Global Solar Hotel Network Launch (31 August, 2011)
The Global Solar Hotel Network was successfully launched via a seminar
and networking event held in Küssnacht am Rigi
in Switzerland. About 35 people attended the launch, including hoteliers and
people working in tourism, all interested in improving their establishments’
energy balance by using solar powered technologies.
Several speakers presented at the event, including sustainable tourism specialist Julianna Priskin and energy experts Michael Lutz and Jules Pikali. These speakers detailed the importance of implementing energy efficiency measures and switching to renewable energy by the hospitality sector, and outlined the many government grants and initiatives currently available in Switzerland. As proof that solar powered technologies really do make business sense, hotelier and venue host, Roman Schlömmer of Restaurant-Hotel Frohsinn also described in great precision using monthly cost and saving figures, how his establishment uses solar powered hot water. Solar pioneer and UNEP Champion of the Earth Louis Palmer reminded attendees of the importance to switch to renewable energy use in the tourism sector, and consider coupling this with electric mobility. He offered interesting examples for inspiration, including the Alpmobil initiative from the Grimsel Region of Switzerland.
The afternoon was finished with a lively discussion, and a nice aperitif (thanks to Küssnacht Energie
Stadt Programme). Several attendees also had the pleasure to ride in the famous Solartaxi, and climb to the rooftop of the hotel, where Roman Schlömmer
proudly showed everyone his hotel's solar powered hot water system.
Read press articles from the following Swiss publications (all in German)
Julianna Priskin talks about sustainability in tourism
Mr Pikali clarifies a point
Attendees at the launch event
The Adligenswilers
Drinks and mingle
Michael Lutz & Louis Palmer
The solar collectors on the roof of venue
The Solartaxi
Roman Schlömmer & Julianna Priskin
The Global Solar Hotel Network wishes to express gratitude to all individuals and organisations involved with the planning of the launch event. A special thank you to the speakers, including:
Michael Lutz, Umweltbeauftragter, Bezirk Küssnacht am Rigi Roman Schlömmer, Hotelier, Restaurant-Hotel Frohsinn Jules Pikali, OekoWatt GmbH, Energieberatungszentrale der Zentralschweizer Kantone Louis Palmer, Environmental Adventurer and Inspirational Speaker
Julianna Priskin talks about sustainability in tourism
Mr Pikali clarifies a point 
Attendees at the launch event
The Adligenswilers
Drinks and mingle
Michael Lutz & Louis Palmer
The solar collectors on the roof of venue
The Solartaxi
Roman Schlömmer & Julianna Priskin
