Corporate Social Responsibility REPORT 2025
Dear Reader,
It is with great pleasure that we present to you the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne Sustainability Report - an embodiment of our commitment to harmonising opulence and responsibility At a time when environmental awareness and ethical considerations are paramount, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne has developed a compelling vision for sustainable luxury This report is a testament to our unwavering commitment to minimising our environmental footprint, promoting social well-being and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future
As a renowned luxury hotel, we recognise the unique responsibility we have in redefining hospitality standards
In addition to providing unrivalled experiences, we aim to cultivate a culture of sustainability that not only preserves the natural beauty of our property’s surroundings, bus also enriches the lives of our guests, employees and the communities we interact with. This report summarises the innovative initiatives, progressive practices and tangible results we have achieved over the past year as we move towards a more sustainable and conscientious future.
A special thank you to all those who are part of this journey - whether as employees, partners or valued guests. Your support is what motivates us to continue finding innovative ways to integrate sustainable practices into all areas of our business.
Thank you for your support, interest and trust
With sustainable greetings,
Alain Kropf General Manager
Portrait
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne, is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland Our historic hotel boasts a modern twist, blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, the hotel offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere
The Spa du Royal is a must-visit, offering a range of treatments and services to help guests unwind and relax From its rooftop terrace, the Skylounge, to its renowned Brasserie, grandiose architecture, and impeccable service, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne offers an unforgettable experience that truly embodies the best of Swiss hospitality
FACTS & FIGURES
Founded in 1909, beautifully restored and located in elegant
196 rooms and suites, from 28 m² to 345 m²
Exclusive Cigar Lounge with a refined selection of cigars & spirits
Lobby Lounge Bar with signature cocktails
360° panoramic SkyLounge open all year with seasonal concepts
14/20 GaultMillau points for the Brasserie du Royal
1,200 m² of event space including the 570 m² Salon Royal ballroom
Just steps from Lake Léman and the Ouchy district
Art Nouveau style in Lausanne
History & Heritage
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne has a rich history that dates back to 1906
The creation of the "Société de l'Hôtel Royal"
Construction of L'Hôtel Royal The construction of the curent building thats stands today
The first opening of the brand new l'Hôtel Royal.
The famous poem 'Les Roses' was written by Rainer Maria Rilke whils staying at l'Hôtel Royal between August 30th and September 20th, 1926.
First major renovations take place between 1929 and 1930.
The royal takeover
The Spanish royal family took residence from 1939-1945 during exile. The King of Thailand also spent his young years at the hotel
The Royal Savoy is born
The Hotel Savoy, another local hotel got converted into a school l'Hôtel Royal took the name and furniture from the hotel and so The Hotel Royal Savoy is born.
The Hotel Royal-Savoy was put up for sale and was later purchased by Mr Carlo de Mercurio and Nestlé Renovations took place over three years, with investments of 8.5 million CHF, and the hotel reopened in 1981 It was later purchased by real estate developer Bernard Nicod and his cousin Mima Tavel
The Hotel Royal Savoy and building became notified as a historical landmark
More Royal visits Queen Fabiola of Belgium vists the hotel
The sale of Hotel Royal Savoy The property becomes fully owned by the Qatari Diar Real Estate company and closes for renovation in 2010
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne. The property reopens with a major refubishment and it looks how it does today
Affiliations & Memberships
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne is part of The Bürgenstock Collection, one of the largest luxury hotel groups in Switzerland
The Collection operates extremely elegant hotels and residences which, with a total of 678 guest rooms and 67 residence suites, more than fulfil the demands of the upper luxury class The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa and the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne delight guests from all over the world with their rich heritage, elegant yet contemporary design, leading spas and excellent culinary offerings At the same time, they remain true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, service and discretion down to the last detail
The hotel is also a member of the global alliance of luxury hotels: The Leading Hotels of the World andv Virtuoso, a global luxury travel network, that connects the world’s best luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and travel advisors.
Falstaff Hotel Guide 95 / 100 Points
La Brasserie du Royal 14 Points
La Brasserie du Royal Wine Spectator: 2 glasses
Karl Wild Hotelrating Switzerland 100 best hotels Switzerland, 18th place Die 20 besten Stadthotels der Schweiz
La Brasserie du Royal “ Label Fait Maison ”
Vaud Ambassadeur, since september 2025
Corporate Philosophy
OUR VISION
Best place to be and to work!
MISSION
We live Swiss elegance and let our guests experience it with timeless charm, contemporary comfort, and warm hospitality.
CORPORATE VALUES
Elegant We embody timeless Swiss hospitality, combining tradition and modernity with style and grace. Every detail matters in creating memorable moments for our guests
Excellence We set the highest standards in everything we do We anticipate needs, deliver beyond expectations, and continuously refine our craft
Passionate We live hospitality with heart and dedication Our enthusiasm, warmth, and commitment bring energy to our work and joy to our guests
Responsible We act with care for our guests, our colleagues, and our environment We think ahead, act sustainably, and support each other across all departments
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
General Manager
Director of Operations
IT Manager
Head of Engineering
SIBE
Duty Manager
Cluster Director Sales
Cluster Revenue Manager
Marketing Manager
Finance Manager
HR Manager
Front Office Manager
Spa Manager
Housekeeping Manager
F&B Manager
Executive Chef
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility is the social responsibility of a company It involves responsible behaviour towards employees, numerous stakeholders, the local community and the environment Good CSR management should not only comply with legal requirements but also go beyond them
CSR is a company's concrete contribution to sustainable development.
AT THE ROYAL SAVOY HOTEL & SPA LAUSANNE, ALL THREE DIMENSIONS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT:
As an exemplary employer, we invest significantly in the satisfaction, development, safety and health of our employees
We fulfill our social responsibility in the market and are committed to the well-being of our fellow human beings
We are actively committed to global climate protection and invest in internal resource and energy efficiency
Stakeholders
CITY OF LAUSANNE
A pioneer in sustainability, is implementing its Agenda 21 to combine environmental quality, social inclusion and a healthy economy.
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION HOTELLERIESUISSE
The association HotellerieSuisse is a co-signatory of the Sustainability Charter of Swiss Tourism and therefore attaches great importance to the topic In this complex situation, HotellerieSuisse has drawn up an overview of sustainability from the perspective of the hotel industry. The Sustainability Compass highlights economic, social and ecological aspects from the perspective of the hotel industry
OUR OWNER
Since 2009, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne is owned by Katara Hospitality
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS
The Royal Savoy maintains a very close and open exchange with its suppliers and has maintained partnerships for many years They have a very high value for the sustainable development of the hotel
OUR EMPLOYEES
Our employees appreciate our efforts and continue to develop our CSR management on a daily basis
OUR GUESTS
It is not only resource or material efficiency potentials that speak for our CSR commitment, but also the growing need and demand from our guests for sustainable tourism services
Our Team
People behind the brand.
This field of action deals with all aspects of our employees They are our most important asset, indeed the soul of the hotel We believe in equal opportunity and fair treatment We are committed to helping all employees find healthy work-life balance, and we want to create a working environment in which our employees can develop, feel comfortable, are encouraged, and stay healthy and happy
EMPLOYEES
OMPANY FOR OVER 5 YEARS
37 % UNDER 30 YEARS OLD
20 % SWISS CITIZENS
NATIONALITIES
Employee Satisfaction
ON-BOARDING
At the monthly orientation days, various topics relating to working at the Royal Savoy, such as sustainability, safety training and HR-related matters, are presented to all new starters. In addition to administrative information, the focus is set on getting to know current and new employees The induction day is completed with a lunch together in the Jack’s Brasserie and a tour of the hotel
COMMUNICATION
Internal communication is managed via Beekeeper Beekeeper is an App that all employees have access to and where they can post news. Thanks to this app, employees have the opportunity to communicate with management and their teams to share ideas and feedback
A 'Great Place to Work' is a place where you trust the people you work for, you are proud of what you do and enjoy working with others.
MEET OUR PARTNER
Beekeeper is a team communication App that provides real-time communication to all employees, even without PC workstation Internal teams benefit from secure messaging, content management, chatbots, employee engagement analytics, employee survey, etc Work processes become simpler, more efficient and more digital
For Our Team
Special occasions are written in capital letters for us
WORK ANNIVERSARY
As a thank you for the valuable cooperation and loyalty, we reward permanent employment of more than 5 years with a personalised gift After 10 years, the employee also receives a week's holiday
HEALTH & WELLNESS
At Royal Savoy, we believe a healthy team is a happy team. That’s why we offer regular sports courses and wellness sessions for our employees, from yoga and pilates to group fitness classes In addition, our staff can enjoy free access to the Spa du Royal every morning until 9a m , allowing them to start the day feeling relaxed, energized, and ready to shine.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Each year, we bring our team together for a festive Christmas party It’s a moment to celebrate everyone’s hard work, enjoy great food and laughter, and strengthen the bonds that make Royal Savoy such a special place to work.
SUMMER PARTY
In the summer, our team comes together for a garden BBQ, enjoying good food, sunshine, and each other’s company It’s a relaxed way to celebrate our teamwork, connect across departments, and make memories outside of the workplace.
Benefits & Discounts
Employees are entitled to the following benefits and privileges:
Sport classes at very affordable rate Free access to the Spa du Royal & Fitness from 7am to 9am
30 %
EMPLOYEEDISCOUNT
Lausanne City Employee Card
Sport Classes Staff
VARIOUS DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN SHOPS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN LAUSANNE IN HOTELSCHWEIZERHOF BERN & SPA UPON STARTING IN THE TEAM
1 Overnight Stay ON SPA AND F&B in all Bürgenstock Collection Hotels A CUSTOMISABLE BENEFITSPLATFORM THAT GIVES EMPLOYEES PREFERENTIAL CONDITIONS IN THE 3 HOTELS OF BÜRGENSTOCK COLLECTION
u. a.including permanent discounts with 150 Top-Partners
16 Weeks
MATERNITY LEAVE
Rate
Development
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Internal and external training courses such as safety, fire protection, leadership and CSR are regularly organised for all employees Department-specific training and development programmes are also offered The company also contributes financially to further training courses requested by employees and makes these possible through customised duty scheduling
The topic of further education and training is very important Every year, a certain amount is budgeted for this in all departments Support is provided for everything from one-day courses and language schools to entire degree programmes It is possible to take up a part-time or sharing position in any area and function In 2023, 79% of our employees worked full-time and 21% part-time
TALENT PROGRAMME - EHL
Our focus is on the recruitment, retention
INTERNSHIP & APPRENTICESHIPS
Health & Safety
CORPORATE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Corporate Health Management covers all measures taken by employers and employees to improve health and well-being in the workplace At the Royal Savoy, we attach great importance to raising awareness safety and security, as well as accident prevention Various positions are also offered on a part-time basis, and working hours have been organised in such way that our managers can guarantee our employees sufficient rest when planing their schedules In the event of an extended absence, the HR team supports the employee in all matters and actively assists them in returning to work so that a positive return can be guaranteed
WORK SAFETY
The work safety is a high priority All employees receive a full safety training on their on-boarding day, during which various scenarios and according suitable measures are discussed and learnt Once a year, an evacuation drill is carried out throughout the building
In addition, our safety officer organises several training courses each year on various topics such as safety in the workplace, first aid, health protection, ergonomics in the workplace, and the safe handling of chemicals Based on their role and department, the employees are assigned to attend these training throughout the year
Environment
'The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.'
PAULO COELHO, AUTHOR
This field of action deals with ecologically responsible action Energy and resource efficiency, recycling and climate protection are just a few aspects of this extremely broad topic Economic value creation always entails ecological damage at the same time Therefore, it is indispensable to always take the environmental factor into account in one's engagement
Certifications
GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION
The desire to consistently implement sustainability in the Bürgenstock Collection came from various parties in 2022: the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Collection, all three General Managers and the Group Purchasing Director were all of the opinion that sustainability was a topic of growing importance and that a joint approach would benefit the Collection. After thorough research into the various certifications available for Sustainability in the hotel industry, it was decided that all three hotels would work towards a Green Globe certification in 2023 The reasons for choosing Green Globe were varied and numerous but above all, it is its international implementation and recognition that convinced us.
SWISSTAINABLE
When the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne joined the Swisstainable program in 2023, we were very proud to already meet the criteria for a 'Level II - engaged' certificate In the following years, we continued to work on our footprint and expanded our commitment to sustainability In 2023, we achieved a new 'Level IIIleading' certificate from Swisstainable thanks to our Green Globe certification Out of 2'581 companies participating in the Swisstainable program, only 284 have reached Level III yet, and we are proud to be among the 110 hotels listed in the highest category
LEADING
HOTELS OF THE WORLD
By joining Leading Hotels of the World in October 2022
the Royal Savoy Lausanne proudly became part of one of the world’s most prestigious collections of independent luxury hotels This partnership recognizes our commitment to exceptional hospitality, distinctive character, and the highest standards of quality. As part of LHW’s exclusive network of over 400 remarkable properties, we share our unique Swiss elegance with discerning travelers from around the globe
MEET OUR PARTNER
With over 30 years experience, Green Globe has grown to become the world's leading certification for sustainable operations and management of travel and tourism worldwide Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers and attractions around the world
MEET OUR PARTNER
Swisstainable is a Swiss Sustainability program from the tourism industry for the tourism industry
The focus is on the sustainable development of Switzerland as a tourist destination
The program is divided into three levels, which take into consideration the different requirements and the degree of sustainable commitment
MEET OUR PARTNER
Leading Hotels of the World is a prestigious collection of independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries. Founded in 1928, it is dedicated to exceptional and authentic hospitality As a hotel partner, we join an exclusive network that upholds the highest standards, offers global visibility, and connects with discerning travelers seeking unique, memorable stays
District Heating & Cooling & LED Lighting
DISTRICT HEATING & COOLING
The Royal Savoy Lausanne does not require fossil or gas for its cooling and heating, but utilises district heating and cooling for its heating and cooling, but instead uses district heating and cooling provided by the Services Industriels de Lausanne (SIL)
District heating means that the heat is not generated onsite, but produced in a centralized plant and delivered through a pipeline network This heat often comes from surplus energy, such as waste incineration or combined heat and power plants District cooling offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning, converting surplus heat into cooling energy through absorption chillers
LED LIGHTING
During the 5 last years, the Royal Savoy Lausanne has carried out a complete transformation of its lighting with a focus on energy efficiency. The upgrade began behind the scenes in staff corridors, offices, and storage areas before moving into guest rooms and public spaces Step by step, traditional bulbs were replaced with LED technology, motion sensors were added to reduce unnecessary use, and automatic timers were programmed to switch lights off when not needed. Completed in 2023, this project now ensures that every corner of the hotel is lit entirely by LEDs, lowering energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable future
Waste & Recycling
At the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa, we work closely
WEEKLY MENU
At the Brasserie du Royal, weekly menus are carefully crafted to reflect the best seasonal produce They change every week, giving our chefs the opportunity to highlight fresh ingredients at their peak, from crisp spring vegetables to earthy autumn flavors. Seasonal inspiration is central to our culinary philosophy, allowing us to create dishes that are both innovative and rooted in the natural rhythm of the year Our chefs also place great importance on minimizing food waste: ingredients from the previous week’s menu are thoughtfully transformed into special dishes or included in our daily offerings, ensuring nothing goes to waste while delivering fresh and creative options for our guests
PLASTIC BOTTLES
Over the past year, one of our key sustainability goals has been to reduce PET bottle usage throughout the hotel We are proud to share that today, plastic bottles have been removed from nearly all of our operations Only a limited selection remains at the breakfast buffet, where every bottle is carefully collected and recycled. This achievement marks an important step toward minimizing single-use plastics and protecting the environment
WATER DISPENSER
To reduce the numerous plastic bottles that were
SOAP
Since 2017, we are partners of SapoCycle and
MEET OUR PARTNER
SapoCycle is a non-profit organisation that collects discarded soaps in European hotels, reprocesses them and distributes the recycled soaps to improve sanitary conditions of children and families in need
Sustainable Purchasing
Sustainable products are those that benefit the society, the environment and the economy over their entire life cycle - from raw material extraction to disposal - while protecting human health and the environment Up until now, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa has focussed on sustainable products, particularly in the kitchen In 2023, this focus was expanded; changes at collection level were introduced in various directions and in all departments
HOUSEKEEPING - CLEANING & WASHING PRODUCTS
After testing various lines of sustainable cleaning products with their team, the Collection's Housekeeping Managers decided in favour of the Maya Line from Steinfels Swiss, and so our entire range of cleaning and laundry products was converted With Maya products, Steinfels Swiss ensures professional cleanliness and hygiene - and at the same time takes care of the environment: they ensure that water, soil and air remain intact and that people, animals and plants are not harmed
The Swiss ecological standard goes further than any EU standard, which is why all Maya products undergo the 'OECD Test 302 B extended' test procedure It is crucial for making statements about biodegradability and non-toxicity to sewage sludge bacteria All Maya products are readily biodegradable, free of environmentally critical ingredients and VOC-free
steinfels-swiss ch
CERTIFIED COFFEE
Following the same train of thought, a change of coffee beans was initiated in 2023 and finalised for the new year Together with our coffee supplier Rast Kaffee, which produces our own Bürgenstock Collection coffee beans, our Group Purchasing Director looked for a more sustainable option This led to the project to have the Bürgenstock coffees certified by the Rainforest Alliance. This project was completed at the end of the year and the coffee at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa has been Rainforest Alliance-certified since January 2024
The Rainforest Alliance certification seal means that the product has been produced by farmers, foresters and/or companies that work together to create a world in which people and nature thrive in harmony
rainforest-alliance org
LA BRASSERIE DU ROYAL: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL GASTRONOMY
Located in the heart of the Royal Savoy Lausanne, La Brasserie du Royal combines timeless elegance with contemporary French-inspired cuisine Led by Executive Chef Nicolas Diégues, the restaurant offers a refined culinary experience that highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
All of our suppliers are local, making this our most significant action toward food and beverage sustainability By working closely with producers in our region, we ensure the freshest, highest-quality ingredients while supporting the local economy and reducing the environmental impact associated with longdistance food transport
Each dish is crafted with care and passion, inviting guests to discover the authentic flavors of Lausanne and the surrounding region
Vaud is a canton celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and a community deeply connected to nature and its bountiful produce Chef Nicolas Diégues embodies this spirit, passionately championing local ingredients and the artisans behind them He regularly visits the farmers and producers who supply the Royal Savoy Lausanne, building personal relationships and gaining firsthand knowledge of their practices Whether it's the farmer cultivating fresh herbs or the local cheesemaker perfecting their craft, Chef Diégues's enthusiasm and respect for these collaborations shine through in every dish he creates
Nicolas Diegues Chef of La Brasserie du Royal
Celebrating local producers also means supporting smaller businesses, such as Boulangerie Bread Store, located just around the corner Founded by Thomas Marie, a former Senior Lecturer at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne and awarded "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in 2007, the bakery specializes in handcrafted breads made with natural fermentation and regional ingredients
Society & Market
This area of activity includes maintaining relationships with our external stakeholders Topics such as social engagement, donations, corporate volunteering and cooperations in the Lausanne market are part of this commitment
Social Engagement
LA LEGION DU COEUR
For over 20 years, families of sick children have found a temporary home at the Ronald McDonald House Bern near the paediatric clinic of the Inselspital in Bern Once a year, since 2016 already, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa hosts the Kids Party: a fun day with musicians and artists on our Bel Etage In 2023, we welcomed Andrew Bond for a concert with a guest appearance from the Zollikofen School for the Blind We are very proud that the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is part of this charity event
VEVEY SPRING CLASSIC
Swiss Paralympic is the national committee for elite sport for people with a physical or visual disability The foundation selects top Swiss athletes for the Paralympics, World and European Championships The Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is a partner of Swiss Paralympic and hosts the annual Swiss Paralympic Night, where the most successful para-athletes of the year are honoured for their medals and achievements
LES RENCONTRES DU ROYAL
Since 2022, the Ladies Lunch has been held at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa in aid of a charitable organisation In 2023, donations were collected for the Make-A-Wish Switzerland organisation for sick children to make their dreams come true In November, 150 women from various industries came together and enjoyed the socialising, the three-course meal and the lively conversations Thanks to sponsors, a remarkable sum was raised The event series will continue in 2024
PRO NATURA MEMBERSHIP
The hotel has been a Plus member of Pro Natura Bern since 2023 As a supporting member, we contribute to the maintenance of nature reserves and the protection of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes Thanks to our membership, we receive the ProNatura magazine every quarter, which is then available for everyone to read in the staff canteen Our employees visit both ProNatura centres free of charge and enjoy various benefits on site
Perspectives
We would now like to look ahead and give you an outlook on our future initiatives and goals
This report does not mark the end of our journey, but rather a milestone on our path to a more sustainable future
When we made our commitment to sustainability, we not only took on a responsibility, but also developed a vision for the years ahead
Our future actions are guided by the conviction that sustainable business practices and social responsibility are not only compatible, but can strengthen each other
Sustainability Plan 2026
At the end of the year, it's nice to look back and take a moment to reflect on all these great achievements With the new year comes new opportunities: Opportunities to change things; to do more, differently and better
With this in mind, the Green Leaders have drawn up a sustainability plan for the Bürgenstock Collection for the year 2024 This plan contains three main focal points.
FOOD WASTE REDUCTION
Combating food waste is not only a corporate duty, but also a moral responsibility towards our society and our planet In order to combat food waste effectively, it is essential to have precise knowledge of the causes and patterns In the coming years, we will intensify our efforts to create a transparent inventory of the entire food supply cycle in order to understand exactly where and why food is wasted in our country
IN-ROOM AMENITIES: REMOVE, REPLACE, RECYCLE.
“Remove” means actively eliminating unnecessary and harmful impacts on the environment and society. We will focus intensively on eliminating single-use plastics in guest rooms, using dispensers only when needed, and providing amenities only upon request in close collaboration with Housekeeping Sheet and towel changes will also be done on demand, asking our guests if daily cleaning is necessary, thereby reducing water and energy consumption
Our vision is to become a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, promoting recyclable materials, expanding recycling programs, and driving innovative solutions to ensure that products and packaging can be meaningfully recycled at the end of their life cycle.
3
A CLEAR PATH TOWARDS CLIMATE NEUTRALITY
Here, we will review and improve internal processes and focus on compensating for unavoidable emissions through CO2 neutralisation projects We will also intensify our efforts to minimise CO2 emissions in our supply chain Through partnerships with suppliers who pursue similarly ambitious sustainability goals, we will ensure that our products and services are developed and provided with environmental aspects in mind
Epilogue
There is still a lot to do With a lot of heart and courage, we are moving forward into the future of the innovative, sustainable luxury hotel industry
In this spirit, I would like to thank our partners and our employees who helped with the CSR-Report of the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne
We look forward to welcoming you as our guest and inspire you
Sincerely,
Alain Kropf and the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne Team
