Sustainability at DAS SAAL Saalfelden
Sustainability
Built in, not bolted on.
Our approach
For us, running a sustainable business means measuring, saving and staying honest.
DAS SAAL opened as a new hotel in September 2024. We didn't have to retrofit sustainability, we were able to build it in from the start. But a good building alone doesn't make a sustainable business. What matters is how we run it every day: what we buy, how much energy and water we use, how we treat our team and what role we play in Saalfelden.
We take a practical view. What saves resources usually saves money too. What only sounds good, we don't do. That's why this page only lists what we actually do or have committed to with a deadline.
- 100%
- green electricity when our own roof isn't enough
- 60%+
- recyclable building materials
- 13
- charging points for e-cars and e-bikes
- 15 min
- on foot to Saalfelden station
Already in place
What's already built into the hotel
You won't see most of it. At most, you'll notice it in a quiet room at a comfortable temperature.
Building and energy
- A large solar installation on the roof that covers much of our electricity needs in summer
- Electricity bought in, mainly in winter, comes from renewable sources
- Controlled ventilation with heat recovery
- Ceiling cooling with temperature control instead of individual air conditioning units
- Facade and parquet floors made from regional timber, more than 60% recyclable building materials
Getting around
- Partner of the Salzburg region's Guest Mobility Ticket
- 13 charging points in the underground car park for e-cars, e-bikes and e-scooters
- Storage room for bikes, e-bikes and skis, with charging
- Town centre within walking distance, ski bus right outside, station about 15 minutes on foot
- Pick-up from the station on request
Kitchen and sourcing
- Regional, seasonal, organic and Fairtrade products at breakfast and in the restaurant
- Cheese and dairy from the region at the breakfast buffet
- Vegetarian and vegan options at breakfast
- Regional mineral water in the rooms
- Buying from small local businesses wherever quality and supply are right
Our principles
Six rules we want to be measured by
Measure before promising
We track energy, water, cleaning products and waste regularly and base our goals on those figures.
Economically sensible
First come the measures that pay off or cost next to nothing. Larger investments are checked for their payback period.
Regional where it makes sense
We prefer to buy from the Pinzgau and the Salzburg region when quality, price and reliability are right.
Comfort stays
You shouldn't have to go without anything. We offer options, such as changing towels only when you want, and don't impose rules.
A fair employer
Good hosts need a team that enjoys working here. That's why how we treat our staff is part of sustainability.
Part of Saalfelden
We are a neighbour, a client for local businesses and a meeting place in town, not a hotel behind walls.
Our goals for 2030
What we've set out to do
Our first full year of operation, 2025, is the baseline. We measure consumption targets per overnight stay, so that occupancy and congress days don't distort the figures. The targets are deliberately realistic: a new building already starts from a good baseline.
Energy
- Record and analyse electricity, heating and solar yield monthly from 2027
- Adjust ventilation, heating and cooling to the occupancy of rooms and seminar rooms
- Use more of our own solar power by moving energy-intensive tasks to the middle of the day
- 5% less energy per overnight stay by 2030
Water
- Record water consumption monthly from 2027
- Measure the flow rate at all showers and washbasins and fit aerators where needed
- Towels and bed linen changed on request
- 5% less water per overnight stay by 2030
Cleaning
- At least 80% of cleaning products and detergents with an eco-label by 2028
- Dosing systems and training in housekeeping and the kitchen
Waste
- Analyse waste volumes by type every year
- Cut food waste at the breakfast buffet by 20% by 2030
- Replace single-portion packaging at the buffet with bowls and bulk containers wherever hygiene allows
Sourcing and region
- Track the share of regional food from 2027
- Long-term partnerships with at least three producers from the Pinzgau by 2028
- Regional dishes and their origin clearly shown on the menu
Getting around
- Explain train travel and the Guest Mobility Ticket in the booking confirmation
- Record how guests arrive at check-in to track progress
Nature in town
- Plant the terrace and outdoor areas with native, insect-friendly plants
- Outdoor lighting on timers and, when replaced, warm white and pointing downwards
Team
- Annual anonymous staff survey
- Annual staff review with a training plan for everyone
- Environmental training when starting and once a year
We review our progress once a year and update this page.
Responsibility
People first
Our team
We treat all staff with respect, regardless of origin, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. We pay at least in line with the Austrian collective agreement, respect working hours and rest periods, and provide regular training, including on the environment and safety. Ideas from the team on saving energy, water and materials are explicitly welcome.
Protecting children and young people
DAS SAAL does not tolerate any form of commercial or sexual exploitation, especially of children and young people. Our team at reception, in housekeeping and in service is trained to recognise suspected cases. Every suspicion is reported to the police. We expect our partners to share this stance.
Part of Saalfelden
In the heart of town, not on the sidelines
DAS SAAL is in the centre of Saalfelden, right next to Congress Saalfelden. Our guests spend money in the region's restaurants, shops, mountain lifts and cultural venues. We prefer to hire tradespeople and suppliers from the area, and our restaurant and bar are open to locals too.
We'll point you to what makes the region special: from the mountain huts on the Steinernes Meer to the Jazzfestival Saalfelden. We want to strengthen these ties further, with events organised together with Congress Saalfelden and local partners, and with long-term partnerships with producers from the Pinzgau.
Join in
What you can do without any effort
- Arrive by train: Saalfelden station is about 15 minutes on foot, and we're happy to pick you up.
- Leave the car parked while you're here: the town centre is within walking distance, the ski bus stops right outside, and buses and trains are covered by the Guest Mobility Ticket.
- Use your towels more than once and let us know if you don't need them changed every day.
- Switch off lights and devices when you leave your room.
Your opinion counts
Reception is happy to take your suggestions and criticism on our sustainability approach, or you can write to us. We review all feedback once a year and report here on what we've put into practice.
info@das-saal.com
Sleep well, with a clear conscience.
Explore our rooms and suites and book directly with the hotel. Without a booking platform in between, more stays in the region.
„Once you've been here, you'll come back.“