The 8 Most Sustainable Hotels in Switzerland

A Sustainability Ranking in partnership with ETIC Hotels

You’re planning a trip to Switzerland and you’re trying to be as ethical and sustainable as possible?
niood lists you the 8 most sustainable hotels in Switzerland:

1. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel
Monthey, Switzerland

From $350 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel sustainable?
There are two reasons domes are energy efficient. The ambient airflow inside the dome is continuous, with no stagnant corners, requiring less energy to circulate air and maintain even temperatures. The energy required to heat and cool a dome is approximately 30% less than a conventional building. The second is the high volume-to-surface-area ratio, requiring less building materials to enclose more space. The lower the ratio of a building’s outside perimeter to its enclosed living area, the less energy is required for building, heating and cooling.

Water & energy consumption
Use of closed fireplaces to slow down wood consumption Promote the use of Class A electrical devices
Installation of timers on water boilers
Installation of water-saving devices on water taps and shower heads
Use of local spring water
Use of wood from the surrounding forests
The Pod-house uses a wood pellet heating system

Biodiversity
Raise guests’ awareness to the surrounding fauna and flora
Limit night lighting

Blend in the landscape
The color of the pods is adapted to each season: white in winter, green in summer

Waste management
Opt for the purchase of goods in bulk as to reduce the amount of packaging
Strict sorting of organic and non-organic waste

2. The River House Boutique Hotel
Andermatt, Switzerland

From $200 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes The River House Andermatt sustainable?
These are the steps this property has taken to provide more sustainable and environmentally friendly travel. It gives the option to reuse towels.

3. Maya Boutique Hôtel
Nax, Switzerland

From $230 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Maya Boutique Hôtel sustainable?
The conception and realisation of this hotel at the foot of the Maya mountain, was  carried out by Lisa and Louis, the owners. Completely convinced of the merits of this project, they are going to share their adventure with us.

We are not used to straw construction, even though the quality of life it gives and its low impact on nature, in terms of energy consumption, is exemplary. Natural materials have been privileged, so that nearly 55 tonnes of straw, clay, lime and glass make up the composition of the establishment.

The necessary heating, hot water and electricity are produced by the solar panels and wood oven. Thanks to this, the Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa can rely on a low environmental impact and fully respect its owners’ convictions regarding sustainable tourism, ensuring a warm and cosy stay.

The Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa has been awarded internationally for its unique and innovative concept.

4. Eco-Hotel Cristallina
Coglio (Vallemaggia), Switzerland

From $120 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Eco-Hotel Cristallina sustainable?
During the hotel’s renovation in 2002-03, the expansion of the building used prefabricated wood with an internal thermal insulation made from recycled paper panels. The architecture of the building makes optimal use of the natural sunlight thanks to large, energy efficient windows.

The central heating works in wood chips while the sanitary water is produced by a solar installation on the roof, where are also installed 40 photovoltaic panels for production of electrical energy equal to approximately 10% of our needs. The ground floor lounge is equipped with a compensating ventilation system with heat recovery. Most of the beds and furniture are of solid beech and birch coming from FSC-certified forests. For our floors we chose natural materials such as hardwood flooring, native granite and linoleum. The hotel can then boast a healthy environment, manageable with minimum effort and energy with a pleasant atmosphere that invites you to leave behind the routine of everyday life.

5. Hotel D – Design Hotel
Basel, Switzerland

From $130 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Hotel D Basel sustainable?
Sustainability in every area is fundamental for us. 
The GAIA hotel is aiming to become a zero-waste hotel.

6. Ambassador
Zürich, Switzerland

From $170 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Ambassador Zurich sustainable?
Our Laundry Service
Decide for yourself: We only wash your towels if you leave them in the bath tub/shower or on the floor. The saved money will be used for our climate protection project.

Sustainability and Seasonal
Seasonal and local products are used as a matter of course. Executive chef David Krüger gathers herbs, berries or mushrooms on a regular basis in nearby nature reserves and handles all produce in expertly manner to preserve their aromas.

Pressreader
Gain access to over 7000 international newspapers and magazines using Pressreader, paperless and instantly in many languages. We provide ipads in our restaurant and the entire portfolio is available on pressreader.com.

Hydropower
All our electricity is coming from a Swiss hydropower plants and we have an infrastructure that is focused on optimizing energy efficiency. It is comprised of power saving components, such as automatic light switches, power saving lamps or smart cooling devices. And our cooling and heating system are outfitted with a heat recory technology.

Refillable Soeder* care products made in Switzerland
The Swiss brand Soeder* manufactures its own care products in the Zurich region from purely natural ingredients. Delivery routes remain short, waste is reduced thanks to dispensers and just pressing once is enough for sustainable care.

7. Valsana Hotel Arosa
Arosa, Switzerland

From $250 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Valsana Hotel Arosa sustainable?

• Recycling of building materials from the old building
• Use of energy-saving LED lights and motion sensors
• Use of certified cleaning products
• Certified energy generated from alpine hydropower
• Strict separation of waste and the systematic recycling of all materials
• Contribution to biodiversity with a wild bee house
• Sustainable destination management via Arosa Lenzerheide.

• The building complex is supplied with heat generated by means of geothermal probes and heat recovery
• Heating requirements met without fossil fuels
• Recycling of heat generated from cooling devices (freezers, fridges) and the spa
• Freon-free cooling systems

8. The Alpina Gstaad
Gstaad, Switzerland

From $700 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.5/10

What makes Park Hotel Vitznau sustainable?
Since its inception, The Alpina Gstaad has been ahead of the curve in sustainable practice. Indigenous wood and stone, local craftspeople and recycled materials were used in the property’s construction. The Alpina Gstaad strives to do its part in every detail for responsible conduct in energy. The property employs a mix of ecological power, and reduces yearly consumption through hydroelectric strategies, central heating generated from the Saanen community plant fueled by wood chips, sensor-driven air conditioning and heating systems and pools partially heated with reclaimed energy.

EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. Since 1987, EarthCheck has helped businesses, communities and governments to deliver clean, safe, prosperous and healthy destinations for travellers to visit, live, work and play. EarthCheck understands the value of big ideas and the importance of clear communication, that what can be good for the planet is also good for business.