Sustainability is a key concern for The Leading Hotels of the World®. The “Sustainability Leaders” collection was devised to recognise hotels that make a conscious contribution to environmental protection.

The Dolder Grand is grateful for this recognition, and is aware of the need for sustainable action. As a pioneer in the move towards a visionary luxury hotel industry, the Dolder Grand implements a sustainable approach in a range of different initiatives.

The Dolder Grand has successfully reached “Level III – leading” – the highest level of Switzerland Tourism’s Swisstainable programme.

This level is aimed at companies that have already obtained comprehensive, recognised sustainability certification, and includes certifications that cover all dimensions of sustainability and are regularly audited by third parties.

The Dolder Grand is a member of the “Responsible Hotels of Switzerland”, a group of hotels that brings together the country’s leading establishments in terms of ecological and social sustainability.

Each of the hotels has its own ecological and social sustainability philosophy, and the “Responsible Hotels of Switzerland” are known as the country’s sustainable hotels.

Dolder Hotel AG and Dolder Eis & Bad AG are certified according to EarthCheck, a global benchmark and certification programme for sustainable tourism based on the principles of Agenda 21 for sustainable development. The goal of EarthCheck is to provide companies with a framework for ecological and social sustainability, and it is recognised by the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” (GSTC)

Dolder Hotel AG and Dolder Eis & Bad AG each have an ISO 9001:2015 certified management system. This forms the basis for providing and further developing the necessary service and product quality within the unique infrastructural substance, thus ensuring the sustainable economic success of the two companies.

Certificate Dolder Hotel AG
Certificate Dolder Eis & Bad AG

esg2go is a rating and reporting system for SMEs that allows for a quantitative assessment of sustainability in terms of environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) aspects. This system offers the hotel the opportunity for transparency and further possibilities for ongoing improvement. The esg2go sustainability rating and reporting on Dolder Hotel AG is available HERE.

The Dolder Grand’s reported greenhouse gas emissions totalled around 3,542 tCO2e, which corresponds to an increase of around 20 percent compared to the previous year. In addition to the increase in overnight stays, the increase was mainly due to the number of events, the new restaurant operations and the waste disposal associated with the renovation of the new outdoor restaurant, as well as the return to normal employee mobility and business travel activity after coronavirus.

A contribution to the financing of myclimate climate protection projects in the amount of the total emissions was made.

The myclimate impact label “Engaged for Impact” for companies takes into account all relevant emissions from annual activities at the Dolder Grand with an impact on the climate. The quantity of CO₂ is saved or removed via myclimate projects, helping not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to boost social, ecological and economic development.

By making a voluntary contribution, guests and customers of Dolder Hotel AG take responsibility and actively support nature conservation and environmental protection. As a thank you, the hotel doubles this contribution and invests the funds in local and global climate protection projects. The collaboration between the Dolder Grand and the myclimate foundation in the “Cause We Care” programme enables the two partners to join forces and support sustainable enjoyment and environmental protection.

The Dolder Grand’s geothermal system with its 70 geothermal probes sunk 152 metres into the ground has enabled energy consumption to be reduced by half – despite the doubling of hotel’s surface area since the 2004 to 2008 renovation.

Currently (2023), this geothermal storage technology generates around 1.86 million kWh of heating and cooling, covering 17.87% of total energy and fuel requirements.

The electricity requirements of Dolder Hotel AG are covered in a CO₂-neutral manner with 100% electricity from hydropower (certificate).

The Dolder Grand’s building management system regulates energy consumption according to demand. The pool water treatment system was optimised in 2020, resulting in annual savings of 25,200 kWh. The hotel is also continuously investing in the changeover from halogen to LED lighting, which consumes 84% less energy and is longer-lasting.

In collaboration with the Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW), the Dolder Grand has been successfully working since 2005 to reduce its CO2 emissions and energy consumption with individual measures and projects. In this way, over 1500 megawatt hours of energy can be saved annually. This corresponds to the approximate average consumption of around 70 single-family homes per year. CO2 emissions have been reduced by over 60%. For this commitment, the Dolder Grand has been awarded the EnAW efficiency label

The cotton and linen yarn for the table and bed linen at the Dolder Grand (organic Fairtrade Max Havelaar and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100) comes from the EU and is woven and finished by Leinenweberei Schwob AG (canton Bern).

Digitalisation of the check-in and check-out process saves up to 20,000 sheets of paper each year.

Long-lasting potted plants are now placed in the hotel rooms instead of cut flowers, refillable containers are used in the bathrooms and the bed linen is changed every three days.

Whenever possible, the principle of “regional and seasonal first” is applied to products used in the Dolder Grand restaurants.

The online table reservation tool TOCK ensures greater reliability in terms of bookings, allowing for better planning of food requirements and thereby helping to reduce food waste in a sustainable manner.

Plastic straws, stirrers and sticks are no longer used, and breakfast is now offered as individual portions to enable needs-based planning of food items at the buffet.

In the fitness area, the Dolder Grand uses water fountains and reusable bottles to save 28,000 PET water bottles (330 ml) a year. AMALA spa products keep packaging to a minimum and are 100% natural, vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free – as confirmed by the NATRUE® label. “Back Label The Wellnesswear”, a 100% made-in-Italy slow fashion brand, is dICEA/GOTS-certified and free from toxic substances, and has also been a B-Corp^® company since January 2021.

Dolder Eis & Bad AG ensures that CO₂-neutral pool water is available in the Dolder Bad thanks to solar-powered water heating. Electricity requirements are covered in a CO₂-neutral manner with 100% electricity from hydropower (certificate). The refrigeration system for the Dolder Kunsteisbahn (open-air ice-skating rink) uses ammonia to heat buildings and hot water in winter. The Dolder Sports restaurant focusses on using seasonal produce, and Dolder Eis & Bad AG strives to improve CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency by participating in the programme by the Energy Agency of the Swiss Private Sector (EnAW Certificate).

The Dolder Grand provides guests with environmentally friendly transport options free of charge, including e-bikes, hybrid and electric guest vehicles and limousines. The hotel also offers a charging station for electric cars, the Dolderbahn as part of the local public transport network and – as an alternative – the complementary shuttle service. Staff can use the Dolderbahn free of charge as an environmentally friendly way to travel to work. This is an example of the ways in which Dolder Hotel AG also promotes the use of public transportation.

The internal D-Impact team isset up with the aim of making a small positive contribution to the future on a daily basis and raising awareness of sustainability issues. The members of the team are passionate multipliers and ambassadors for topics relating to the environment, climate and resource consumption in the day-to-day operations of Dolder Hotel AG.

Initiatives by the D-Impact team include the annual forest cleanup as part of Earth Day on 22 April, as well as other volunteering work and campaigns.

Diversity and equality are of utmost importance for Dolder Hotel AG, and staff are appointed regardless of age, skin colour, ethnicity, origin, gender identity, sexual orientation or religious belief. Since 2018, Dolder Hotel AG has been working with charitable organisations to support the integration of disadvantaged people. Within the framework of a learning organisation, individuals with potential are supported through training and further education. Free sports activities help to maintain employee health, and the “Green” staff restaurant offers “Vegan Wednesday” with seasonal, regional plant-based dishes.

In 2024, the Dolder Grand was honoured with the VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality Badge by Forbes Travel Guide. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon establishments committed to upholding over 100 rigorous standards for environmental conservation and the promotion of employee, guest and community wellbeing. The accolade underscores the Dolder Grand’s dedication to sustainable practices and socially responsible hospitality.

Dolder Hotel AG believes that working in the hospitality industry is a vocation, and therefore places particular emphasis on the provision of training and further education. A small group of around five apprentices per year means that sustainable support for young talent is guaranteed. Dedicated trainers work with these trainees to nurture their initial interest into a solid foundation for creating highly qualified specialists. The company actively contributes to securing the future of the industry by passing on its expertise and passion in this way.