Geiranger is a small village with approximately 230 permanent residents. It has a school offering grades 1 through 10, a kindergarten, and a care home. Tourism is by far the largest industry in the village, and during the summer months, the population increases significantly due to the seasonal workers who come to Geiranger for employment. The hotel is the largest workplace in the area and one of the few companies offering year-round employment. We take pride in being a cornerstone company and work continuously with other businesses and stakeholders in the village to create a vibrant community year-round, develop the village in a more sustainable direction, and transform Geiranger into a destination for all seasons.
At Hotel Union Geiranger, sustainability is a core value, perfectly aligned with our passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Located in the heart of the Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage area, we share a collective responsibility to preserve the natural environment, culture, and community around us. Here are some of the initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability:
Environmental Certification by Eco-Lighthouse
Hotel Union Geiranger is proudly certified as an Eco-Lighthouse, meeting strict environmental standards for energy efficiency, waste management, and workplace environment. Through continuous development and evaluation, we stay ahead with sustainable solutions.
Strengthening the Local Community
We believe in the importance of a thriving local community. To ensure that employees have a safe and comfortable place to live, we built a residential complex with 24 modern apartments in 2022. This project makes working and living in Geiranger more attractive.
Additionally, we focus on recruiting employees with families, creating a foundation for stability and growth in the local area.
Innovative Cleaning Solutions
To reduce chemical use, we introduced ozone water for cleaning across the hotel. This technology is both effective and environmentally friendly, significantly lowering our ecological footprint. Ozone water is a fast-acting and efficient cleaning and disinfecting solution, where tiny amounts of ozone are mixed with water. This process provides a powerful tool for eliminating bacteria without harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, which can be detrimental to humans, animals, and the environment.
Reducing Food Waste
Food waste is one of the biggest challenges in the hospitality and restaurant industries. We focus on minimizing waste through careful planning, creative cooking, and diligent follow-up. Unused food is redirected to another important initiative.
Composting Facility for Food Waste
The hotel operates a large composting facility that transforms food waste into soil. This helps close the loop in food production and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. The soil produced is used in local projects and gardening.
Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Hotel Union Geiranger actively supports and works towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through our initiatives focused on climate, environment, community, and responsible consumption, we strive to contribute to these global objectives.
A Sustainable Future
We view sustainability as a shared responsibility for the future. Through these initiatives and many more, we work continuously to ensure that Hotel Union Geiranger is a positive force for the environment, local community, and our guests. We hope that as our guest, you feel inspired to join us on this journey.
Welcome to a sustainable stay with us!