Evaluation, certification and transparent communications 

The Alpina Gstaad has set itself high standards not only in the area of guest comfort and quality but also with regard to sustainability. Its sustainability policy reflects a holistic approach. As a member of the industry organisations EarthCheck and NOW Force For Good Alliance, and with the help of indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions, cultural and social factors and energy efficiency, the Gstaad luxury hotel has its carbon footprint and sustainability measures regularly reviewed and certified. What makes it so special? The latest progress reports can be viewed at any time on NOW Track&Book, so transparency is assured. 

Regionality and renewable energies 

A look at day-to-day operations reveals the quite tangible link between certification and action: regional timber and stone, local craftsmen and recycled materials were used in the construction of the impressive complex. There is no cutting corners when it comes to the origin and efficiency of energy at this exclusive hotel. Hydroelectric power, district heating from the neighbouring town using timber as a renewable fuel, sensor-controlled air conditioning and heating systems as well as the partial use of heat recovery to heat the swimming pools are just a few examples of how the Alpina Gstaad puts its sustainability policy into practice.

Simply superior – thanks to comprehensive sustainability

The conversion of the stylish resort above the Zermatt village centre complete with a luxurious spa set the ball rolling and immediately earned the CERVO the second highest level of the “ibex fairstay” sustainability label in 2020. The CERVO’s ecological and social principles, the associated commitment of staff, the complete reuse of waste thermal energy and 95% energy coverage through geothermal and solar energy are just a few of the measures taken into consideration.

Social responsibility is key 

The importance of the human soft factor is evident here like nowhere else. After all, without social responsibility you will not have motivated employees nor room for progress in terms of sustainability. Located directly on the ski slope, the hotel has long demonstrated its initiative thanks to a highly motivated core team. With leftover candles, the CERVO also supports a regional foundation that gives people with disabilities new opportunities and 10% of the income from its Zermatt mineral water is donated to give people access to clean drinking water.

The principle behind the supply chain: everything should be within a radius of 150 kilometres

No hotel is an island. Consistent sustainability and responsible action begins with the choice of suppliers. The CERVO shows how it’s done and organises the entire supply chain regionally. Flour, vegetables, room furnishings and materials all come from within a radius of 150 kilometres whenever possible. Outside this area, sustainable companies are always the first choice. The next objective? Zero waste!

A whole host of sustainability measures

Sustainability is about much more than avoiding plastic packaging. Of this, the landmark hotel perched high above Zurich is well aware, so it has a systematic range of long-term solutions. With the EarthCheck Silver certification, it is part of a change in the international travel industry moving towards greater responsibility and away from greenwashing. Digitisation, on the other hand, is more selective but just as effective: the online table reservation tool, for example, enables the award-winning kitchen to plan more effectively and waste less food. 

Transparency engenders ambition, which in turn engenders perfection

Thanks to its use of 70 geothermal probes and despite significant expansion, the Dolder Grand has managed to considerably reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Today, the luxury hotel only produces one third of the emissions usually associated with five-star hotels. And yet, further optimisation in energy and water consumption is already underway – after all there is no limit to sustainability.

Participation as a means of social and ecological responsibility

Two internal teams, D-Force and D-Impact, enable staff at the magnificent hotel to contribute their ideas and implement new initiatives. For example, climate-friendly regional food is served in the staff canteen on “Vegan Wednesdays” and by eliminating disposable cups and PET bottles for employees, around 50,000 PET bottles are being saved each year.

The human factor – the heart of the hotel

The exclusive resort with a private beach right on Lake Maggiore understands the importance of individual commitment when it comes to environmental protection. It is with good reason that the topic is a key managerial priority and therefore an integral part of management meetings. The controlled management of responsibilities goes even further: the Green Team, which includes the sustainability expert and members from all hotels in the Swiss Tschuggen Hotel Group, promotes mutual interaction and the harnessing of synergies and progress.

Climate-neutral with cutting-edge technology and effective offsetting strategies

Since 2014, the Eden Roc and the entire Tschuggen Hotel Group, which has been family-run since 1980, have been minimising their carbon emissions in a controlled and systematic way by investing in cutting-edge technologies and never losing sight of the targets agreed with the Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW). The Group has boasted climate-neutral credentials since 2019. That’s because it offsets the remaining footprint with climate protection projects for upland moor renaturation in Switzerland and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda. 

Moving mountains – MOVE, PLAY, NOURISH, REST, GIVE

The programme for greater vitality, affinity with nature and awareness was launched in 2021. Inspired by the surrounding mountains and focusing on holistic sustainability, it designs experiences for guests of the 5-star superior hotel that could hardly be more affecting or inspiring. From ice bathing at the Untersee to a silent walk to the Bergkirchli, PLAY opens a host of opportunities to experience this beautiful region and its local crafts with minimal environmental impact and a great deal of fun. And what could be better than regional, nutritious and delicious award-winning cuisine? NOURISH places the focus on the art of cooking with plant-based ingredients. 

Tschuggen Express – the hotel’s own carbon-neutral mountain railway.

How can you avoid countless shuttle trips and unnecessary emissions? With the hotel’s mountain railway, of course! Since February 2009, the futuristic Tschuggen Express has been taking guests of the opulent hotel to the unique hiking and winter sports paradise of Arosa-Lenzerheide in less than four minutes – using 100% certified alpine hydropower for climate-neutral performance. Like the entire Tschuggen Hotel Group, the luxury hotel has been climate-neutral since 2019. This pioneering role on matters of sustainability in the hotel industry’s premium segment has already earned the group a myclimate award.