Sustainability

WHAT DO SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOLOGY MEAN TO US?

Nature inspires and fascinates us. In contrast to most plants and animals, which can easily get along without humans, we cannot live without nature.

For us, ecology means using resources in the most environmentally friendly way possible in our daily work. Sustainability we see as taking economic and social aspects into account. Sustainable and ecological considerations play a fundamental role in all our decisions. This applies to energy production, the choice of suppliers and products, the cultivation of our garden, the preparation of meals in the kitchen, as well as the care of our guests and employees. Only if we take all areas into account, we can implement a sustainable and future-oriented hotel concept and thus offer future generations a place of relaxation and inspiration amidst the most beautiful nature.

Certificates

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Products, building and services

• We offer high-quality products and services.
• From pencils to toilet paper, our products have been awarded a renowned “Ecolabel”.
• Natural materials are used wherever possible: for example, solid wood, linen, wool and cotton for textiles and furniture.
• Defective appliances are repaired wherever possible.
• We consciously choose craftsmen from the region.
• We use 100% green electricity (Naturemade Star).
• Natural building materials were used during the building biology renovation 21 years ago. Light-coloured mineral plaster helps to get by with little artificial light. Solvent-free paints are also used.
• Use of own wood from the English Park (bed backs and drink coasters made of elm wood, frames made of maple wood, tables and trays for amusebouches made of redwood).
• E-filling station for cars with 100% ecological energy (Naturemade Star certified).
• We rent out bicycles and e-bikes to our guests.
• We have our own spring to irrigate the park and garden.
• We produce our own energy with our own small river power station.
• We use natural gas with at least 30% bio-gas content.
• Heat recovery of the kitchen ventilation and cooling systems.
• Two block power heating plants are in operation.

Kitchen

• Our gourmet kitchen is organic bud certified.
• Everything is prepared fresh and seasonal in our kitchen. We do not use any convenience products.
• We select regional suppliers with short transport routes as far as possible, and we do not use air-freighted goods at all.
• We deliberately avoid wines from overseas and focus our attention on regional winegrowers.
• We source beer and mineral water from the region, naturally in glass bottles (no plastic containers).
• With every sale of a 0.5l still mineral water (Appenzell Mineral), a small donation is made to Vivaconagua.
• Food waste is avoided, for example by serving smaller portions at the organic breakfast buffet. In return, the buffet is regularly replenished. We do not offer any other buffets.
• Processing of whole animals from the region “nose to tail”.
• In our small but fine kiosk, products can be purchased that come from our castle park and garden.

Housekeeping, cleaning and recycling

• We only use ecologically degradable cleaning agents and pay attention to the dosage.
• We clean as often as possible with steam (floors, windows …).
• We recycle iron, plastic, paper, cardboard, remains of candles, food leftovers, oil, cork and glass.
• Our linens are made of 100% organic cotton. Especially in the hotel sector, there is a huge volume of terry cloth and bed linen. By using organic cotton, we show that ecological cotton production is important to us.

Garden and park

• The ProSpecieRara variety garden is maintained biodynamically and is Demeter-certified.
• In addition to ProSpecieRara vegetables, many native hedge plants and shrubs are planted, thus creating different habitats.
• Preservation of own varieties through seed cultivation (seed harvesting, sowing, pricking out, potting, planting).
• Own castle bees are harvested a maximum of once a year. The honeycombs are made by the bees themselves, so no chemicals (such as moth repellents) are used.
• A special “bee garden” is planted with flowers that bear blossoms until late in the autumn.
• The species-rich flower meadows provide a diverse food supply for wild bees and other insects. The meadows are mown no more than once or twice a year and increasingly with a scythe.
• Our Graubünden Oberland sheep (ProSpecieRara breed) help with the management of the park. Their dung serves as valuable fertiliser for the garden.
• Paths, squares and other surfaces are not sealed as far as possible so that the soil remains alive. Wherever possible, natural building materials from regional producers are used, such as the natural stones for the dry stone walls.
• We pay attention to closed and functioning material cycles, for example through composting. We recycle almost all materials and compost leaves, grass, (un)weeds, woody plants, kitchen waste and manure.
• We use piles of leaves, stones and branches as structural elements in the park. These provide habitats for wildlife and micro-organisms. A stream that flows through the park and various wetlands form further habitats for amphibians and other small animals.
• The park with its old trees is a local recreation area and binds CO2. In this way, we want to make a contribution to climate neutrality.
  We have been awarded the Nature & Economy Foundation certificate for our nature-oriented design.

Employees

• We treat each other with respect.
• Honest partnership is a basic value of the Schloss Wartegg.
• We challenge and encourage our employees.
• We have an open ear for individual wishes. Openness is important to us in every respect. Different opinions are welcome and have their place.
• Flat hierarchies enable short decision-making processes and participation.
• We offer a job in the garden for a person with disabilities.
• We comply with the LGAV guidelines and offer a fair wage for work done.
• Part-time work and flexibility are good prerequisites for combining work with family life.
• The care of long-standing employees and a high level of employee satisfaction contribute to our success.