SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

SUSTAINABILITY

1. WHAT SUSTAINABILITY MEANS TO US

"The basic idea that people on this planet should live in such a way that the needs of the present are met without risking that future generations cannot meet their own needs." – Dr. Volker Hauff

This goal also guides HOTEL ZOO BERLIN in its sustainability efforts.

We consider sustainability and environmental protection our duty and strive to act responsibly with all resources. That is why we have actively chosen to pursue certification by Green Globe. Continuous improvement and transparent monitoring of our efforts are key criteria. Green Globe is a globally recognized certification program that honors tourism and event businesses with a focus on responsible resource use.

Based on Agenda 21 and the UN’s sustainable development principles, the Green Globe Certification Standard represents the world’s leading sustainability symbol in tourism.

Learn more at www.greenglobe.com.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR US MEANS:

  • ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY

  • ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

2. THE HOTEL – THEN & NOW

If the walls of HOTEL ZOO BERLIN at Kurfürstendamm 25 could speak, they would tell stories of a magnificent boulevard and a building that began as a private residence in the late 19th century. They would speak of Berthold Brecht walking by, the hotel's opening in 1911, glamorous parties of the 1920s, stars, progress, decadence, destruction, and rebuilding.

In the post-war years, Kurfürstendamm became the international cinema boulevard. The hotel hosted stars such as Romy Schneider, Grace Kelly, Gina Lollobrigida, and more during the Berlinale from 1950 to 1970.

In 2005, Manfred Weingärtner and Robert Hübner acquired the building. After renovations beginning in 2012, HOTEL ZOO BERLIN reopened in November 2014. Designer Dayna Lee from Powerstrip Studios preserved the historic character while creating a townhouse ambiance combining New York and London elegance.

Notable features include a jade green leopard-patterned carpet by Diane von Fürstenberg and custom-made furniture. The heart of the hotel is a seven-meter-high living room with restored 120-year-old brick walls.

All 141 rooms and suites are uniquely designed, many with exposed brickwork from 1891 restored by Studio Babelsberg's Art Department. The combination of historic and new elements is seamless.

3. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

We value politeness, openness, and friendliness towards guests and among colleagues. Every guest, colleague, and supplier is treated with respect regardless of background, belief, gender, age, or sexual identity.

Discriminatory behavior is not tolerated and will lead to disciplinary action. The acceptance of gifts is limited to tokens of appreciation that do not influence future actions.

We also support social causes: lost property not claimed will be donated to charity.

4. ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY

Our goals: high quality and responsible interaction with guests, staff, and suppliers.

For guests:

  • Equipment is well-maintained

  • Cleanliness and hygiene are essential

  • Staff are trained in HACCP

  • Continuous training in safety, product knowledge, culture, and quality

  • Guest feedback is encouraged and taken seriously

For employees:

  • Compliance with labor laws

  • Welcome materials and training days

  • Free staff meals with healthy options

  • Free uniform cleaning

  • Internal communications (Town Hall)

  • Recognition of milestones and birthdays

  • Apprenticeship program with high retention aim

  • Two annual staff events

  • 27–30 vacation days

  • Subsidized BVG ticket or bike leasing

  • Discounts for hotel stays and F&B outlets

For suppliers:

  • Long-term partnerships

  • Contractual agreements and quality control

  • Consolidated orders to reduce deliveries

5. ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY – SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

Water:

  • Partnership with eco-conscious laundry service

  • Guests encouraged to reuse linens and towels

  • Water usage monitored; goals set based on experience

Waste:

  • Strict recycling (plastic, glass, organic, residual, paper)

  • Special waste disposed separately

  • Reduced packaging through preferred suppliers

  • Reusable amenities and biodegradable packaging

  • No bin liners in guest rooms

  • Bamboo toothbrushes since 2024

  • Waste officer appointed; target to return to 2019 levels by end of 2024

Energy:

  • Dimmable, timer-controlled lighting

  • Devices turned off in unoccupied rooms

  • Centralized, guest-controlled air conditioning

  • Green roof for rainwater retention and temperature balance

  • Heat recovery ventilation

  • Continued energy savings planned

Purchasing Policy:

  • Fair long-term contracts

  • Shared department orders

  • Preference for local, CO2-neutral suppliers with reusable packaging

Digitalization:

  • Paperless booking, check-in/out, invoicing, and accounting

  • Housekeeping and maintenance via RoomChecking App

  • iPads for F&B service; digital tickets

  • Remote work options

  • Tip payments via QR code (Tippie app)

Mobility & Local Engagement:

  • Concierge tips and city tours for new staff

  • Free guest bikes

  • Domestic business travel by train

  • Subsidized public transport and bike leasing

Administrative Measures:

  • Minimal printing

  • Reuse of single-sided paper

  • Default double-sided black-and-white printing

6. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

While Green Globe certification is a step forward, we aim to improve further, adding value for our business, the environment, and society.

Our goals:

  • Reduce water consumption to 2019 levels by 2026

  • Cut CO2 emissions by 5% in 2024 and 10% long-term

  • Return waste volume to 2019 level by 2026

  • Audit suppliers for sustainability in 2025

  • Evaluate and adapt product choices for sustainability