Sustainable well-being: The ARAMIS Hotel is ClimatePartner certified
September 1, 2023The ARAMIS demonstrated what social responsibility looks like in February 2022, when it made some of its rooms available to Ukrainian refugees. The company also made early efforts towards environmental sustainability by reducing and avoiding carbon emissions. This commitment to climate action is now confirmed by the ClimatePartner certified label.
The ARAMIS is a business and leisure resort located in Gäufelden in the Swabian Alb that combines a 4-star hotel, conference centre, and numerous sports and leisure facilities.
The hotel began its focus on sustainability at an early stage. As early as 2008, they installed photovoltaic modules on 5,500 square metres of roof space, and the first electric charging station was installed in 2018. The hotel was also awarded the "Umweltcheck Gold" by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association four times in a row for its commitment to the environment.
With ClimatePartner, the hotel has now gone five steps further: it has calculated its carbon footprint, defined reduction targets, and is continuously implementing reductions and financing climate projects. With the ClimatePartner certified label and the associated climate ID page, the ARAMIS is able to transparently communicate its entire climate action strategy.
Defining reduction targets and implementing reductions
The ARAMIS is committed to using at least 80% green electricity from 2025 and 100% from 2030. By 2028, the hotel will also use only renewable energy for heating. Another goal is to reduce staff travel as much as possible given the rural location of the business. Business partners with lower carbon footprints will also be given priority when awarding contracts.
To reduce emissions, the hotel ensures that packaging waste is reduced or avoided wherever possible. The ARAMIS grows its own herbs on-site and mainly purchases food and other goods from regional suppliers. Employees are offered an alternative to driving by leasing e-bikes, while five electric charging stations support the mobility revolution and are widely used by hotel guests.
Further reduction and energy efficiency measures by the ARAMIS:
- Systematically recording and analysing power and energy consumption
- Using LED lighting
- Maximising downtime of energy-intensive machinery and equipment (especially kitchens and saunas)
- Involving decision makers in climate action initiatives
- Educating and including employees and guests in climate action activities
- Reporting transparently on greenhouse gas emissions, targets, and reduction measures
- Using energy efficient transport
- Providing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles for employees and guests
- Establishing procurement policies that consider climate action factors
- Strategically engaging suppliers
The ARAMIS has a clear focus on reducing and avoiding carbon emissions. However, this is not always easy. A key challenge is to create awareness among guests and employees – even if this means leaving their comfort zones. Another challenge is to align all operational processes with the overarching climate action goals. But the ARAMIS is keeping at it, and thanks to the regular calculation of its carbon footprint, the successes will soon be visible.
In order to play its part in global climate action, the ARAMIS contributes to financing the Mersin wind farm in Turkey. Guests are also offered the opportunity to support a climate project in the amount of the carbon footprint of their overnight stay.
"We are proud to be ClimatePartner certified. As a company, we have a responsibility to the environment and to future generations. With this certification, we reaffirm our commitment to climate action and are actively working towards a sustainable future".
Michael Dengler, Managing Director, ARAMIS Tagungs- und Sporthotels