Find out more about Swisstainable and decide which level is right for your company. Not sure which level is right for you? We will be happy to support you!
Have you already decided on this level? If you don't do the whole thing yourself, assign a person or team to implement the sustainability requirements of the business. Plan when and how you want to tackle the sustainability check. Inform the employees about the sustainability commitment and the planned steps.
Here you will find all the important information:
Register online. You will then receive your access link to the ST-Datanetwork as well as all the necessary documents and instruments by e-mail.
Download the Commitment and sign it. If you have assigned someone to implement it, have him/her sign it too.
If possible, do the sustainability check in a team. When assessing the individual points in the sustainability check, ideas and measures often already develop on how sustainability could be improved in the corresponding area. Write these ideas down next to the assessment - you will need them for the next step.
The sustainability check will show you which points you can improve in your business with regard to sustainability. Based on these findings, you must now formulate at least three measures on different sustainability aspects, which you will implement in the next 24 months.
Submit the following information and documents on the link sent by e-mail in the ST-Datanetwork:
- Signed Commitment
- Sustainability check
- Action sheet with at least three measures
After an inspection, the Swisstainable office awards the certificate and the Swisstainable signet, which is valid for 4 years. Now you are officially a Swisstainable business!
Now it is time for you to implement the formulated sustainability measures. After two years you will be asked to review their implementation, to do the sustainability check again and to derive at least 3 new measures. You want to go one step further? A change to a higher level is possible at any time, as soon as you can provide the relevant evidence.
Find the information for the next step here:
- Minimise water/electricity consumption
- Switch off electrical appliances when not in use
- Switch off lights where they are not needed
- Install motion sensors where it makes sense
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
- Eco wash cycles
- Heat properly
- Ventilate briefly and vigorously
- Optimise room temperatures (every degree less makes a big difference)
- Avoid waste and separate properly | Recycling station
- focus on reusable products
- Avoid plastic
- Avoid food waste / food waste
- Use environmentally friendly products for cosmetics and cleaning products.
- When buying new items, give preference to utensils made of wood, glass, ceramic or stainless steel.
- Pay attention to regionality/seasonality
- Take environmental aspects into account when renovating and refurbishing.
- Consider the energy class of electrical appliances
- FSC certification for wood
- Prefer natural materials
- Fabrics made from natural fibres
- Made of recycled material and/or recyclable
Why Swisstainable Destination?
For the following reasons, the Swiss Tourism Federation but also we are convinced to participate:
1. Making a contribution to sustainable development
A responsible destination that also takes social and ecological aspects into account makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of Swiss tourism.
2. Increase resource efficiency
A more efficient use of resources leads to cost savings and economic benefits.
3. Position itself as a responsible destination
Destinations with a demonstrable commitment to sustainability have a wide range of potential. A consistent focus enables them to strengthen their image as a responsible destination and position themselves accordingly.
4. Being marketed
Swisstainable participants benefit from targeted and effective campaigns and marketing measures by Switzerland Tourism and other tourism umbrella organisations.
5. Develop new market segments
There is a growing target group of guests with an affinity for sustainability who increasingly expect tourism providers to implement sustainability measures and to take sustainability aspects into account in the design of their offers.
6. Use advantages in distribution
Sustainability is also increasingly an important decision-making criterion for booking and travel portals as well as for events and business tourism.
7. Increase attractiveness as an employer
In times of a shortage of skilled workers, responsible businesses and destinations have a decisive advantage in recruitment and employer branding.
8. Increasing resilience
A systematic commitment to sustainability can reduce dependencies, strengthen resilience and support good cooperation with partners in the destination. Studies have also shown that sustainable destinations recover more quickly from setbacks.
9. Ensure quality
A systematic analysis of sustainability aspects reveals weaknesses as well as strengths and thus enables the targeted further development of a destination.
10. Become more competitive
The requirements with regard to sustainability commitment are increasing due to new legal frameworks, regulations and programmes. Those who prepare early and anticipate new regulations gain a competitive advantage.
Did you miss our webinar?
Here you can find the recording and the presentation of our webinar in cooperation with the Swiss Tourism Federation on 27.06.2023.
Learn more about the programme and find answers to your questions.
Contact
Ramona Zurbriggen
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906 Saas-Fee | Valais, Switzerland
ramona.zurbriggen@saas-fee.ch
+41 27 958 18 54 | saas-fee.ch
Contact
Do you have any questions about the next steps or specific requirements? The Competence Centre Sustainability of the Swiss Tourism Federation is looking forward to hearing from you!
Contact here: swisstainable@stv-fst.ch