Relationship with the environment
Environmentally friendly hostels are a must for us
Environ-
mentally friendly
hostels are
a must for us
We are aware that the local population and the natural environment in the areas in which we operate are crucially important both to us and to our guests. We wish to take the interests of the local population into account as far as possible, as well as respect their independence and culture, and to make every effort to minimise our impact on the environment. We strive for our youth hostels and leisure activities to be environmentally friendly and compatible with nature and the countryside.
Gstaad Saanenland Youth Hostel
The environmentally friendly operation of a youth hostel begins at the stage of construction. Through Minergie, they save energy, through Eco, they are constructed with environmentally friendly materials and are heated using renewable energies (sun, wood, waste heat). Since 2009, we have consumed 100% electric energy from renewable hydropower. Thanks to the ibex fairstay label, efforts are being pursued with the same consistency in the hostels; in purchasing, in avoiding food waste, in recycling reusable waste and much more. With the introduction of the new gastronomy concept “Yoummi”, a CO2 reduction of around 40% was achieved in the food area.
Ecological services
Options for avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption for heat, electricity and water have been used consistently since the mid-1990s. With fears of an energy shortage for the winter 2022/2023, a comprehensive project has been launched with the goal of achieving energy savings, particularly with gas and electricity.
Electricity, water, Co2 Compensation of guests
Electricity consumption per overnight stay (kWh)
No Data Found
Water consumption per overnight stay (litres)
No Data Found
Share of compensated overnight stays in %
No Data Found
Reduction in specific CO2 load (space heating oil/gas)
The second period of the target agreement with the Energy Agency of the Swiss Private Sector (EnAW) was extended to the end of 2024. The binding target figure of 14.6 tonnes of CO2 per square metre agreed with EnAW for 2022 was not only met, but significantly undercut at 11.6 tonnes. By 2022, we had reduced specific CO2 emissions for space heating by 65.7% compared to 2000 (prior year: 61.6%).
