Tannerhof & Sustainability
Economy for the Common Good
Economy for the Common Good
"Our current economic system stands on its head. Money has become an end in itself, instead of a means to what truly counts: a good life for all."
— Christian Felber
The Economy for the Common Good sets out an ethical economic model in which the well-being of people and the environment becomes the highest aim of economic activity. In 2019, together with two other organic hotels, we produced our first Common Good Compact Balance Sheet as part of a peer evaluation. Points are awarded (on a scale from −3500 to +1000) across criteria such as respect for human dignity, solidarity and justice, ecological sustainability, and transparency and shared decision-making.
Our thoughts on the Economy for the Common Good, certifications, and EmpCo
In 2023 and 2024 we took the next step — our first (and more demanding) audited Full Common Good Balance Sheet. Once again together with our friends from Biohotel Villa Orange in Frankfurt, and with Sandra Wacker from Helden Atelier as our certified Common Good consultant.
Our first full post-Covid year, 2022, was certified — and we are delighted with an honest result of 404 points.
We went through these two certifications out of curiosity. For our own life experience. For food for thought. Not because we had to. It was an exercise in diligence.
What we do
Food & Beverage
- At least 80% organic food and beverages, despite the conclusion of our own organic certification with ABCert on December 31, 2026.
- When we do use conventional products, we prioritize regional sourcing and ensure we know how they were produced.
- A small selection of classic non-organic bar drinks, such as Campari, will be available
- Resource-efficient and waste-reducing; no excessive buffets and carefully selected daily menus.
- Vegetarian dinner menu twice a week.
- We are supporters of SLOW FOOD
- Small outdoor garden and greenhouse for special herbs, our own vegetables (as an add-on), and flowers
- Happy "house" animals including 2 Highland cattle, runner ducks, and silkie chickens
Architecture
- Towers: Building upwards to reduce land sealing
- Wood as a building material
- natural insulation
Waste
- Waste separation
- Waste prevention
- Plastic reduction
Materials & products
- Solid wood furniture, solid wood flooring
- Natural stone
- Linen, cotton, minimal synthetics
- Certified natural cosmetics
- Organic certified soaps and shampoos from Marias in Salzburg, refill containers
- Ecological cleaning agents from Sodasan
Energy
- Wood chip heating system
- 100% green electricity from renewable sources by Polarstern.
- In-house PV power, approx. 200 kWp by early 2027
- E-mobility, charging stations for our guests
- CO2 emissions per overnight stay in 2022: 14.2 kg; we don't buy our way out - we want to improve ourselves
- Use of electric vehicles for housekeeping and as a hotel fleet.
Upcycling
- vintage or retro furniture
- a former colonial goods store converted into the Tannerhof Bar
- purchasing, restoring, and installing historic tiles
- an old hay barn from the Alpbachtal valley becomes the most beautiful ski and bike shed
Last but not least: Social sustainability
- Minimum wage at Tannerhof is 16 euros
- Our employees should be able to make a living from their full-time jobs
- A custom pay structure that rewards personal commitment and the courage to take on responsibility
- No gender pay gap
- Flexible working hours
- Approx. 80 employees from 14 nations
- No seasonal staff
