique feature of this eco-resort is its commitment to animal welfare, as the property doubles as an animal shelter and forbids any form of hunting or harm to animals, aligning with the hosts' vegetarian lifestyle.

Biohotel Grafenast, Tyrol's pioneering CO2 neutral hotel, exemplifies sustainable hospitality by integrating a comprehensive set of eco-friendly practices into its operations. The hotel's mature structure is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, using building materials from sustainable resources and strategically designed windows that block heat and cold, enhancing energy efficiency. The hotel goes beyond just conservation of resources, engaging in larger eco-friendly initiatives like reforestation and wildlife conservation. Rainwater collection systems and the use of non-toxic cleaning products reflect their dedication to sustainable practices. Their dining services follow suit, serving organic food sourced mainly from local producers, providing a vegetarian menu, and forgoing disposable cutlery and plates.

The Grafenast's eco-friendly ethos is prevalent in all aspects of the guest experience. An array of bicycles is available for guests, fostering environmentally friendly exploration of the surroundings. Electric car charging stations cater to green travelers, while LED lighting is used throughout the premises, enhancing energy efficiency. Thoughtfully placed signs in rooms inform guests that towels will only be changed upon request, encouraging water conservation. Recycling bins in guest rooms, a dedicated policy for waste separation, and composting of organic waste attest to the hotel's comprehensive waste management plan. The hotel's commitment to transparency is evident in its use of recognized CO2 measurement tools to track its carbon footprint. An inspiring blend of relaxation and eco-consciousness, the Biohotel Grafenast offers an unparalleled sustainable stay, enabling guests to contribute to global climate goals while enjoying breathtaking views over the Inn Valley.

This eco-friendly oasis is dedicated to sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources, recycling, and water conservation practices. It offers a farm-to-table concept with organic gardens and involves guests in farm tours. The cooperative actively works on regenerative projects addressing unemployment and biodiversity loss.

This eco-village is committed to being ecological and self-sustainable, operating as a carbon-negative territory. They have significantly reduced waste, use solar panels for electricity, grow a large portion of their own food organically, use eco-certified and natural cleaning products, and hold a Green Key certification.

Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel in Astypalea is the only Green Key eco-labelled hotel on the island. It has adopted a Green Policy focusing on eco-awareness, minimizing environmental impact, supporting local producers, and working towards measurable results in sustainability. They use green supplies, encourage waste recycling, and utilize energy and water efficient equipment. The hotel also offers guests the ability to calculate and offset their carbon footprint.

This hotel is explicitly focused on sustainability, holding LEED Gold and GSTC-Recognized certifications. It utilizes renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and geothermal, and employs sustainable building materials. The hotel also practices extensive waste separation and serves locally produced, organic food.

The Almfamilyhotel Scherer presents an example of eco-friendly hospitality at its best, cleverly weaving sustainable practices into every facet of its operation. The hotel leverages renewable energy, harnessing solar radiation and geothermal energy to provide for its energy needs. The structure of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and air flow, reducing reliance on artificial heating, lighting, and air conditioning. Triple-glazed windows contribute to the energy efficiency, effectively blocking heat and cold. A commitment to sustainability is exhibited in their choice of building materials, all derived from sustainable resources, as well as a green roof that contributes to insulation and rainwater absorption.

The hotel’s dedication to environmental preservation extends to water management, waste management, and energy conservation. Rainwater is collected and used throughout the property, while the wastewater is responsibly treated and reused. The toilets are designed to flush using only up to six litres per flush. Waste separation is diligently performed into at least three categories, and all organic waste is composted. The property has installed LED lighting and employs an automatic system that turns off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their rooms. Guests are encouraged to participate in energy conservation through signs informing them that towels will only be changed upon request. Furthermore, the on-site restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience with organic food sourced primarily from local producers, also offering a vegetarian menu. To ensure continual improvement, the hotel performs an energy audit every five years, reaffirming its commitment to eco-friendly operations.

Hotel Gasthof Adler incorporates sustainable practices by reducing waste and focusing on energy conservation. It provides an authentic and eco-conscious experience for guests.

This eco-friendly hotel maximizes the use of natural light and heat through panoramic glazing. Its restaurant uses raw materials from farms in the Odessa region, and the hotel utilizes textiles of natural fabrics and certified detergents.

This alpine retreat is committed to sustainable tourism, focusing on preserving the natural landscape and reducing its ecological footprint. It offers guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature in an environmentally responsible way.

This hotel is built entirely with natural and ecological materials like FSC/PEFC certified wood. It utilizes bioclimatic architecture, thermal insulation, and energy-efficient technologies such as photovoltaic panels for energy and hot water production. The hotel also implements waste reduction, uses ecological cleaning products, avoids single-use plastics, and offers electric vehicle charging and bike rentals.

Awarded the Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland labels, this resort uses geothermal and solar energy for heating and renewable energy sources for electricity. Cleaning utilizes environmentally approved products, and there is a comprehensive recycling program. The spa is constructed with natural materials and heated ecologically.

Hotel Der Löwe LEBE FREI showcases the harmonious blending of luxury and sustainability, exemplifying how establishments can thrive while respecting nature. They have taken a firm stance to uphold numerous stringent criteria, having received both Austrian and European Ecolabels as a testament to their determined efforts towards the environment. This commitment extends to the people who form the backbone of the hotel, fostering a community that collectively assumes environmental and social responsibility. The hotel is proud to be recognized as a "Klimabündnis-Betrieb" ("climate alliance business"), reinforcing its commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and environmental protection.

This eco-conscious hotel has implemented a plethora of green measures. Thermal energy is sourced from local district heating, supplemented by a 17 kW photovoltaic roof, primarily utilizing green energy. A continually expanding range of organic and regional products is offered, and e-mobility is promoted through a charging infrastructure for guests and their own e-car. Efforts have been made to reduce energy and water consumption through efficient building construction, saving 90 tons of CO2 annually. A transition to eco-certified detergents has been made, and high-quality, timeless, and regional materials are used throughout the property. Freight has been reduced by expanding local and regional purchases. They've adopted the best possible practices for waste prevention, reduction, and separation, and even their printed materials conform to established certified proof of origin such as PEFC or SFC. The hotel also values its employees, fostering a positive company climate that has kept some team members for over 20 years, highlighting the hotel's commitment to both the environment and its people.

Hotel Tigaiga is a benchmark in environmental management, holding ISO 14001 and EMAS certifications. It sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources and has installed thermal and photovoltaic solar panels. The hotel actively promotes responsible water use with reduction filters and heats its outdoor pools using solar energy.

Hotel Mas Pelegri is an ecological hotel that operates completely off-grid for electricity, water, and sewage. It utilizes solar panels for power and has implemented energy-conscious design in its buildings to maximize natural heating and cooling. The hotel also focuses on reducing single-use plastics and sourcing local, in-season produce.

Embodying the principles of eco-tourism, Agroturismo Fincahotel Son Pou boasts a variety of sustainable practices, each contributing to a lessened environmental footprint. Solar radiation powers the establishment, supplemented by energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the premises. Construction materials sourced from sustainable resources, along with heat-blocking windows, contribute to the physical efficiency of the hotel. Eco-friendly initiatives extend beyond the property, including engagement in reforestation and wildlife conservation efforts. A written environmental policy is adhered to strictly, with an appointed environmental manager overseeing operations and ensuring staff compliance.

Water conservation is a key aspect of Son Pou's sustainability strategy. Rainwater collection systems are in place, while wastewater undergoes treatment for reuse. A novel highlight is the toilet system that uses just 6 litres per flush. In addition to water and energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling measures are paramount. These include recycling bins in guest rooms, composting of organic waste, and signs reminding guests that towels will only be replaced upon request. Food served in the restaurant is predominantly organic and locally sourced, with vegetarian alternatives available. As part of their environmental commitment, they also undergo an energy audit every five years. The conscious choice of using non-toxic cleaning products, reducing laundry frequency, and using eco-friendly detergent further contributes to their eco-friendly pledge. Guests can even partake in sustainable mobility, with bicycles available for their use.

This lakeside lodge operates entirely on solar energy, showcasing a strong commitment to renewable power. It promotes eco-friendly activities such as canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching, leveraging its location amidst unspoiled countryside rich in wildlife. The hotel emphasizes authentic cuisine made with local ingredients, including produce from its own organic garden, and implements water-saving practices.

Hotel Nafarrola is certified by EUROPARC according to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism of Protected Spaces, reflecting a commitment to working sustainably. Their restaurant emphasizes locally sourced, organic, and Km0 products. Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the hotel aims to provide a sustainable retreat.