SUSTAINABILITY Factsheet
Sustainability: a core value of Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne With its environmentally friendly approach to energy production and carefully considered logistics and construction, the sustainability concept in place at the Bürgenstock Resort represents a landmark in ecological thinking. The planners and developers of the new resort, which launched in 2017 after a 10-year refurbishment, were inspired by the pioneers of the resort, Franz Josef Bucher and Josef Durrer, known for their innovative ideas and visionary mindset. Indeed, in 1888, the two local partners opened the Bürgenstock Funicular, the first electric cable car in Switzerland, and built a water pipe to transport water from Lake Lucerne to the resort for drinking needs. The developers of the new resort continued this legacy of forward thinking, and the protection and improvement of the environment have been a priority throughout the renovation phase. In 2018, the Bürgenstock Resort received the Sustainability Award from the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA). With this Award, Europe’s leading hoteliers acknowledge the sustainability efforts from the Bürgenstock Resort in the areas of environmental protection, historic preservation as well as social responsibility. A unique energy system: heating and cooling needs covered by lake water A unique system using lake water to heat and cool all the buildings of the resort has been developed. This system covers 100% of the cooling and 80% of the heating needs of the resort. The remaining 20% accounts for peak loads at times of tough winter conditions. In such a situation, liquefied gas must be used to cover the heating needs. The energy system works by pumping the lake water at a depth of 37m from Lake Lucerne where the water is a consistent 5°C. The water rises to a temperature of 7°C as it is transported. It is then pumped 500 meters uphill into a reservoir located at 926 meters above sea level. From there, water is steered to an energy station. From this station, a network of pipes has been built linking all buildings of the resort. Part of the water is heated until 50°C and distributed via the pipe network. In the buildings, the water can be heated to 60°C with heating pumps. Water with a 9°C temperature is used for air-conditioning. This efficient system avoids the need for cooling towers.
Bürgenstock Hotels AG T +41 41 612 60 00
6363 Obbürgen, Switzerland
info@burgenstockresort.com
burgenstockresort.com