Environment and sustainability

About us

Environment and sustainability

Environment and sustainability

At Bellevue, we love the nature surrounding Lake Vättern. In many ways, it is the very reason we are here. That is why we run our hotel as climate-smart and responsibly as possible – without compromising on quality, comfort, or the warm, familiar atmosphere that defines us.

For us, sustainability is not a side project. It is part of how we think, purchase, cook, clean, renovate, and care for people.

Green Key Certified

We are certified by Green Key – an international eco-label for hotels and tourism businesses operating in more than 60 countries.

The certification means that we meet extensive criteria regarding energy, water, waste, chemicals, food, climate impact, and social sustainability. All certified establishments undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with these standards.

Read more about the certification at:
Green Key Sweden

Green Key Global

Part of Hållbarhetsklivet

We are also part of Hållbarhetsklivet (“The Sustainability Step”) – West Sweden’s joint initiative for a more sustainable tourism industry.

Hållbarhetsklivet is based on four guiding principles:

  1. Reduce unnecessary environmental impact
  2. Be a positive force in the local community
  3. Create more jobs and support a sustainable economy
  4. Offer sustainable and inspiring experiences

Read more about the initiative at:
Hållbarhetsklivet

 

Hållbarhet - photo the-honest-company

Accommodation & Conference

Accommodation & Conferences

In our hotel rooms, we think long-term. Furniture is restored rather than replaced, and when something no longer fits our needs, it is given new life through resale or donation.

Our linen is supplied by Rikstvätt and is both organically produced and environmentally washed. All textiles – from towels to bed linen – are handled according to high environmental standards. Cleaning is carried out using eco-labelled and gentle products.

We strive to work as paper-free as possible. Conference materials are environmentally certified, we serve tap water instead of bottled water, and avoid single-use items whenever possible. Our floors are cleaned using traditional green soap – sometimes the simplest solutions are the most sustainable.

The Restaurant

In our kitchen, we work according to the following priorities:

Local – Organic/Fairtrade – Smart Portioning

We believe in supporting local producers and businesses. Shorter transport distances, better control of ingredients, and stronger local communities all matter.

Many of the products served at breakfast and dinner are organic and/or locally produced. Coffee and tea are, of course, Fairtrade certified.

We measure our food waste and actively work to reduce it. Our chefs find creative ways to use every part of the ingredient – homemade stock from leftovers, soups made from broccoli stems, and careful planning to minimize waste.

We sort glass, metal, porcelain, paper, plastic, deposit returns, electronics, cardboard, and hazardous waste for recycling.

Energy & Water

Heating is primarily provided through district heating, and we use heat recovery systems throughout the property. The electricity we purchase is environmentally certified.

We use LED lighting and energy-efficient solutions in both guest rooms and public areas, with timers wherever possible. Water-saving nozzles and low-flush toilets are standard throughout the hotel.

Each year, we calculate our greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce our climate impact over time.

Local Responsibility

Sustainability is also about people.

We regularly welcome interns and individuals participating in work-training programs. We work closely with young people entering the workforce and are deeply committed to helping people grow and develop.

We support local organizations and initiatives such as Hela Människan, the Night Walkers, Rock mot Cancer, as well as local sports clubs and events in Hjo.

You as Our Guest

You are an important part of our sustainability efforts.

You can help us by:

  • Taking smaller portions from the buffet and going back for more if needed
  • Reusing your cup and glass throughout the day
  • Turning off lights and the TV when leaving your room
  • Hanging up your towel if you would like to use it again
  • Declining room cleaning during your stay – we then donate SEK 10 to WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

Total donations so far: SEK 37,750 (as of January 1st, 2026)

Small choices. Big difference.

 

 

 

Ilovehjo

Energy & water

The house energy supply for heating takes place primarily with geothermal heat. The electricity purchased is eco-labeled.

We work together with the property owner Wennergrens Byggnads AB to make the houses as energy efficient as possible while preserving the beautiful architecture.

Where applicable, nozzles are used to reduce water consumption and toilets are flush-free.

We try to work with exclusively LED lamps and energy-efficient alternatives in both rooms and public areas. There are timers for lighting in public areas and corridors as well as decorative lighting so that it does not turn on unnecessarily.

 

You as a guest

You can help us in our sustainability work by:

Taking only what you can finish from the buffet to reduce waste that has to be thrown away.

Feel free to reuse your cup / glass for a longer period of time during the day

Do not leave lighting and TV on when you are not in the room.

If you want to reuse your towel, hang it on the hook in the bathroom.

Our Core Values:

Quality

We strive for excellence in both service and overall experience. Our aim is to leave a positive and lasting impression on both our guests and our team members.

Care

We want to be a place where people feel at home. Here, guests are met with warmth, generosity, and genuine joy – and we always do our best to truly see and understand each individual.

Responsibility

We work sustainably, make thoughtful decisions for the future, and do what feels right. We take responsibility towards our guests, each other, the environment, and our community.