Sustainability

Absolutely first class

Five star hotel: The Frankfurter Hof Steigenberger Hotel unites the splendour of the past with modern comforts and exclusive
accommodation.

Steigenberger hotel group sets example for waste management

First class service, excellent food, a stylish atmosphere – the Steigenberger Hotel Group stands for maximum levels of hospitality. Each and every day, this traditional company asserts its leading position as one of the top European hotels with its first class services. The main reason behind its success is that it strives towards perfection with there being no room for compromise. And the hotel also makes sure that the work carried out behind the scenes is of high quality, too.

areas of the hotel business. This ranges from the natural cosmetics used by the hotel, to its water and energy saving measures, to the initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the climate.

Steigenberger has been working together with REMONDIS since the beginning of 2002 with the aim of increasing recycling and further conserving resources. Together, the two companies drew up a waste management concept that can be considered to be a best practice programme within the branch. In order to find the best possible solution, REMONDIS first analysed the material streams and waste management methods used by the Steigenberger Group. Using the information gathered, alternatives were developed and then tested in pilot schemes. As a result a waste management system has been created that suits the hotel’s business activities perfectly. Furthermore, the measures implemented by Steigenberger fulfil all legal requirements set out in the German Commercial Waste Ordinance and the Technical Guidelines for the Treatment and Disposal of Municipal Waste.

A complete solution for the whole of the hotel group
The system has now been implemented throughout the whole of the Steigenberger Hotel Group. And REMONDIS is also involved in the practical implementation of the system at all of the hotel locations. “We also wish to create uniform waste management standards throughout all of our hotels. The best way to achieve this is to use a strong, international partner. A partner who is active wherever our hotels are located,” explained Matthias Heck, board member for finances at Steigenberger Hotels AG who is also responsible for environmental protection within the group.

The exemplary waste management system looks to promote, in particular, two areas: waste prevention and the separation of waste according to type. Besides paper, glass and light-weight packaging, focus is also being put on cooking fats and food waste as well as residue from grease separators. REMONDIS covers all of the tasks involved – from logistics to processing and recycling the materials to generating energy. It also provides some additional services in the area of special material streams. This includes, for example, disposing of mixed construction waste generated by renovation and extension work to the hotels or when new hotels are being built. Furthermore, it collects the mattresses thrown out by the hotel as part of its regular renovation programme. Last but by no means least, REMONDIS helps to ensure the waste management programme is implemented smoothly by offering staff training courses for those employed at the Steigenberger Hotel Group.

Increased quality and yet reduced costs
One particular advantage of à la carte waste management is that it combines efficiency and cost effectiveness. It not only paves the way for higher environmental standards but also saves costs: over the last few years, the Steigenberger Group’s waste management costs have been able to be stabilized or even lowered despite changes to environmental law. Matthias Heck commented on this saying: “Running a sustainable business is very important to our guests and it also helps to reduce costs. Implementing our ambitious environmental targets is doubly advantageous for the positive development of the Steigenberger Hotel Group.”

The Grandhotel Petersberg in Königswinter – Steigenberger fulfils its customers’ every wish be it at one of its modern or traditionally designed hotels.

“Ecological quality is vital for hotels, too, if they wish to be a success. We, therefore, attach great importance to adapting the standards of the Steigenberger Hotel Group to strict environmental norms.“

The Berlin Steigenberger Hotel is contributing towards protecting the environment and reducing CO₂ emissions. It is the group’s first hotel in Germany to offer certified CO₂ neutral meetings.