Everything at a glance

The term "sustainability" almost became the non-word of the year a few years ago. And rightly so, we believe! Even or especially because we at Avaneo Hotels frequently use the word "sustainability," it is truly important to us to use the term with care.

"Sustainable" has obviously become synonymous with lasting, long-term, consistent, and stable - or is it simply a label for a future-oriented endeavor? The now inflationary use of the term "sustainability" has led to its rapid wear and tear, rendering its original unique selling point absurd. Suddenly everything is sustainable, and we ask ourselves: "Is everything suddenly going to be okay?"

One thing is certain: "Sustainability" has become a motto for many people - whether in politics or corporate culture. But does this sustainability really have anything to do with reforestation? Clearly: No! It probably just lacks creative power or - as our experiences suggest - is it simply "greenwashing"?

The fact is that most people perceive the term as a buzzword without knowing its true meaning. Originally, the term "sustainability" actually comes from forestry. Wood was only supposed to be cut as much as could grow back in the forests. With an eye on future generations, their ability to use resources should be preserved.

Avaneo Hotels fully embraces this original meaning of "sustainability" in every respect: The building materials, primarily wood, were sourced only from sustainably managed forests and used only where necessary for project realization and desired effects (insulation, indoor climate, etc.). Although the building appears predominantly made of concrete, it consists of over 70% wood. Pure exposed concrete was only used where fire protection required it or where industrial style demanded it as a design element.

How can sustainability be hedonistic?

Hedonism combined with sustainability is fundamentally simple:

"Sustainable actions and business must bring joy and not cause pain."

At Avaneo Hotels, we demonstrate that sustainable actions do not entail a loss of quality of life. Doing good should not evoke a sense of sacrifice; rather, it should improve life and bring joy.

It is important that all materials and resources are used only where they truly make sense and ideally serve a dual function. Today, much is possible - in every respect. Whether this is always meaningful, questioned, or economical does not necessarily play a role in implementation decisions.

• With Avaneo Hotels, we support changing perceptions and encourage reflection.
• We have understood society's demands, created space for them, and filled everyday life with passion.
• We make ordinary things extraordinary.

Less is more - Learning from Scandinavians

In Scandinavian countries, they discovered long ago: Less is more! It's no coincidence that the "Nordics" are global leaders in design and living culture. Life in the North was hard until the 20th century, and finances were modestly filled. Typical houses were functional and practical. There was neither time nor money for elaborate decoration. More than in other regions of Europe, modern design in Scandinavia aimed to make people's lives easier and simpler.

Minimalist design appears neither cold nor uninviting despite its restraint; instead, it places human needs for well-being and comfort at the forefront. We are convinced: Simple and well-crafted products make life better and more beautiful. Therefore, at Avaneo Hotels, primarily natural materials such as wood and natural fibers are combined with modern timelessness using pure exposed concrete and glass to create tension between materials.

In buildings, it's not just about maximum thermal insulation and energy savings but also about building biology aspects. The increase in numerous diseases and allergies can increasingly be traced back to unhealthy living conditions found particularly often in highly insulated new builds and renovated old buildings.

At Avaneo Hotels, alongside natural wood construction inside and out, we also rely on ecological natural fiber boards. Using composite panels improves indoor climate by regulating humidity among other things while binding pollutants from the air.

Combined with our 100% natural material bed system offering guests an unparalleled natural healthy sleep environment:

Here's a little story:

Once upon a time - not so long ago - a man searched for life's meaning one night under starry skies by sea fell asleep dreaming fantastically knowing how people could dream more without delay called swift craftsman bed-making old woman pillow-sewing bought spinning wheel yarn goose down duck feathers gathered wool lavender seagrass horsehair built bed so good made dream come true.

At Avaneo Hotels you are sleeping on it: 

On handmade metal-free luxury beds from Coco-Mat - sleep on nature!

We all travel for different reasons and many of us would agree that one of the best things about travel is having new and unique experiences. Because people, culture, history, wildlife and scenery play such important roles in our travel experiences, protecting and supporting these things should be at the heart of every tourism and travel organisation, and every traveller.

Click here for the Reposible Guest Guide (PDF)

Die Blaue Schwalbe is the seal of approval of Anderswo, the magazine for the environment and travel. It was the first eco-label for accommodation and offers excellent hosts for 33 years. The Avaneo Hotel Hotel Marktredwitz is also taking part of the Blaue Schwalbe sustainability label. 

At the Avaneo Hotels we are consciously committed to environmental protection. Already in the planning phase, topics such as resource conservation, environmental impact of building materials etc... were taken into account down to the smallest detail. The partners for the implementation of the hotel project in Marktredwitz were very carefully selected through comprehensive processes.

Sustainability in the hotel industry and in tourism has become an ongoing issue today. Guests and travellers are increasingly asking: how ecological and sustainable is my trip and my hotel anyway?

Wastewater treatment

Compliance with local wastewater quality limits:

• Disposal via municipal wastewater treatment plant
• Inspection of sewers / inspection chambers
• Use of oil and grease separators
• Disposal by special companies (Refood grease disposal)

Water saving measures

• Practiced variable and guest-specific linen change (Freedrink)
• Water-saving single-handle mixer taps in all guest areas
• Flow limiter / air turbulence technology
• Domestic water heating by fresh water station in cascade
• Garden irrigation with rainwater (cistern)
• Constant control and maintenance of water supply lines
• Towel change on demand (Freedrink - Housekeeping on Demand)
• Modern washing machine with economy function and quick programs

Water management

• Regional, audited municipal water supply (KUM Marktredwitz)
• Environmentally friendly washing
• Sustainably certified laundry for bed linen and terry towels
• Automatic and precise dosing of cleaning agents and detergents in coordination with the water hardness level

Waste Management

• Pure use of deposit bottles, no disposable bottles
• Use of deposit containers wholesale, limitation of delivery days
• Avoidance of single-portion packaging where permitted for hygiene reasons
• Portion packaging in the high convenience sector to avoid food waste
• Waste separation of paper, glass, plastic, metal, batteries, light bulbs
• Biological waste and composting
• Rechargeable batteries where possible
• Recycling of separated waste
• Collection and disposal of hazardous waste: e.g. grease, oil, etc.
• Return of transport packaging
• Offer of small food portions
• Composting of garden waste and flower arrangements

Energy saving measures

• Energy management system with room control (heating, lighting, ventilation)
• Pure LED energy-saving lamps in use
• Heat recovery for room ventilation
• High insulation properties of the building envelope and brine slab
• Heating system with high efficiency and use of a cogeneration plant powered by bio-gas
• Automatic reduction of room temperatures according to occupancy
• Temperature sensor outside/inside, automatic control
• Optimal supply temperature of the domestic water at 65 degrees Celsius (legionella-free)
• Daily temperature control of the cooling systems
• Permanent control of closing seals in cooling systems, acoustic signals in case of open doors
• Use of motion and presence detectors
• Use of door closers and automatic doors

Environmental management

• During construction, special environmental aspects were taken into account (e.g. use of pure materials that are harmless from a building biology point of view, no use of composite materials, cradle to cradle, renewable raw materials, chemical-free building materials, untreated natural woods, natural and paper fiber boards, no soil replacement, etc....).
• All employees are regularly trained on the subject of environmental protection
• There are in-house briefings on environmental policy, water-saving measures, energy-saving measures, waste management
• Participation in environmental and energy-saving seminars
• Use of soap/shower gel dispensers
• In-house training measures
• In-house instructions by third parties (e.g. cleaning agent manufacturers, wholesalers, energy suppliers)

Regular consumption measurements

• Permanent control/documentation of water consumption
• Permanent control/documentation of electricity consumption
• Permanent control/documentation of gas consumption

Environmentally oriented purchasing policy

• Preference for regional products, products, craftsmen, suppliers.
• Regular offer of products from organic farming
• Member of the Solidarity Farming Network Steinpfalz
• Use of environmentally friendly detergents and cleaning agents
• Use of energy-efficient products
• Use of recycled paper
• Use of environmentally friendly office supplies (toner, ink, etc...)
• Use of "refurbished" hardware instead of new products
• Repair of almost all equipment instead of scrapping

Environmental protection measures in general

• Use of biodegradable cleaning agents
• Use of purely biological pest control agents where necessary
• Use of environmentally friendly machines and equipment
• Refraining from the use of de-icing agents/grit
• Renunciation of the use of artificial fertilizers
• Refraining from the use of peat/compost soil for soil improvement
• Support for travel by public transport
• Provision and information of public transport timetables
• Provision of guest bicycles
• Regular inspection and maintenance of the heating system
• Hydraulic balancing and checking the pressure distribution in the heating system
• Installation of high-efficiency heating circulating pumps (energy class 1)
• Preference for regional craftsmen and suppliers
• No sealing of outdoor facilities and parking lots
• Ecological outdoor facilities (wild forest, wild meadows, natural gardens, hedgehog sites, breeding grounds)

Environmental Communication

• Guest information on nature and environmental protection at the hotel and in the surrounding area
• Support of environmental projects and environmental protection organizations

Ecology and sustainability

Already in the planning phase, topics such as resource conservation, environmental impact of building materials, etc... were considered down to the smallest detail.
Sustainability in the hotel industry and in tourism has become an ongoing issue today. More and more frequently, guests and travelers are asking:

How ecological and sustainable is my trip and my hotel anyway?

The architecture of our hotel should benefit people, the materials for the building should thoroughly meet the requirements of sustainable construction. Consequently, the entire hotel building was constructed in a future-oriented hybrid construction of wood, steel, concrete and glass. Load-bearing elements, which must meet the conditions of fire protection, are made of concrete. Elements that are load-bearing but not subject to special fire protection requirements were made of wood. Components used for internal room partitioning were built in timber frame construction and were clad with natural fiber panels to improve the indoor climate.

In order to meet the new market developments today, innovative products are needed. For Avaneo Hotels, these are created, among other things, from the traditional and proven material of wood. What has already been successfully used in other countries for many years is now to be increasingly introduced here in Germany. Thus wooden web beams and Scandinavian windows were used. These products are particularly characterized by fast handling.

The construction with wooden double web beams allowed a quick implementation. With the use of energy-saving products produced in special manufacturing processes, it is possible to greatly reduce the heat transfer coefficient. This results in enormous savings in heat requirements. In practice, this means the lowest heat losses and lower energy consumption. The walls made of wooden web beams are not only extremely stable, but also warm. By applying the double-T cross-section, the problem of line thermal bridges is practically eliminated.

The windows and doors specially made for Avaneo Hotels meet the highest standards. A decisive advantage is the simplicity of operation. The windows, manufactured according to the Scandinavian model, are made of multi-layered glued wood and were custom-made for us. Both windows and doors convince with perfect thermal insulation and optimized sound and burglary protection.

In order to be able to guarantee our guests the highest possible quality, we have inspected and tested all the manufacturers of the products used and their production on site.

And then, of course, there are the Coco-Mat beds, which are the centerpiece of our accommodation offer.

Our shower faucets and faucets and toilet flushes are all water efficient. For example, in the showers, the water is swirled with air, saving more than a third of water for the same shower result!
Furthermore, an intelligent room control system is used throughout the house to control lighting, ventilation and heat.

Our energy supply: 100% eco-gas for power generation and heat production.

With Avaneo Hotels, we want to support a change in perception and encourage people to think. We want to understand the demands of society, create space for them and fill everyday life with passion.

Through the notice boards that we have placed throughout the building and the action Housekeeping on Demand, our guests already perceive or are reminded again and again.

Avaneo Hotels - BLOQWERKK GERMANY INC.

Introduction

Avaneo Hotels, BLOQWERKK GERMANY INC., is committed to sustainable action and the continuous improvement of our environmental performance. We are aware of the responsibility we bear towards the environment, society, and future generations. Our sustainability commitments, goals, and progress are an integral part of our corporate philosophy.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We are proud to report that we have significantly reduced our greenhouse gas emissions and have nearly achieved zero emissions. This has been accomplished through a combination of energy efficiency measures, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and optimizing our operational processes.

Water Consumption

Our water consumption has been reduced by 9 liters per guest per night. We employ innovative technologies for water conservation and promote water-conscious behavior among our employees and guests.

Waste Prevention

Reducing waste is a central goal of our company. Through improved recycling processes and the promotion of a circular economy, we have significantly decreased the amount of waste produced.

Emission-Intensive Foods

We have reduced the use of emission-intensive foods by favoring local and seasonal products as well as integrating vegetarian and vegan options into our offerings.

Biodiversity

By creating our "green oasis," we have provided a habitat for many endangered species. Informative signs for our guests help raise awareness about preserving biodiversity.

Environmental Pollution

Measures to reduce environmental pollution have been implemented to protect nature and wildlife. These include reducing pollutant emissions and preventing contamination.

Human Rights

The protection of human rights is imperative for us. We advocate for a workplace free from discrimination, exploitation, and harassment.

Child Protection

Protecting children is of utmost priority. We have introduced strict guidelines to prevent abuse and are committed to ensuring that all suspected incidents are reported.

Green Electricity Production

50% of our electricity needs are already covered by in-house production of green electricity; the remainder is sourced as green power from renewable sources.

Biogas Utilization

Our operation exclusively uses 100% biogas to power our combined heat and power plant (CHP), further improving our CO2 balance.

Stakeholder Engagement

We commit all stakeholders to support us in achieving our sustainability goals. This includes employees, suppliers, public authorities, as well as subcontractors.

Communication

Information about our sustainability documents and commitments is made accessible to all involved parties digitally or in personal conversations. Regular updates ensure transparency about our progress in sustainability.

Conclusion

This commitment statement reflects our tireless effort towards a sustainable future. We are determined to continue pursuing these goals with dedication while remaining transparent to our stakeholders at all times.

Approved January 28, 2024

For further information, please contact our Sustainability Officer at office@avaneohotels.com.

If we take a closer look, we realize that we are not alone. We share our habitat with a variety of animal species, many of which are threatened with extinction. These representative species are symbolic of countless other animals that have also found a home in our green oasis.

Thank you for letting us live here! (click here)

Hereby, Avaneo Hotels solemnly declares that our company is committed to the protection of the natural environment and the preservation of biodiversity. We pledge to responsibly manage natural resources and ensure that our business practices reflect these principles.

Abstention from Wild Harvesting:

Avaneo Hotels does not extract any living beings or products directly from the wild. This includes a strict prohibition of hunting, fishing, as well as the collection of mushrooms, herbs, plants, or other natural resources for commercial purposes in our operations. We are aware that such activities can disrupt ecosystems and lead to species decline.

Use of Cultivated Goods:

In all areas of our company, we exclusively use cultivated goods. This means that all plant and animal products we use or offer come from controlled and sustainable breeding or cultivation methods. We thereby ensure that no wild populations are affected.

Supplier Review:

We conduct regular checks on our supply chains to ensure that our suppliers also do not source products from wild catches and adhere to strict sustainability criteria. These reviews also include compliance with international conventions and local legislation on species protection.

Confirmation since the Last Travelife Audit:

Since our last Travelife audit, we have consistently ensured not to support or engage in practices equivalent to harvesting species from the wild. We hereby officially confirm that no such activities have taken place.

Exclusion of Red-Listed Species:

Avaneo Hotels does not use any species listed on the red lists of threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We commit ourselves to continuously review and adjust our purchasing policy to ensure that we do not contribute to the trade or use of endangered species.

This statement reflects our commitment to environmental protection and upholding ethical standards in our business operations. We understand our responsibility as part of the global community and actively engage in preserving our natural foundations for life.

Approved, March 1st, 2023

If you are working for a Travelife Certified property, or a property that is currently in the process of becoming certified, then you can be proud that you work for an organisation that must achieve 100% compliance with one of the toughest accommodation sustainability standards in the world.

Responsible Hospitality Guide (PDF)

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 impacts on our environment, our community, and the economy. Therefore, we commit ourselves to favor sustainable practices when procuring equipment, capital goods, food, beverages, building materials, consumables, facilities, and services.

Commitment to Sustainability

We commit ourselves to prefer products and services that meet the following criteria:

a) Are made from recycled materials.
b) Can be recycled locally.
c) Can be easily reused or repurposed by an organization or a third party.
d) Are sustainably produced/sourced.
e) Are locally produced.
f) Are manufactured or distributed by local businesses.
g) Are manufactured or distributed by small businesses.
h) Have a reputable sustainability certification such as Rainforest Alliance, MSC, FSC, etc.
i) Are delivered in less and/or more sustainable packaging.
j) Are energy and/or water-saving.
k) Produce low pollutant emissions.
l) Contribute to reducing paper printouts.
m) Require less shipping/transportation.
n) Favor clean, resource-efficient, and low-pollutant transportation options.
o) Are in harmony with the nature, history, and culture of the region.
p) Are distributed by fair trade suppliers.
q) Minimize food waste.
r) Minimize the use of single-use or disposable items.

Implementation

To implement this commitment, we will:

• Adjust our purchasing policy accordingly and inform all employees about these guidelines.
• Conduct regular training for staff to raise awareness of sustainable procurement practices.
• Work 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. This includes:

• Conducting annual reviews of our procurement practices.
• Assessing the environmental impact of our procured products and services.

Transparency

We commit to transparency towards our guests and the public regarding our efforts for sustainable procurement. By signing this statement, we demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future and the continuous improvement of our business practices.

Marktredwitz, March 1st, 2023

For more than 30 years, the OroVerde Tropical Forest Foundation has been working to preserve the tropical rainforests. In doing so, nature conservation and development cooperation go hand in hand, because only with the local people can the protection of the rainforests work in the long term.

At the same time, OroVerde addresses consumer issues, i.e. the influence of consumers here on environmental and living conditions in rainforest regions, conveys an understanding of global interrelationships in educational projects and works towards sensible framework legislation in politics and business.

OroVerde is politically independent, recognised as a non-profit organisation and is one of the first environmental organisations in Germany to bear the DZI donation seal.

Avaneo Hotels supports OroVerde in the form of a sponsoring membership. Every month, OroVerde receives a sponsorship contribution per room from us to save the rainforests.

The district of Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge has been certified as a Fair Trade Region in 2020. A fair trade district is characterised by the fact that it sets an example for fairer trade relations at the municipal level.

The aim is also to encourage schools, associations, churches and other towns and communities in the district to use fair trade products and to inspire retailers and restaurateurs to use fair trade products.

Das Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz has, of course, been involved since the very beginning.

At Avaneo Hotels you sleep, meet, celebrate, eat and drink at fair prices all the time! Ecology, sustainability, environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and socially responsible thinking make the difference! And or precisely why fair, stable and honest pricing is a matter of course for us.

Companies, corporate clients and business travellers benefit from our contractually agreed business flat rate. It makes no difference whether you travel in the high, low or trade fair season: With us, you always pay the same contractually agreed price.

Leisure travellers, last-minute travellers or people passing through can also rely on stable and fair prices with us.

Depending on the desired rate, our guests always have planning security, because our prices only differ in the desired cancellation options and room categories.

Our energy supply is geared towards sustainability and environmental responsibility:

We generate electricity and heat from biogas and, if necessary, supplement our energy requirements with 100% green electricity generated exclusively from wind and hydropower. The biogas we use is produced through a natural fermentation process in which organic materials such as food waste, biowaste or agricultural waste such as manure and slurry are utilized. In the biogas plants, valuable biogas is produced in the absence of light and oxygen, which is refined into high-quality biomethane. This then flows into the public grid and supplies our combined heat and power plant (CHP) with energy. We particularly appreciate the fact that biogas is a renewable raw material: a natural product that can be produced continuously and without any negative impact on our environment.

We are pleased to provide you with access to our sustainability reports. These reports offer a short overview of our efforts and progress in the field of true and honest sustainability. They are available for download below. Thank you for your interest in our commitment.

Sustainability Report 2021

Sustainability Report 2022

Sustainability Report 2023

Sustainability Report 2024

• In March, we were able to finally deploy the combined heat and power plant (CHP) powered by 100% biogas and install the district heating pipeline as well as the buffer storage tank.

• The guest catering has been expanded to include vegan and vegetarian dishes and 50% of the products have been switched to self-filled organic products.

• The planting of the earth mound on the property boundary has been enhanced with nesting shrubs for the numerous bird species settled there. The nesting box for the dormouse turned out to be unnecessary, as the dormouse prefers to continue using the storage building as shelter.

• A garden maintenance cooperation was entered into with the Maschinenring Wunsiedel to allow the wildflower meadow even more room to flourish in its diversity.

• A Nature Harmony Station was established, and an information board was installed where guests can see which endangered species have found a home with us.

• The meadow next to our hotel and the ponds have been frequency-harmonized to reintroduce additional breeding birds. Furthermore, the planting has been adapted to accommodate the many butterfly species.

Approved by the management on October 31, 2023

Introduction

In 2024, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz continues its efforts to enhance sustainability and environmental performance. Building on the successes of the previous year, new measures have been implemented to optimize resource use and promote biodiversity.

Energy Consumption

Measures: The utilization of the biogas CHP plant has been further optimized, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption per guest by 2.5 kWh. Regular employee training sessions help raise awareness about energy savings.

Digitalization and Employee Communication

Measures: The implementation of a digital hotel board in the form of an app has improved internal communication and increased the transparency and efficiency of our processes.

Consumption & Emissions

Measures: Targeted actions have reduced water consumption per guest by 30 liters. CO2 emissions have been decreased by 0.18 kg per guest, underscoring our commitment to renewable energy.

Waste Management | Waste Reduction

Measures: Plastic waste has been significantly reduced through the use of reusable materials such as yogurt in glass jars. The "Too Good for the Bin" initiative promotes more conscious consumer behavior.

Environmental Conservation

Measures: To promote biodiversity, the Nature Harmony Station NHS 2.0 has been optimized. Charging stations for electric vehicles have been expanded to support sustainable mobility.

Pollution Prevention

Measures: The elimination of single-use plastics has been nearly fully implemented. Only environmentally friendly cleaning products are used.

Labor and Human Rights

Measures: Diversity training fosters an inclusive work environment. The range of Fair Trade products has been expanded.

Community Support and Engagement

Measures: Collaboration with regional farmers and producers has been strengthened, as well as support for social projects within the local community.

Guest Satisfaction

Measures: A new CRM system has enabled the creation of personalized offers and improved the interactive feedback system.

Approval

This target documentation was approved by management on December 28, 2024. All employees are invited to actively participate in achieving these goals and contribute suggestions for further improvement.

Through these measures, Avaneo Hotel Marktredwitz aims to further establish its role as a leader in sustainability and make a positive contribution to both the environment and society.