At a time when environmental awareness and preservation of cultural heritage are becoming increasingly important, Det Lille Hotel is working purposefully with sustainable tourism.
Our approach is based on the principle of "preservation through use" – creating a viable tourism industry in historic buildings.
Historic buildings and environmental considerations
Det Lille Hotel is located in historic buildings that have been restored with respect for the original architecture and craftsmanship. This work has been recognized through the Building Conservation Award and the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Olavsrosa. As a member of De Historiske, we must meet certain sustainability requirements in our daily operations.
Innovative energy solutions
Heating with geothermal technology
In 2023, we installed new heating systems in Tollboden, Park Café and the suites in Strandgata. This technology utilizes geothermal heat from deeper layers of the earth, where the temperature is stable year-round. The system works by using heat pumps to extract energy from the ground and convert it to heat the buildings.
This represents a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional heating methods, and allows us to heat our historic buildings with minimal environmental impact.
Solar energy for the swimming pool
The swimming pool at the "Consulate" is heated through an innovative system where the water circulates through specially designed panels on the roof. These panels harvest heat from sunlight and daylight, and through a heat exchanger this energy is transferred to the pool water. This system significantly reduces electricity consumption while extending the swimming season.
Electric vehicle charging
To accommodate the growing number of electric vehicle users among our guests, we have expanded the number of charging stations on the hotel grounds, making it easy for guests with electric vehicles to charge during their stay.
Eco-friendly luxury
RÅ Organics – Norwegian skincare in harmony with nature
In the bathrooms we offer luxury products from Norwegian RÅ Skincare. This is a Norwegian-made skincare brand based on biomimetic science – products developed to work in natural synergy with the skin.
RÅ Skincare produces all products in small batches to ensure maximum efficacy, freshness and purity. Through carefully selected multifunctional ingredients, they have developed a self-preserving system that reduces or eliminates the need for traditional preservatives.
Organic cleaning products
We only use certified organic cleaning products in all areas of the hotel. These are products that break down naturally in the environment and do not contain harmful chemicals. The choice of these products protects both the environment and the health of our staff who work with cleaning on a daily basis.
Focus on local food and drink
We prioritize Norwegian ingredients in our cooking, with particular emphasis on local products:
- Seafood from Risør Fish Market
- Beer from local breweries
- Spirits from local producers
Through these measures, we combine historic building preservation with modern environmental concerns. This is an ongoing process where we are constantly looking for new opportunities to improve our operations with regard to the environment and sustainability.