The Austrian alpine state of Tirol is fast becoming one of Europe's
greenest destinations. As well as being a popular ski spot (according to the Innsbruck
Tourist Board the region received more than 8 million visitors in
2007) Tirol is home to a number of hotels and restaurants that utilise
renewable energy.
Biohotel Florian
The Boihotel Florian was the first hotel in Tirol to be awarded
the Austrian Environmental Medal and sources its power from wind
and solar energy, small hydroelectric plants and biodiesel installations.
While fruit and vegetables are contained in reusable packaging and
all cleaning products carry the Austrian environmental trade-mark.
Hotel Crystal
Another first is the Hotel Crystal which was the first hotel in
Austria to be heated entirely by renewable energy. The 120-bed hotel
is heated by geothermal and solar energy systems.
Hotel Furtherhof
The Hotel Furtherhof has reduced its oil consumption by 50 per cent
as a result of its solar heating system. The hotel also requests
that guests separate their waste.
The Sunnalm Mountain Restaurant
At 2,300m above sea level the Sunnalm mountain restaurant is the
highest restaurant in the Alps to use solar energy with its heating
system that combines geo-thermal and solar power.
And the trend seems to be catching with Austria’s biggest
accommodation provider the Austrian Alpine Club introducing an environmental
seal of quality for its mountain huts. The incentive encourages
operators to employ eco-friendly practices such as sourcing renewable
energy, ecologically disposing of waste and maintaining unpolluted
grounds. At present 27 of the 53 huts that bear the seal, are located
in the Tirol region.
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