To conclude our small series on sustainable Green Pearls ® hotels , we would like to give you some general information on sustainability and introduce you to four more special green pearls.

Carl von Carlowitz: founder of sustainability

Did you know that the term sustainability was coined by Carl von Carlowitz (1645 – 1714), a chief miner from Freiberg? He is considered the inventor of the principle of sustainability. In his work “Sylvicultura oeconomica”, in the face of an impending shortage of wood, he demanded that only as much wood should be felled as can grow back through planned reforestation. He is thus considered the founder of German forestry and the principle of sustainable use of raw materials.

Biohotel Sturm 

If you are looking for peace and relaxation in untouched nature, this is the right place for you. The Biohotel Sturm is the first organic hotel in the biosphere reserve in the Rhön in the border triangle of Hesse, Thuringia, and Bavaria. The hotel has been certified organic since 2011. Christa Sturm and her husband Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff were already aware at that time that sustainability, a resource-saving use of materials, an organic cultivation as well as the processing of these products are a must. The last two years have shown us all how important it is to act climate-neutral and to preserve the earth for the next generations. For the hotel, sustainability means processing organic products and using them in a resource-saving way. The Biohotel Sturm is 100% climate neutral. Electricity is generated with photovoltaics and solar thermal energy, and a combined heat and power plant provides heat. The new garden rooms are built entirely from renewable raw materials without adhesives or nails. In addition, the roofs were planted the challenge is to meet guest wishes 100% because sometimes sustainable action contradicts these requirements. Therefore, you are also asked to question your expectations and wishes from time to time. 

Hotel Rehlegg

Nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park and surrounded by a fantastic backdrop of the Alps, you will find the Rehlegg. Sustainability has always been a way of life for the passionate hoteliers, which is nourished by the idea of giving something back to nature; the hotel can pay for two thirds of its energy consumption itself, and the last third of electricity is obtained 100% from hydropower. This means that the hotel is supplied with 100% CO2-neutral energy. The remaining CO2 emissions are compensated by a reforestation project in Panama. The Lichtmannegger family is aware of its responsibility towards nature and the beauty of the Alpine region and strives for a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of doing business.

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu

The HUBERTUS in Balderschwang, the smallest village in Bavaria, is committed to a holistic philosophy. Host Christa Traubel has developed a wellness and health concept with her HolisticLife, which is all about mindfulness and well-being harmonizing with nature Sustainability is an important theme throughout the hotel. The HUBERTUS is a member of the Klimabündnis Allgäu and is certified climate neutral. The hotel has automatic shading, a solar system, its own combined heat and power plant, its own mountain spring with fresh water, which provides about 5,0900 liters of water every day for the pool. In seminars and courses, you also have the possibility to take home

Nature Resort Schindelbruch 

In the southern Harz you will find the nature resort Schindelbruch in the middle of the protected Stolberg red beech and mixed mountain forests on a clearing of the Auerberg. Green wherever you look. The Princes of Stolberg Stolberg already knew about the special nature of the place where the Schindelbruch is located. In 1928, they built the princely hunting lodge “Schindelbruch” here, which is now a listed building and available to guests as a garden café and barbecue restaurant or as a venue for events. For today’s owner and managing director Dr. Clemens Ritter von Kempski, a responsible approach to nature is a matter of course. “Later generations should also find nature intact. A sustainable and mindful use of resources should ensure that.”

And that is precisely what sustainability is about, you must not consume more than you have.

And finally, a word from Suzann Heinemann, founder of the GreenSign sustainability certificate:

“Basically, it is not difficult, because today there are many sustainable alternatives in all areas. Often, a mere process change is necessary. However, the current Corona requirements are really challenging in terms of sustainability.”

Now we hope you enjoy discovering the many sustainable initiatives at our sustainable Green Pearls® Hotels  If you feel like it, let us know what experiences you have had. 

Read more about sustainable initiatives in Thailand: GREEN INITIATIVES AND HOTEL PROJECTS

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