Preamble
As a responsible company in the hospitality industry, it is our goal to make a positive contribution to environmental protection and social justice. We recognize that the decisions we make regarding the procurement of products and services have far-reaching effects on our environment, our community, and the economy. Therefore, we commit ourselves to prioritizing sustainable practices when procuring equipment, capital goods, food, beverages, building materials, consumables, facilities, and services.
From the very beginning—during the construction of our hotel—we have consistently relied on sustainable materials: For example, foam glass gravel made from recycled glass was used for insulation. Old tires were repurposed for roof sealing, and recycled asphalt was used for surfacing. As a member of the FairTown alliance in our district, we also specifically source sustainable products—many of which originate from Northern Bavaria and are distributed via regional supply chains such as Chefs Culinar. Our coffee comes from direct trade relationships with producers. Almost all products are locally produced or certified (e.g., MSC, Rainforest Alliance, FSC). Our hotel operates almost paperless and is nearly fully digitalized.
Commitment to Sustainability
We commit to preferring products and services that meet the following criteria:
a. Are made from recycled materials
Example: Use of foam glass gravel as insulating material, manufactured from recycled glass.
b. Can be recycled locally
Example: Use of glass bottles for beverages that are processed in local recycling facilities after use.
c. Can be easily reused or repurposed by an organization or third party
Example: Furniture made from wooden pallets that can be passed on or upcycled after use.
d. Are produced/procured sustainably
Example: Purchase of fish with MSC certification from sustainable fisheries.
e. Are locally produced
Example: Fresh dairy products sourced directly from farms in the Northern Bavaria region.
f. Are manufactured or distributed by local companies
Example: Bread from local bakeries instead of industrial mass production.
g. Are manufactured or distributed by small businesses
Example: Organic soaps from a local manufacturer as bath amenities for guests.
h. Have a recognized sustainability certification (e.g., Rainforest Alliance, MSC, FSC)
Example: FSC-certified paper for unavoidable printouts.
i. Are delivered in less and/or more sustainable packaging
Example: Bulk packaging for food ingredients instead of many individual packages.
j. Are energy and/or water-saving
Example: Installation of water-saving showerheads in all rooms.
k. Produce low emissions
Example: Preference for cleaning agents with environmental labels (such as Blue Angel).
l. Contribute to reducing paper printouts
Example: Digital guest directory, digital check-in, and electronic invoicing instead of paper receipts.
m. Require less shipping/transportation
Example: Purchase of seasonal foods directly from regional producers without long transport routes.
n. Preference for clean, resource-efficient, and low-emission transportation options
Example: Use of electric vehicles for internal transport operations.
o. Are in harmony with the nature, history, and culture of the region
Example: Use of traditional recipes with ingredients from Northern Bavaria on the menu.
p. Are supplied by fair trade vendors
Example: Direct sourcing of our coffee through direct trade partners with fair working conditions on site.
q. Minimize food waste
Example: Offering smaller portions upon request as well as creative use of leftovers in the kitchen; participation in food rescue initiatives (best-before date).
r. Minimize the use of disposable or single-use items
Example: Providing water dispensers instead of single-use plastic bottles.
Implementation
To put this commitment into practice, we will:
- Adjust our purchasing policy accordingly and inform all employees about these guidelines.
- Conduct regular staff training to raise awareness about sustainable procurement practices.
- Collaborate with our suppliers to ensure they understand and can meet our sustainability requirements.
Review and Evaluation
We will regularly review and evaluate the progress of our efforts and make necessary adjustments:
- Conduct annual reviews of our procurement practices.
- Assess the environmental impact of the products and services we procure.
Transparency
We are committed to transparency towards our guests and the public regarding our efforts towards sustainable procurement.
By signing this declaration, we express our commitment to a sustainable future and to continuously improving our business practices.
Marktredwitz, 01 March 2025