Italian hospitality group ADLER is driving the future of sustainable tourism with a countrywide initiative to support and protect the natural environment.
The group’s new ADLER for Planet initiative aims to shift all decision-making processes towards adopting sustainable practices based on the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this commitment, the ADLER Group is working to obtain the leading environmental Earthcheck certification, following the standards and criteria of the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).
All ADLER resorts already boast low-impact architectural designs and have a thorough sustainability policy tailored to their specific operations and environment.
Direct action being taken to achieve EarthCheck Certification includes:
Responsible Resource Use
- Conscious use of resources and minimizing waste
- Collecting rainwater and treating wastewater for irrigation-Embracing circular economy and sustainable alternatives
- Switching to refillable glass bottles to reduce CO2 emissions
- Steps to achieve complete self-sufficiency from on-site energy generation
- Paper-free communication – now guests can access ADLER’s Guestnet and find real-time information using a QR code.
ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, which opened in 2022, aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by the end of 2025. Introducing photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and efficient consumption monitoring systems aims to reduce requirements for public-grid energy by 95%. Guests in Sicily can enjoy a Sustainability Tour to learn about the resort’s innovative resource management.
Local Supply Chains
The ADLER food philosophy focuses on short local supply chains, particularly sustainable and seasonal produce. Resorts offer a garden-to-table concept, utilising heritage vegetables from on-site organic kitchen gardens.
Social Responsibility
ADLER aims to promote work-life balance and support its staff with crèches and training programs. The company values building lasting working relationships and offers various benefits, training programs, and special events for its employees.
For the environment
The ethos at each ADLER property aims to protect local landscapes and biodiversity. For example, in Sicily staff regularly clean the WWF-protected coastline within the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve. ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is a golden member of FAI and actively contributes to caring for and protecting the Kolymbethra gardens. ADLER sponsors the creation of footpaths and supports local forestry authorities.
For people
Maximilian Sanoner emphasises ADLER’s commitment to supporting cultural, social, and outreach projects. Examples include hosting music and cultural events at Tenuta Sanoner winery in Tuscany and partnering with Locia Sheltered Workshop in South Tyrol to provide employment and support to people with disabilities.
For culture
Then there’s the goal of preserving local wisdom, such as supporting local literary heritage or organising cultural events. ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE in Tuscany organises an annual classical music concert, Paesaggi Musicali Toscani, at the family winery, Tenuta Sanoner estate.
Adler for Nature
ADLER’s spa products focus on organic ingredients sourced from the local natural environment. The skincare line includes flowers and plants from the South Tyrolean Dolomites, unripe grapes from Tuscany, and seawater and algae from Sicily.
All ADLER Spa Resorts and Lodges use eco-friendly certified cleaning products and avoid all chemicals in their gardens and green areas.
