Title – Name
Hotel Gutshaus Parin
Scope / Sector / Industry
Sustainable tourist accommodation
Country / Region
Germany, Mecklenburg
Why is it good practice?
Hotel Gutshaus Parin is a good example of sustainable tourism accommodation, as it consistently incorporates the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and economic sustainability into every aspect of its operation. Through a network of strategic actions, such as the use of renewable energy sources, water and waste management, environmental protection, the promotion of organic and vegetarian food and cooperation with the local community, it offers authentic, experiential and ecologically responsible tourism experiences and actively contributes to a more sustainable and conscious model of tourism development.
How is it applied?
Gutshaus Parin is a hotel in Mecklenburg, Germany, housed in a renovated 19th-century manor house. The hotel is located in a peaceful natural landscape near the Baltic Sea, surrounded by meadows, forests and small farms and revives the atmosphere of the old countryside with respect for the architectural heritage.
In full harmony with the principles of sustainable development, it is a haven of peace and well-being, ideal for guests seeking authentic experiences of relaxation, well-being and contact with nature. With a focus on organic nutrition, vegetarian philosophy and ecological operation, Gutshaus Parin offers an alternative accommodation experience.
The hotel has 30 rooms – apartments, designed with organic materials and friendly to people with allergies. The rooms are furnished with natural wood and offer views of the rural nature. Some rooms have private balconies or terraces.
It also has a restaurant, serving 100% organic, vegetarian meals, with vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. Most of the ingredients come from the hotel’s own organic farm.
Also, in the context of providing more alternative experiences, it offers the following services:
- Natural pool with water purification through natural filters.
- Sauna in a wooden wagon and relaxation area.
- Yoga, meditation and Qi Gong programs.
- Bicycle rental, including electric bicycles.
- Hiking and nature tours.
Despite the variety of alternative experiences it offers, the hotel stands out as a model tourist accommodation due to its active commitment to promoting the goals and values of sustainable development. Here are some of the key initiatives that contribute in this direction.
Environmental Sustainability
- Eco-Friendly Construction and Materials: The property has been renovated using organic and environmentally friendly materials, such as sustainably sourced wood, natural paints and eco-friendly furniture. For example, the walls are plastered with clay, the floors are either laid with recycled bricks or covered with oak planks, the plumbing and heating pipes are made of stainless steel. Furthermore, all plastic pipes in the underfloor heating and plumbing distribution systems were installed using PVC-free and halogen-free plastics.
- Renewable Energy Sources: The hotel uses energy from renewable sources, such as solar energy and biomass, reducing its carbon footprint as much as possible. It also tries to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by purchasing from local suppliers, thus avoiding unnecessary travel. Guests are also given the opportunity to rent electric bicycles for their transportation.
- Water management: Shower and bath water is separated, collected in a lake on the hotel lawn, cleaned, treated and reused for flushing the toilets. This saves approximately 50% of water and wastewater. At the same time, environmentally friendly detergents are used, contributing to the protection of the aquifer and the reduction of chemical pollution.
- Waste collection/prevention: It collects and disposes of glass, metal, paper, aluminum and batteries separately and purchases bulk products, to the extent that food regulations allow.
- Natural swimming pool management: Gravel filters and special aquatic plants are used to clean the pool. The entire volume of water is circulated and cleaned once a day in a filter and pump well outside the lake. A total of about 200 square meters of washed Baltic Sea gravel and volcanic rocks were installed in the lake as filter material and plant substrate, and it takes about two years to stabilize such an ecosystem in the lake. The water quality is monitored daily and regularly checked by the local health department.
- Ecologically sound management and planting of green spaces: This is achieved mainly with native plants, while the hotel’s compost is used as fertilizer. In addition, the aim is to reduce sealed surfaces and replace them with mulch and gravel.
- Organic farming: The hotel has its own certified organic farm, as well as greenhouses where fruits, herbs and vegetables are grown, thus reducing food transportation and ensuring high quality and freshness. The farm’s products are utilized by the hotel itself, while quantities are sold to local stores or to guests of the accommodation, upon request.
- Use of natural fabrics: The upholstery and decorative fabrics used are made from natural materials such as cotton, linen and silk, the bed linen is made from raw cotton and the towels from certified organic cotton.
- Protection of neighboring habitats: The ponds that surround the mansion are a home and refuge for many birds. For this reason, they are maintained in a natural state, without human intervention, in order to ensure ecological balance.
- Promotion of vegetarian nutrition: Taking into account the environmental impacts of intensive meat consumption, the hotel has adopted a nutritional philosophy that includes, among other things, rich vegetarian options. For this reason, it has a relevant certification that recognizes its commitment to a sustainable, vegetarian diet.
Social Sustainability
- Supporting the local community: The hotel collaborates with local producers and suppliers, supporting the local economy and promoting local products.
- Creating jobs: The operation of the hotel offers employment to local residents, strengthening the social cohesion and economic stability of the community.
- Promoting cultural heritage: Through events, tours and educational programs, the hotel highlights the history and local customs, strengthening the cultural identity of the region. For all the above reasons, Hotel Gutshaus Parin is a good practice of sustainable tourism, consistently incorporating the principles of sustainability into every aspect of its operation – from ecological resource management and strengthening the local community to the responsible tourist experiences-services it offers. Its holistic approach proves that tourism can be environmentally friendly, socially responsible and quality at the same time, creating a model worth replicating.
Where is it applied?
Hotel Gutshaus Parin is addressed to guests with ecological sensitivities and an interest in authentic, peaceful and sustainable travel experiences.
When did it applied?
Hotel Gutshaus Parin has been operating in its current form since 2009.
Results
Hotel Gutshaus Parin has received several certifications that confirm its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly hospitality. These include the following:
- Gütesiegel Blaue Schwalbe: A label awarded to accommodations that meet strict environmental criteria.
- Bioland: A label that confirms that the products used in the hotel come from organic farming.
- ProVeg: A label that confirms the hotel’s commitment to offering vegetarian options.
- Vegan Welcome: A label that confirms that guests can find meals without animal products, as well as stay in rooms that do not contain materials of animal origin.
- Veggie Hotels: A label that confirms the vegetarian or vegan cuisine it offers.
- Klimahotels / Viabono: A certification that confirms the hotel’s environmental responsibility.
- WEMAG – 100% Green Energy: Certification that confirms that the hotel uses exclusively electricity from hydroelectric sources, reducing its carbon footprint.
- Ehc-Standard Green Meeting: Certification that confirms the hotel’s ability to organize sustainable conferences and events.
Other information
The official website of Hotel Gutshaus Parin is: https://www.gutshaus-parin.de/
