At CERVO, we attach great importance to sustainability. We take care to treat people and the environment fairly in all areas and use sustainable energy sources such as natural hot water and heating energy. We live these values internally and with our guests. We also support local and international projects. As there is always room for improvement, we have a sustainability manager at the resort who is dedicated to these issues.
Johanna Kainert has been in this role since 1 June 2024. She is 23 years old and comes from Rostock, Germany. She has been part of our team since 2021 and is also studying Environmental Studies at the Open University in England. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping and snowboarding in the great outdoors. Find out more about her in an interview.
What are your favourite sustainability projects at CERVO?
One of my current favourite projects is our partnership with Water is Right. We donate 10% of our revenue from water sales to this organisation and currently have our own project with them. Thanks to our support, the local NGO Indian Legal Education Awareness Development Society (LEADS) conducted a geotechnical survey near Kadapa, India. This data was crucial in order to install a solar power generation system and a solar-powered pump.
Last year, we donated a 5-digit amount and are also covering the other costs incurred, making us the main sponsor of this project. The work is in full swing and should be completed by the beginning of July in order to supply the inhabitants of three neighbouring villages with clean drinking water.
What is your previous experience in the field of sustainability? What inspires you personally in the area of sustainability?
I have been working at CERVO since 2021 and have gained a lot of valuable experience in the field of sustainability. At the same time, I am studying Environmental Studies at the Open University in England. This degree has given me extensive knowledge and insight into sustainable practices and environmental protection strategies. I've been studying topics such as renewable energy, sustainable resource utilisation and environmentally friendly construction methods.
Personally, I am most inspired by nature itself. The beauty of the mountains and the unspoilt wilderness that I experience when camping and hiking motivate me to preserve these treasures for future generations. I am also driven by the idea that small changes in our everyday lives can have a big positive impact on the environment.
What are your goals/ideas that you would like to achieve in your new position?
I strive to further develop the existing sustainable initiatives at CERVO and introduce new, innovative practices. This could include, for example, implementing environmentally friendly technologies, reducing the ecological footprint or promoting sustainable procurement strategies. In addition, I would like to raise awareness of environmental issues within the company and in the surrounding community.
This could be through training, workshops or educational programmes that inform employees and interested parties about the importance of sustainability and motivate them to take action. I also plan to strengthen existing partnerships and enter into new collaborations with organisations and companies that pursue similar sustainability goals. Together we can achieve a greater impact and utilise synergies.
Are there any specific projects that you are already planning for CERVO in the near future?
At CERVO, we are currently planning further significant projects in India in collaboration with Water is Right. These future initiatives will focus on developing and implementing sustainable water supply solutions in various communities.
Our partnership with Water is Right allows us to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of many people by providing them with access to clean drinking water and supporting local development. I look forward to seeing the next steps and progress of these important projects.
What challenges do you see in the implementation of sustainability projects in the hotel/tourism industry?
One of the challenges in implementing sustainability projects in the hospitality and tourism sector is to introduce sustainable practices without compromising the expectations of luxury and comfort associated with a 5-star standard. Many people are traditionally attuned to certain standards and services, which makes it challenging to challenge these habits and beliefs and integrate sustainable alternatives.
It is important to convince both guests and employees through education that sustainable practices are not only necessary but also enriching for the hotel experience or tourism. Furthermore, sustainability in the hospitality industry requires collaboration with sustainable suppliers and partners. The selection of suppliers that offer environmentally friendly products and services is often complex and may require a reorganisation of existing supply chains.
CERVO would not be where it is now without the employees. How do you want to promote employee awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives?
We have introduced the Green Ambassador programme to promote awareness and employee participation in sustainability initiatives. We are looking for committed individuals from each department to help us drive progress and change in their respective areas. These Green Ambassadors act as ambassadors for sustainability and inspire their colleagues to actively participate in CERVO's sustainability goals.
Through training and regular meetings, we ensure that our Ambassadors are well informed and have the necessary resources to promote sustainable practices within their area of work. We actively encourage and support their ideas and suggestions to improve the resort's sustainability performance. By actively engaging employees and valuing their opinions and ideas, together we can ensure that CERVO continues to build on its position as a sustainability leader.
What is your vision for the future of CERVO in the area of sustainability?
My vision for the future of CERVO in the area of sustainability is that we continue to establish ourselves as a leading example of sustainable tourism. We strive not only to minimise the environmental impact of our operations, but also to make a positive social and economic contribution to our community and the region.
In concrete terms, this means that we want to continuously expand our sustainability efforts in various areas. We want to improve our resource efficiency by reducing our consumption of energy, water and other materials and increasing our use of renewable energy.
In addition, we strive to assume comprehensive social responsibility by ensuring fair working conditions, supporting local communities and promoting cultural diversity. We want to offer our guests an authentic yet sustainable experience that inspires them and encourages conscious travel behaviour. Our Green Ambassador programme also plays an important role in this by strengthening the participation of our employees in our sustainability goals and actively promoting their ideas and innovations.
We strive to create an environment where sustainability is not just an obligation, but an integral part of our identity and success as a resort. Ultimately, it is my vision that CERVO serves as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and has a positive impact on the entire industry through our initiative and innovation.
Further information on the topic of sustainability at CERVO
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