Sustainability may be a buzzword these days, but often it remains just that — a word. At the Lohmühle, sustainability is lived every day in concrete ways. Guests who value hospitality and gastronomy that act responsibly toward the environment and the climate are exactly right with us. You can be confident that our words are backed by actions.
Because: We don’t just work every day with numerous concrete measures for more sustainability, environmental protection and climate protection — we also regularly have our efforts confirmed by reputable external organizations!
THIS and more is our contribution to environmental and climate protection:
Energy: largely self-generated, always used sustainably
We rely on our own photovoltaic system and supplement it with green electricity from a regional provider. Our kitchen runs on 100% green electricity; domestic hot water is largely heated using solar thermal systems. Later this year (2025), the Lohmühle will also be connected to Bayreuth’s district heating network — another step to reduce the use of fossil energy.
Resource conservation & circular thinking
We avoid waste wherever possible: for example, milk is delivered to us in reusable stainless-steel canisters instead of Tetra Paks. Packaging is avoided when possible or returned to suppliers. And what cannot be avoided is consistently separated for recycling. Regional cuisine & mindful purchasing
Our kitchen works closely with regional and nature-friendly producers:
- Trout and carp come exclusively from Upper Franconia.
- Meat is sourced only from controlled husbandry; we also practice “nose-to-tail” processing wherever possible.
- Fruit, vegetables and similar products come predominantly from the nearby Knoblauchsland near Nuremberg; sprouts are supplied by a young regional producer.
- Eggs come from free-range hens (from the region) with brother-hen rearing.
- Coffee and tea are Fairtrade; muesli comes directly from the producer.
- We are particularly proud of our own beehive: the honey is not only served on the breakfast buffet but can also be purchased as a souvenir. We are supported by a local beekeeper friend.
Promoting biodiversity & implementing nature projects
Each year we also carry out at least one larger special project that benefits nature and biodiversity. Here are some examples:
2021: Establishment of a beehive
2022: Perennial bed, insect-friendly hedges, insect hotels
2023: Dry-stone wall raised bed with perennials
2024: Support for a NABU peatland project in Germany
2025: Creation of several raised beds behind the house
To reduce our CO2 footprint (for example, because our hotel laundry requires relatively energy-intensive washing), we have long been supporting the renaturation of a CO2-binding wetland in Schleswig-Holstein.
Sustainable mobility
Guests with electric cars can charge directly on site with green electricity: our parking area has two charging stations with a total of four charging points (22 kW). Our company car is also electric — manufactured in Germany and (according to the manufacturer) produced CO2-neutral.
Our sustainability commitment is verified externally by independent organizations!
Among others, by the DEHOGA Environmental Check in Gold
We are actually quite proud of the DEHOGA Environmental Check in Gold — the highest level of this respected award. While Bronze and Silver demonstrate above-average commitment, Gold means: * at least 30% better values than the industry average in energy, water and waste consumption * use of at least 10 regional product groups or in-house production * Fairtrade products in use * plus written documentation for all criteria You can read the criteria here:
DEHOGA environmental check criteria
Environmental & Climate Pact Bavaria — this logo also confirms our commitment
As certified participants in the Environmental & Climate Pact Bavaria, we are authorized to use the corresponding logo — an award given only to businesses that voluntarily go beyond legal requirements. The criteria range from energy savings to resource conservation to biodiversity measures. Details are available under Participation Conditions Environmental & Climate Pact Bavaria.
In short, what this means for you as a guest: At the Lohmühle you can combine full enjoyment with lived sustainability!
Whether for dinner, a weekend getaway or a longer stay: at the Lohmühle you will experience Franconian and international cuisine, excellent service — all combined with pronounced sustainability, independently verified and repeatedly confirmed. You can also learn more about our sustainability concept on our overview page.
