Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Denmark
A large green wall integrated into the Third Climate Zone helps create a good microclimate, thanks to the plants’ natural ability to freshen the air, stabilise humidity levels and cool the space in summer time.
Hotel of the Month, Denmark
Small island – big thoughts Bornholm might be a small island, but it is big on green technology and sustainability, and nowhere is that more evident than at Green Solution House. However, it is not just the hotel and conference centre’s innovative green solutions that attract awards and nominations, but also its seasonal kitchen, comfortable rooms and healthy work environment. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Green Solution House
In 2007, aboard a business development cruise around Bornholm, Trine Richter had an idea. She wanted to create a conference centre that would showcase all the newest and most ambitious initiatives within green technology and sustainability. A year later, the idea had turned into a plan to transform the old Hotel Ryttergaarden in Rønne into one of the world’s eco-friendliest hospitality venues. Fast-forward to 2015, seven years and 85 million DKK later, and Green Solution House has opened its doors presenting innovative green solutions in every area from construction materials, energy production, waste management and landscaping. “We wanted the best building possible, one that would contribute to the health of both people and nature. Therefore, 78 | Issue 83 | December 2015
we have carefully integrated high-quality materials – recycled, recyclable, regenerative, active and local – and we have integrated systems and processes that generate energy, save energy, monitor energy and circulate fresh air and clean water by utilising nature’s own processes, emerging technologies and trusted solutions,” explains Richter, who is today director of the house.
The project, which started out under Business Center Bornholm, is now privately owned by CEM’s Fond (a fund set up by Carl Edvard Mogensen, the former owner of Hotel Ryttergården), but has been adopted by all of Bornholm with thousands of locals visiting for a tour.
Sustainably delicious Predictably, Green Solution House’s restaurant is also firmly centred on sustainability principles, sourcing only local or organic seasonal produce. This, however, has not limited the creativity of head chef Kasper Beyer. On the contrary, his team and the restaurant were awarded an impressive two stars by Den Danske Spiseguide this autumn, which rates the best eateries in Denmark. “Of course we had hoped to be included in the guide, but the fact that we have been awarded two stars is a positive surprise, which we are very humble about,” says Beyer and adds: “Our kitchen almost exclusively uses produce from Bornholm and organic produce from the rest of Denmark, and at the same time we keep the menu small to avoid any food waste.