Sustainable Luxury: Crafting a 5-Star Wellness Experience - Lukas Obendorfer's Insights | Tourismag.com
Accueil / Experiences / Green Tourism /
 

It is very possible to combine luxury and sustainability. We are a 5-star hotel and certified level 5 Green Sign. There are many ways to do something sustainable without restricting the guests.

Lukas Obendorfer (Der Birkenhof) shares.

In the realm of luxury tourism, the notion of sustainability and eco-responsibility isn't always at the forefront. Yet, nestled in the Upper Palatinate region of Germany, Lukas Obendorfer, the director of Hotel Der Birkenhof ***** Genussresort & Spa, is redefining the concept of wellness by seamlessly combining luxury and sustainability.

I'm responsible for it every day in the house, so I don't have to think about it too much,"

Lukas shares when asked about how he manages to blend luxury and sustainability. For him, the commitment to sustainability is a daily responsibility, integrated into every aspect of hotel management.

At Birkenhof, wellness meets sustainability in a harmonious manner.

We're one of the 20 Green Sign companies that have reached level 5, which is the maximum that can be achieved,"


Lukas declares.

This certification bears testimony to the establishment's steadfast commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

In an innovative move, Lukas and his team embarked on a major energy transformation.

We reduced our gas consumption by 90% and now heat with wood chips,"

he explains. This transition to renewable energy represents a decisive step towards sustainability while maintaining the level of luxury that Birkenhof's guests are accustomed to.

Among the most notable initiatives, Lukas highlights the shift to a combined heat and power plant. "It was one of our biggest investments so far," he confides. This bold decision demonstrates the hotel's unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future.


But for Lukas, sustainability goes beyond energy management. The hotel is also working on innovative projects such as composting organic waste and optimizing water management in the pools. Each initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint while offering an unparalleled luxury experience to Birkenhof's guests.

The plan is to add bacteria that break down grease so we do not have to empty the grease trap as often. What we have only been operating for a few weeks is our composting plant. For this, we are working together with a Dutch company. Here is how it works: I put all my food waste and organic waste in there and the composting plant circulates it with bacteria, heat, and a stirring function. I fill it for about a week, let it work for 24 hours, and then I take out the compost, which I have to sieve and then I can take it away. It saves CO2 because the truck does not have to come here, I have no disposal costs, I do not have to buy compost for my garden and I have nutrient-rich soil that I can process further.

As the luxury tourism industry continues to evolve, Lukas Obendorfer and his team prove that it's possible to reconcile comfort and environmental responsibility. At Birkenhof, luxury and sustainability not only coexist but also reinforce each other, offering guests a unique experience where wellness and ecological responsibility harmoniously converge.
 


We want to continue to focus on wellness and good cuisine and evolve; see what regional suppliers are emerging in the area and collaborate. For me and my whole family, the social aspect is also important. We have not even touched on that. I am happy when I can employ ten different nationalities.



Pioneeres of Sustainability – interview series with our Partner Green Pearls 

PRECEDENT
← Red Sea Global and Warner Bros Present:...
SUIVANT
Dubai Holding's 'Gift It Forward' Ramadan →
Lire aussi

Image
jeudi 30 mai 2024 4 min

Dar Oomi : Un Écrin de Lumière au Cœur du Sud Tunisien

Dar Oomi , Où le Luxe et la Tradition Se Rencontrent pour un Havre de Paix

La suite
Image
mardi 11 juin 2024 5 min

Discover the Heart of Tuscany: An Interview with Matteo Ruscellai of Place of Charme

Exclusive interview with Matteo Ruscellai, the Operations Manager of Place of Charme. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Place of Charme is renowned for its luxurious and charming hotels that offer guests a unique blend of historical elegance and modern comfort. In this interview, Matteo Ruscellai shares insights into the sustainable practices and local experiences that make Place of Charme a standout destination. Discover how this Tuscany-based hotel group combines local culture, exquisite cuisine, and state-of-the-art amenities to provide an...

La suite
Image
mardi 09 juillet 2024 4 min

Egypt Achieves Tourism Records: The Accomplishments of a Visionary Path

Egypt's recent tourism records underscore the transformative power of strategic vision and decisive actions in revitalising a key economic sector.

La suite
Image
mardi 03 septembre 2024 1 min

Mark de Cocinis: Boutique Group's Vision for Ultra-Luxury Tourism in Saudi Arabia

In an exclusive interview with Tourismag.com, Mark de Cocinis, CEO of Boutique Group, unveils plans to transform historic Saudi palaces into ultra-luxury hotels, blending heritage and opulence. He highlights his deep respect for Saudi culture, aiming to treat every guest like royalty.

La suite
Image
3 min

Paramount Hotel Dubai atteint une étape importante en matière de durabilité avec l’accréditation DET

Ces derniers mois, Paramount Hotel Dubai a fait sensation grâce à ses efforts remarquables en matière de durabilité, alliant glamour hollywoodien et pratiques écoresponsables innovantes.

La suite
Image
lundi 30 septembre 2024 5 min

Secrets of the Pera Palace: Unveiling Istanbul's Timeless Gem with Murat Eti

Discover the Timeless Mystique of Pera Palace Hotel: A Gateway to Istanbul’s Golden Era

La suite