Dan says that careful use and conservation of natural resources has always been a high priority for ICEHOTEL. “I think this is a consequence of us working so close to nature. We are part of an eco-cycle. The Torne River is our source, and the surrounding country, here in Lapland, is unique in Europe and the world. We wish to protect it,” says Dan.
The first step has been to train all personnel, in all departments, throughout the organization. This has been done with the aid of Gävle Energi, a close partner in the project.
“Simply by raising the level of awareness, a company can realize a 20% energy savings. It’s a matter of simple measures, like switching off computers after work each day. Once the ball is rolling, everyone wants to pitch in. Our own personnel have contributed many energy-saving ideas,” says Dan.
Currently, the entire ICEHOTEL infrastructure in under review. This includes, for example, all building structures, which are surveyed to ensure minimal energy loss, and power distribution boxes, which are inspected to ensure that they are properly connected.
“The next step will be to invest in facilities for producing our own renewable-source
energy. Whether this will be wind, solar, water-source heat or something completely different, we do not yet know. ICEHOTEL guests contribute to the production of renewable- source energy. We are unique in this regard. But we hope others will copy our environmental approach; we all stand to gain,”concludes Dan Björk.
80% of the buildings at ICEHOTEL are now heated with ground-source heat. ICEHOTEL’s environment program is conducted in partnership with Gävle Energi, which supplies renewable-source energy under the Källmärkt brand name. Find out how you, too, can make a difference!