
Sustainability measures at the castle hotel
How do we implement sustainability measures at the Schlosshotel Blankenburg?
At Schlosshotel Blankenburg, we focus on concrete measures for energy efficiency, resource conservation, regional supply chains, and social responsibility. The implementation and further development of these measures are structured and regularly evaluated through external on-site audits.
“We don’t see sustainability as an isolated measure, but as part of our corporate responsibility in the Harz region. Our approach demonstrates how environmental and nature conservation can be meaningfully integrated into daily hotel operations.” – Suzann Heinemann, Co-owner
Our location in the Harz Mountains and our close ties to the region shape our understanding of responsible business practices. Based on this, we implement selected measures in our hotel operations, which we regularly review and further develop. Our sustainability performance is regularly audited by the independent certification body VERIS Certifications as part of the GreenSign Hotel certification . The assessment includes, among other things, environmental management, social aspects, and regional value creation based on defined criteria.
Our hotel concept for greater sustainability

We are particularly proud of these certificates.
GreenSign Hotel certified hotel: Our Schlosshotel Blankenburg is GreenSign Hotel certified and has achieved a conformity level of 79%. As part of the certification process, ten clearly defined core areas for sustainable business practices were examined and over 130 criteria were evaluated . More information…
GreenSign Gastro Certification: As one of the first restaurants to receive GreenSign Gastro certification, we had our gastronomic processes externally audited and achieved a 70% compliance rate. The certification assesses, among other things, resource management, supply chains, and social aspects of the restaurant industry. The assessment is based on defined criteria and serves as a foundation for the continuous improvement of our restaurant. More information…



House & Furnishings
In our hotel, we implement various measures to reduce energy and resource consumption, from technical equipment and rooms to catering and wellness.
LED lighting: Our hotel is equipped with modern LED lighting and motion detectors in the hallways. This helps reduce energy consumption and combines energy efficiency with pleasant lighting.
Electricity from renewable energy sources: We source our hotel electricity from renewable energy sources, as specified by our energy supplier. This is part of our measures to reduce energy-related emissions.
Cosmetics & Care: Our rooms are equipped with high-quality, refillable toiletries sets from the brand Valentina & Philippa. This allows us to reduce the use of single-use plastic packaging. In the spa area, we use certified natural cosmetics from PHARMOS NATUR, which meet the NCS standard (Natural Cosmetics Standard).
Cleaning with micro-dry steam technology: For cleaning, we rely on micro-dry steam cleaners from Medeco Cleantec. This allows us to reduce the use of conventional cleaning agents in daily hotel operations and, in many areas, even completely eliminate the need for additional cleaning chemicals.
Electromobility: We offer our guests with electric vehicles two charging stations directly at the hotel.
Accessibility : We take accessibility into account in the design of our building and the accessibility of central areas.
Waste separation and food recycling: We place great importance on consistent waste separation and responsible food handling. In our kitchen, we work with ReFood to ensure that leftover food is put to good use.
Responsible water use: In our sanitary facilities and public areas, we use modern pressure regulators that control the water flow. This allows us to reduce water consumption without compromising the comfort of our guests.
Fresh from the herb garden: Head chef Daniel Bruder passionately tends our own herb garden. He harvests the aromatic herbs directly on site for the dishes in the castle restaurant. This way, we use fresh herbs from our own cultivation and avoid additional transport for these ingredients.




For nature
Trees for the Harz Mountains: Together with André Salomon, forester and mayor of Derenburg, we support tree planting campaigns in the Harz Mountains. As part of these projects, over 30.000 trees have been planted so far.
Ewilpa® Project: As part of the Ewilpa project, we support the creation of so-called edible wild plant parks. The aim is to give wild plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees space to develop and to create habitats for various species. The edible wild plant park was established in 2023 in the immediate vicinity of our hotel. With wildflower meadows, a castle park, and historic baroque gardens, the surrounding area offers diverse habitats for insects.
Insect hotel: In addition, we have built an insect hotel on the grounds behind the hotel, which offers suitable insect species additional nesting and retreat opportunities.




Our tree planting campaign
Since the beginning of 2023, we have been supporting tree planting campaigns for the reforestation of the Derenburg municipal forest together with VERIS Certifications GmbH. The aim of the project is to plant around 10.000 trees annually.

Everything for humanity
Continuing education : Regular training of our employees on sustainability topics is particularly important to us. An internal Green Team develops and supports sustainability measures and moderates internal discussions on these topics.
Space for Artists: Since November 2023, we have opened our doors to artists from the region who can present their work in our historic setting. This initiative is part of our commitment to the local community and creates space for regional art and culture. An overview of the artists can be found here.
Accessibility: We take accessibility into account in the design of our hotel and the accessibility of central areas.

The dedicated management team at the castle hotel

Conscious enjoyment
In our restaurant, we value mindful enjoyment and concrete measures to reduce packaging and waste. Here you can learn about the steps we implement in our daily operations.
Seasonal & Regional: In our kitchen, we use seasonal and regional products wherever possible and work with select local suppliers. For example, we offer many breakfast items that we make ourselves or source directly from local farmers and producers. You can find our suppliers here…
Our other culinary offerings are largely based on seasonal availability. Further information can be found in our culinary calendar.
Vegan options: We have been a member of VeganWelcome , a platform for hotels with vegan options, since 2023.
Reducing plastic consumption: In our catering business, we reduce the use of single-use and portion-controlled packaging wherever operationally feasible. In our restaurant, we offer filtered tap water in reusable glass bottles. Wherever possible, we avoid portion-controlled packaging and instead offer, for example, homemade fruit spreads at the buffet.





Our own beehives
Immediately behind the castle hotel, we have set up our own beehives in cooperation with an experienced beekeeper. The location, in close proximity to the baroque gardens, the castle park, and adjacent green spaces, offers the bees a diverse range of food sources.
Our own honey complements our culinary offerings. The beehives are part of our measures to promote biodiversity in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
We are open to new ideas and regularly review opportunities to further develop our sustainability measures. If you have any suggestions or questions about our sustainability performance, we would be happy to hear from you. Please feel free to write to us at direktion@schlosshotel-blankenburg.de.