Energy-Efficient Hospitality: Inside Our LED Lighting, Smart KNX System, and New Heating Room
Looking for genuine comfort that treads lightly on the environment? Energy-Efficient Hospitality is our answer. At Classic Hotel am Stetteneck in Ortisei, we combine warm, welcoming spaces with proven efficiency measures—switching most lighting to LEDs, orchestrating devices and lighting via a smart KNX system, and upgrading to a modern heating room that brings up to 20% energy savings. Here’s how we reduce consumption without sacrificing the guest experience.
Why Energy-Efficient Hospitality matters here
- We exclusively use regional Green Energy from South Tyrol. In South Tyrol, more than 7,500 GWh of clean electricity are produced annually from over 30 hydropower plants—an energy mix that aligns with our goals.
- We produce heat with methane gas and work to minimize consumption through targeted upgrades and controls.
- Our approach balances ecological, social, and economic priorities so you can enjoy an effortless stay that aligns with responsible travel.
For a broader look at our commitments, explore our Sustainability concept alongside our Rooms & Suites, SPA & Wellness, Summer and Winter activities, Café Stetteneck, and current Offers.
LEDs done right: bright, warm, and efficient
We have switched most of our lighting to energy-saving LEDs—a practical step with big results.
What LEDs do well (in general):
- Use less electricity for the same brightness compared to many legacy bulbs
- Offer long service life with reliable, instant illumination
- Produce less waste heat, supporting overall building efficiency
What you’ll notice on property:
- Consistently comfortable lighting in rooms and shared spaces
- Quick, dependable light where you need it—no flicker, no warm-up
How this supports comfort and efficiency:
- Lower baseline electricity demand without dimming the ambience
- A lighting foundation that integrates smoothly with centralized controls
Our smart KNX system: centralized control for devices and lighting
We use an intelligent KNX system to optimize the operation of devices and lighting. By coordinating schedules and run‑times centrally, we ensure energy is used precisely when and where it adds value.
What this means in practice:
- Time-based control keeps lights and selected devices from running longer than necessary
- Central management helps avoid idle operation and improves consistency across spaces
- Lighting and device plans are aligned with real usage patterns (for example, public areas versus quieter times)
What guests will experience:
- A seamless, well-lit environment that "just works"
- No need to think about switches and settings in shared spaces—the system handles it
What is a KNX system?
KNX is a widely adopted building automation standard that allows different components—like lighting and certain devices—to be coordinated through a common, programmable backbone. In hospitality, this enables reliable scheduling and centralized adjustments, helping reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining comfort.
A modern heating room: less energy, same comfort
We recently built a modern heating room, delivering up to 20% energy savings while keeping rooms warm and welcoming.
How modern plant rooms typically improve efficiency (in general):
- Better control logic and distribution means heat goes where it’s needed, when it’s needed
- Up-to-date components can reduce losses and improve overall performance
What you’ll notice as a guest:
- Steady, comfortable temperatures without fuss
- Faster, more responsive heating during changes in weather
Room-by-room comfort control
Heating regulators on radiators allow individual temperature adjustments. You control your comfort, room by room, without compromising overall efficiency.
Efficiency beyond kilowatts: kitchen, mobility, and daily operations
Energy-Efficient Hospitality is a whole-property discipline. Alongside LEDs, KNX, and the heating room, we’ve embedded efficiency across operations:
Kitchen efficiency:
- We use the most energy-efficient models available for key kitchen equipment such as combi ovens and dishwashers.
Mobility that lightens the footprint:
- Every guest receives the South Tyrol MobilCard, included in the room price, granting access to public transportation across South Tyrol. As a member establishment, we contribute a fixed fee per overnight stay to support public transport.
- Discounted e-bike rental is available in collaboration with the MTB School in Ortisei—perfect for exploring the valley on two wheels.
- We encourage train travel by organizing luggage transport and shuttle services.
- Charging stations for electric cars are available in the nearby garage.
Smart resource use in daily routines:
- Refillable dispensers for soap and amenities reduce single-use plastics
- Ecological cleaning products and recycled paper are used widely
- Bed linen and towels are changed upon request to cut water and energy waste
- Rigorous waste separation and giving furniture/equipment a second life through donation minimize landfill
Nature-first thinking on property:
- A 3,000 m² park surrounds the hotel, open to guests and neighbors without fencing
- Two beehives on our wildflower meadow support pollination and yield honey in late summer
- Weekly guided hikes offer sustainable experiences in both summer and winter
Quick answers for savvy travelers
How do you cut energy use without sacrificing comfort?
- By combining LED lighting, a KNX system that optimizes device and lighting schedules, and a modern heating room that improves thermal efficiency. In-room radiator regulators add personal control.
How much energy does the new heating room save?
- Up to 20% energy savings.
Do rooms have individual temperature control?
- Yes. Heating regulators on radiators allow you to set your preferred temperature.
Is EV charging available?
- Yes. Charging stations for electric cars are available in the nearby garage.
Is public transport included in my stay?
- Yes. The South Tyrol MobilCard is included in the room price and grants access to public transportation throughout South Tyrol. As a member establishment, we contribute a fixed fee per overnight stay to support the system.
At-a-glance: our energy-efficiency stack
| Initiative | What we use/do | Guest benefit | Notable result |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED lighting | Most lighting switched to energy-saving LEDs | Bright, comfortable spaces | Lower electricity use for lighting |
| Smart control | Intelligent KNX system for device and lighting schedules | Seamless ambience; no extra effort | Reduced idle run-times |
| Heating room | Modern heating room | Steady warmth, quick response | Up to 20% energy savings |
| Kitchen | Energy-efficient combi ovens, dishwashers, etc. | Timely, reliable service | Less energy per task |
| In-room control | Radiator regulators | Personal temperature settings | Comfort on demand |
| Energy sourcing | Exclusive Green Energy from South Tyrol | Cleaner electricity mix | Aligns stay with renewables |
| Low-impact mobility | MobilCard included, discounted e-bikes, train support, nearby EV charging | Car-light exploration | Easy, flexible movement |
Practical takeaways you can use anywhere
- Use in-room radiator regulators to fine-tune comfort—small adjustments save energy without sacrificing warmth.
- Turn lights off when leaving your room, even with efficient LEDs.
- Take advantage of the South Tyrol MobilCard for local buses and trains; combine it with e-bike options for flexible, low-impact travel.
- Pack light for train travel and use hotel-organized luggage transport and shuttles for a smooth arrival.
- Request linen and towel changes only when needed to support water and energy savings.
Recognition for our approach
We are proud to hold the GSTC® Certificate and the IDM Sustainability Label (Level Three), reflecting our commitment to sustainable tourism in South Tyrol.
Conclusion: comfort first, waste last
Energy-Efficient Hospitality isn’t a single upgrade—it’s a system. By pairing LED lighting, a smart KNX backbone, and a modern heating room with resource-aware operations and clean electricity, we trim consumption while elevating comfort.
Ready to experience this firsthand? Explore our Rooms & Suites, discover more on Sustainability, and plan your escape with SPA & Wellness, Summer and Winter activities, and Offers. To personalize your stay or book directly, call us at +39 0471 796563 or get in touch today.