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 fine example of sustainable tourist accommodation, as it consistently incorporates the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and economic sustainability into every aspect of its operations. Through a network of strategic initiatives, 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 situated in a peaceful natural setting near the Baltic Sea, surrounded by meadows, forests and small farms, and recreates the atmosphere of the old countryside whilst respecting its architectural heritage.
In complete harmony with the principles of sustainable development, it is a haven of peace and wellbeing, ideal for guests seeking authentic experiences of relaxation, wellbeing and a connection with nature. With a focus on organic food, a vegetarian philosophy and eco-friendly practices, Gutshaus Parin offers an alternative accommodation experience.
The hotel has 30 rooms – apartments – designed using natural materials and suitable for people with allergies. The rooms are furnished with natural wood and offer views of the countryside. 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.
Furthermore, as part of its efforts to provide a wider range of alternative experiences, it offers the following services:
- A natural pool with water purification via natural filters.
- A sauna in a wooden wagon and a relaxation area.
- Yoga, meditation and Qi Gong programmes.
- Bicycle hire, including electric bicycles.
- Hiking and nature tours.
Despite the variety of alternative experiences it offers, the hotel stands out as a model tourist accommodation thanks to its active commitment to promoting the goals and values of sustainable development. Here are some of the key initiatives that contribute to this.
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, and 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, to minimise its carbon footprint as much as possible. It also endeavours to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by sourcing supplies from local suppliers, thereby avoiding unnecessary travel. Guests are also offered the opportunity to hire electric bicycles for their travel needs.
- 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, helping to protect the aquifer and reduce chemical pollution.
- Waste collection/prevention: It collects and recycles glass, metal, paper, aluminium and batteries separately, and purchases bulk products, to the extent permitted by food regulations.
- 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 located outside the lake. A total of around 200 square metres 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 for such an ecosystem to stabilise in the lake. 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 by using native plants, whilst the hotel’s compost is used as fertiliser. In addition, the aim is to reduce paved areas and replace them with mulch and gravel.
- Organic farming: The hotel has its own certified organic farm, as well as greenhouses where fruit, herbs and vegetables are grown, thereby reducing the need to transport food and ensuring high quality and freshness. The farm’s produce is used by the hotel itself, whilst some of it is sold to local shops or to guests at the hotel, on 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 unbleached cotton and the towels from certified organic cotton.
- Protection of neighbouring habitats: The ponds surrounding the mansion provide a home and refuge for many birds. For this reason, they are kept in a natural state, without human intervention, in order to ensure ecological balance.
- Promotion of a vegetarian diet: Taking into account the environmental impact of high meat consumption, the hotel has adopted a dietary philosophy that includes, amongst other things, a wide range of vegetarian options. For this reason, it holds a relevant certification that recognises its commitment to a sustainable, vegetarian diet.
Social Sustainability
- Supporting the local community: The hotel works with local producers and suppliers, supporting the local economy and promoting local products.
- Creating jobs: The hotel’s operations provide employment for local residents, thereby strengthening the social cohesion and economic stability of the community.
- Promoting cultural heritage: Through events, tours and educational programmes, the hotel showcases the history and local customs, thereby strengthening the region’s cultural identity. For all the above reasons, Hotel Gutshaus Parin is a fine example of sustainable tourism, consistently integrating the principles of sustainability into every aspect of its operations – from the ecological management of resources and the support of the local community to the responsible tourist experiences and services it offers. Its holistic approach demonstrates that tourism can be environmentally friendly, socially responsible and of high quality all at once, creating a model worth emulating.
Where is it applied?
Hotel Gutshaus Parin caters to guests with an environmental conscience and an interest in authentic, peaceful and sustainable travel experiences.
When did it apply?
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:
- Blue Swallow Quality Mark: A label awarded to accommodation providers that meet strict environmental criteria.
- Bioland: A label confirming that the products used in the hotel are sourced from organic farming.
- ProVeg: A label that confirms the hotel’s commitment to providing vegetarian options.
- Vegan Welcome: A label confirming that guests can find meals free from animal products, as well as stay in rooms that do not contain materials of animal origin.
- Veggie Hotels: A label confirming that the food on offer is vegetarian or vegan.
- Klimahotels / Viabono: A certificate confirming the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
- WEMAG – 100% Green Energy: A certification confirming that the hotel uses electricity exclusively from hydroelectric sources, thereby reducing its carbon footprint.
- Ehc-Standard Green Meeting: Certification confirming the hotel’s ability to organise sustainable conferences and events.
Other information
The official website of Hotel Gutshaus Parin is: https://www.gutshaus-parin.de/