Ortisei, March 2025: With their ADLER for Planet initiative, the ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges demonstrate in a diverse and impressive way how luxury and ecological responsibility are compatible in the hospitality industry. Sustainability is not a hollow marketing trend here, but a deeply rooted need to preserve the world as we know it. Guests benefit from the new sustainability standards with an unadulterated enjoyment factor.
Sustainability as an attitude
The ADLER for Planet initiative, launched in 2023, stands for ADLER Resorts' comprehensive approach to contributing to social justice, economic prosperity and ecological balance. The aim is not only to take climate-positive measures, but also to inspire guests, employees and partners to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. The seventh generation of the Sanoner family has built the sustainability concept on three central pillars:
- Sustainability through leadership: owners and directors of the individual resorts form the Green Team to coordinate the sustainability strategy in the long term.
- Transparent communication: An individual sustainability policy has been defined for each accommodation and communicated publicly.
- Measurable progress: There is strict monitoring with internal environmental, social and economic reports. In addition, the position of Sustainability Manager has been created to record and drive progress.
"For ADLER, sustainability also means social responsibility," explains Moritz Sanoner. "The well-being and quality of life of our employees are our most important values."
Another key element of the initiative is the EarthCheck certification that has now been received. This internationally recognized award in the field of sustainable tourism is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. "We opted for EarthCheck certification not only to document our efforts, but also to continuously expand our commitment," explains Maximilian Sanoner. Supported by experts from the Terra Institute, ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges constantly undergo a strict multi-stage audit process that covers areas such as CO₂ reduction, energy efficiency and biodiversity. Over 300 strict criteria have to be met.
Concrete measures for the tourism of the future
The implementation of sustainability strategies is reflected in numerous projects:
Conservation of resources and circular economy: water-saving technologies noticeably reduce consumption at ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges. Microfiltered spring water replaces glass bottles. Paper-free communication is also no longer a dream of the future. Disposable slippers? They are a thing of the past, while biodegradable packaging and refillable dispensers in the spa area significantly reduce plastic waste. Because the goal is: a largely plastic-free hotel world for the future.
Energy efficiency and renewable energies: The ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges show how sustainable tourism works - with solar power, heat pumps and intelligent energy management that drastically reduces consumption.
Sustainable cuisine: Culinary experiences at ADLER stand for freshness and regionality. Whether in the middle of the vineyards of the Tuscan ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE or in the Alps - everywhere the products come from our own cultivation or from local organic farmers. At the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, the vegetables grow in the hotel's own farm garden. Herbs such as rosemary and lemon balm come straight from the bed. Guests can literally watch the aromatic rocket and hearty potatoes grow. You can taste the closeness to nature in the vitamin-rich organic cuisine thanks to unadulterated ingredients and careful preparation.
Promoting biodiversity: In addition to the farm garden, there is also a thriving project on the Renon - the bee colonies behind the lodge. Thanks to the ever-busy little creatures, guests can not only learn more about the world of bees, but also take part in honey tastings. The creamy honey from the lodge's own beekeeper gives desserts a unique aroma. Its taste, with delicate notes of lime blossom and a spicy forest aroma, lingers long in the memory.
Social and cultural commitment: projects such as beach cleaning in Sicily or reforestation programs in South Tyrol show how a sense of responsibility for the environment can be anchored in an entire region. But it is not just nature that is part of such a microcosm, people are too. At the Tenuta Sanoner winery in Tuscany, locals and tourists come together to exchange ideas at musical and cultural events. In addition, around 450 km of safe hiking and cycling trails have been built in collaboration with the communities and employees are supported by daycare centers and schools for the little ones. In Ortisei, which is also home to ADLER Spa Resort BALANCE and ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, the "Locia" community is supported, a day workshop that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. At the ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, all proceeds from the annual New Year's Eve and Ferragosto lotteries are donated to charitable organizations such as South Tyrolean Doctors for the World, to name just a few examples.
Be sure to do it at home!
ADLER for Planet not only means doing business sustainably itself, but also transferring this philosophy to our guests. They can already feel the difference at the breakfast buffet: a plate that reflects regional diversity, with fresh bread that smells of herbs and honey that captures the essence of the Alps. Visitors to the farmer's garden are also immersed in the originality of nature, can smell the scent of freshly picked tomatoes and observe the harmony between wild flowers and vegetable crops. Always with the vision of mindful interaction with nature in mind. The Sanoner family wants to set a good example and be a role model for sustainable tourism and inspire others to follow suit. For tourism in which nature, culture and luxury are in harmony - today and for future generations.