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.
