Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne stands as an epitome of luxury and natural beauty. Recently, the Bürgenstock Resort unveiled an ambitious sustainability plan, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship. With initiatives from biodiversity to sustainable food waste. The Bürgenstock Resort has been a leader in sustainability since its opening in 2017 and continues to build upon these values.

As part of the Bürgenstock Collection of hotels’ partnership with Green Globe, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne was recently certified for its sustainable management and operations. The rigorous certification process, culminated with an independent, onsite inspection to affirm the resorts compliance to the indicators and criteria of Green Globe’s International Standard for Sustainable Tourism.

Thomas Goval, Acting General Manager, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne says, "Securing the Green Globe Certification is a proud milestone for the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable excellence. This recognition underscores our dedication to not only provide a world-class hospitality experience but to do so with a deep respect for our environment.  

“At Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, we believe luxury should be synonymous with responsibility, and this certification is a reflection of our ongoing journey towards a greener, more sustainable future,” added Acting General Manager Thomas Goval.

Green Initiatives
At the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, sustainability is ingrained in its core values, exemplified by a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. Among the resort’s groundbreaking initiatives is an innovative energy system utilizing lake water to cover 100% of cooling and 80% of heating needs, promoting near-neutral CO2 operations, and powering various amenities including the ice rink and swimming pools. Furthermore, the resort's electricity is 100% CO2 neutral certified and is regionally sourced.

All water utilized in the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, except for drinking and showering, is sourced from Lake Lucerne. Recycling excavated materials into construction projects, notably using gabions, has spared 18,000 lorry journeys. The Waldhotel Health & Wellbeing facade is made of larch wood which is partially covered by plants seamlessly blending luxury with natural materials.

The fauna and flora across the expansive grounds are meticulously preserved, with gabions providing habitats, special paths for wildlife, and a friendly environment for precious pollinators. This is apparent in the arrival method via hybrid catamaran and funicular (cable railway) whose tracks were modified to ensure local wildlife can safely traverse in their habitat.

Precision in forecasting, minimizes food waste and a hyper-local food sourcing approach benefits nearby farms and provides fresh, sustainable cuisine for guests, exemplifying the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne's dedication to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. The resort also operates beehives, producing its own Bürgenstock Honey, and takes care of its own vineyards, producing wine out of “Solaris” grapes. 

The Future has a Past
The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is committed to building towards a sustainable future while maintaining its rich history and heritage dating back to 1873. The resort's commitment to environmental thinking is evident in its innovative approach to energy production, meticulous logistics and construction. This ethos was inspired by the visionary pioneers of the resort, Franz Josef Bucher-Durrer and Josef Durrer, who, in 1888, introduced Switzerland's first electric cable car and developed a water pipe to supply the resort with water from Lake Lucerne. Embarking on a 10-year refurbishment that culminated in the resort's launch in 2017, the developers aimed to continue this legacy of forward thinking. In 2023, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne celebrated its 150th anniversary and organized a major event for the local community, inviting more than 5000 inhabitants of the region for a festive day of free concerts and entertainment for families.

Supporting Employees and their Families
Embracing Swiss public transportation culture, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne offers unique access and special rates for employees who can commute by train and bus, or boat and funicular. To support families, the resort assists with childcare costs for its employees’ children in collaboration with the small Foot network, a childcare provider operating over 30 locations in the region. The resort covers up to 55% of childcare costs for its employees' children, depending on salary levels, through this collaboration with small Foot. This groundbreaking initiative is a notable first in Switzerland, emphasizing the Bürgenstock Resort's dedication to modern family policies and progressive employee management. The cooperation ensures convenient access for employees, with five small Foot daycare centers strategically located near the resort, offering comprehensive services such as extended care hours, drop-off/pick-up services, vegetable gardens, indoor playgrounds, gym facilities, forest days, Saturday care, and uninterrupted operating hours.

In addition to the Green Globe certification, the resort has been awarded the Sustainability Award by the European Hotel Managers Association in 2018, received the Swisstainable classification Level 3 from Switzerland Tourism’s new sustainable program in 2023 and has been officially certified among the Leading Hotels of the World’s Sustainability Leaders in 2023 as well. These accolades recognize the resort's exemplary efforts in environmental protection, historic preservation, and social responsibility. The Bürgenstock Resort not only stands as a luxurious destination but also as a beacon of sustainable development, seamlessly blending modernity with the rich heritage and ecological consciousness of its predecessors.

For more information: 

Isabella Del Carlo Fernandes
Vice President Marketing & Communications
The Bürgenstock Collection
Katara Hospitality Switzerland AG
Bürgenstock 17, 6363 Obbürgen
Switzerland
Phone: +41 79 942 61 88
isabella.delcarlo@burgenstockcollection.com
www.burgenstockcollection.com  

Bradley Cox
Director Communications
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
Phone: +1-310-337-3000 ext. 105
Skype Direct +1 760 536 6581
Mobile +61 400 848 746
bcox@greenglobe.com
www.greenglobe.com

About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries.  Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com