A big part of why I loved my trip to Zurich so much was my stay at the Dolder Grand Hotel. This luxurious hotel isn’t just about five-star service and stunning views – although it definitely has those things in spades! The Dolder Grand is also a champion of sustainability, and I wanted to share some of their incredible initiatives with you all.
Eco-Conscious From the Ground Up
The Dolder Grand’s commitment to sustainability starts right at the foundation. The hotel itself is built to be energy-efficient, with features like a geothermal heating and cooling system that taps into the earth’s natural temperature. Despite doubling the floor space of the hotel during renovations (2004 – 8), they have reduced their energy consumption by half! Sinking 70 geothermal probes 152 metres into the ground must have been no mean feat of engineering, but the results speak for themselves. Guest rooms are supplied with either pre-cooled (summer) or pre-heated (winter) fresh air generated by geothermal technology. Around 25% of the cooling in summer and 30% of the heating in winter being supplied in this way, reducing their need to pull energy from the grid as well as reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
They also use recycled materials whenever possible, and their rooftop is covered in plants that help to insulate the building and improve air quality. Oh and they have a state-of-the-art water treatment system, helping to significantly reduce their water consumption.
Thinking Outside the Box (Lunchbox!)
But it’s not just about the building itself. The Dolder Grand is serious about reducing its environmental impact in all areas. They’ve got a fantastic program that sources ingredients from local farms and producers. This means fresher, tastier food for guests, and a smaller carbon footprint for the hotel while they support their local economy. They’ve even got their own on-site herb garden, which adds a touch of freshness to their culinary creations. Mind you, it had snowed when we were there and was very cold, felt for the herbs but good for the cabbages and brussel sprouts!
With less than 10% food waste generated by the restaurants – relatively low for this industry – and anything leftover processed into biogas this hot topic is efficiently dealt with. Being so aware of the impact on our environment of over-consumption of all of our resources, is a driving force at the Dolder Grand hotel.
Spreading the Sustainability Net
Not content with being sustainable themselves, they’re also working to spread the word and inspire others. They engage with their guests concerning sustainability practices – the iPad in your room to connect with reception and the concierge, had significant messages for guests, concerning recycling and water usage through bed linen and towel laundry. Great to see those simple reminders of the part we can play.
And here’s a programme where guests can, in a way, offset their carbon footprint. As a partner of the myclimate ‘Cause We Care’ programme, if a Dolder Grand hotel customer makes a voluntary contribution to them, the hotel doubles this contribution. The funds are invested in local and global climate protection projects. Superb way for us guests to take responsibility and actively support nature conservation and environmental protection.
They partner with other local organisations to support environmental initiatives and behind the scenes, contribute to national events like Earth Day, by clearing rubbish from their local, very beautiful forest and recycling 285Kg of soap through SapoCycle. Sustainability flows through all of their everyday decisions at this hotel.
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Luxury That Feels Good
Let me tell you, staying at the Dolder Grand was an amazing experience. But what made it even more special was knowing that I was choosing a hotel that’s committed to making a positive impact on the environment. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway that also aligns with your eco-conscious values, the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich is the perfect place to stay.
Have you ever stayed at a hotel with a strong sustainability program? What impressed you the most? Let me know in the comments below!