When Luxury meets Vision and a View: Sustainable Excellence at the Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort

Consciously strengthening Local Value Chains

All of the wood used comes exclusively from local forestry operations. „This keeps the added value in the region, circulates money locally, and strengthens the sense of community,” emphasizes Lukas Obendorfer, the hotel co-owner and driving force behind the change.

The hotel is also breaking new ground in composting: its modern facility uses bacteria, heat, and targeted mixing to transform organic kitchen waste into nutrient-rich humus in just one week. After a brief post-processing period, the compost is sieved and applied directly to the hotel garden, eliminating the need for additional transportation or disposal. In the process, valuable soil is created that supports the hotel’s garden maintenance.

Sustainability in the Wellness Area — Thought out down to the Last Detail

The hotel has also implemented targeted measures in the particularly energy-intensive wellness area: The three outdoor pools are covered with roller blinds at night to prevent heat loss, reduce electricity consumption, and minimize chemical use. One of the pools also gets lowered by two centimeters. The resulting air cushion ensures significant energy savings. Additionally, the pumps run in economy mode at night to save electricity and minimize heat loss through evaporation. In the morning, the system starts automatically and circulates the water completely within five minutes.

Guest feedback is clear: many are interested in the energy concept and inquire about the technology center or lobby monitor. Trade visitors, including engineers, have come to see the system in person to help them plan their projects.

Responsibility toward People and the Community

However, the five-star hotel is setting an example not only in terms of energy efficiency but also in terms of social responsibility. Its employee development program goes far beyond traditional measures: language courses, administrative assistance, internal mobility solutions, and company-owned accommodations are all part of the standard offering. „We do not see sustainability as just a question of kilowatt hours or carbon footprints. It is an attitude toward nature and our team,” says Lukas Obendorfer.

GreenSign with 95 Percent Compliance — a rare Award

In 2023, this commitment was recognized with the highest level of GreenSign certification available at the time. Level 5. Only about 20 hotels in Germany have achieved this distinction. Making the Birkenhof one of a select group of true pioneers. Recently, the hotel renewed and improved upon this achievement. In June 2025, it received a 95 percent compliance rating during its recertification—the highest rating of nearly 900 GreenSign-certified establishments.

The certificate confirms the hotel’s above-average performance in areas such as environmental management, resource use, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. Particularly noted were the smart energy concept, consistent employee involvement, and conscious selection of regional suppliers.