Since 2018, we have been systematically implementing measures to reduce our ecological footprint, conserve resources, and promote sustainable living in a community context. Year after year, structural, technical, and social changes have been initiated, gradually forming a comprehensive climate protection concept. Here is an overview of our key steps:
In 2025
At the Tagungshaus:
- Four windows in the frost-protected kitchen area were replaced with smaller, double-glazed PVC windows, reducing heating costs.
- Kitchen lighting was converted to 5.2 W high-efficiency Philips bulbs (1100 lm) instead of the previous 13 W per socket—saving 38 W maximum load.
- Energy-saving lamps in the reading lights of the bedroom were replaced by 2.5 W LEDs, saving 111 W and about 40 kWh of electricity annually.
- The pantry and storage room received new, differentiated lighting with motion detectors and graduated brightness—improving light quality while slightly reducing load.
- Five 2.5 W lamps were installed over the table in the large seminar room, enhancing lighting quality.
At the association house:
- One insulated window, one insulated terrace door, and new wall insulation were added to a former guest room.
- A 125 cm ceiling fan now ensures better air circulation year-round in a community room with high ceilings.
- A small freezer with 78 kWh/year consumption replaced a ~25-year-old chest freezer that consumed 250 kWh/year.
- A broken dishwasher consuming 150 kWh/year was replaced with a modern one using only 54 kWh/year and less water.
Outdoors:
- A new 1,300 W solar system was installed on the volleyball field, generating its own electricity during the day.
In 2024
- Ordered 10 tons of wood briquettes, initiating the use of wood waste for heating.
At the Tagungshaus:
- A kettle with temperature control (80–100 °C) was put into operation.
- One old refrigerator consuming 200 kWh/year was replaced with a model consuming only 58 kWh/year.
- A 3 kW industrial dishwasher without auto shut-off was replaced by a 2 kW A++ device with a quick-wash cycle, saving about €200 in electricity annually and easier to maintain.
At the association house:
- One room was insulated, and a workshop stove with energy class A replaced the old warm-air stove. Two double-glazed windows, a terrace door, and a bricked-up old door significantly reduce heat loss.
Outdoors:
- A 2,100 W electric mower replaced a petrol one (24 l/year), consuming only 33 kWh of electricity and saving about 56 kg of CO₂ annually at just €14 in operating costs.
In 2023
- More windows and doors were renovated.
- Around 20 cubic meters of firewood were produced for the winter.
- Consolidated material and spare part orders to reduce packaging waste and transport emissions.
At the Tagungshaus:
- A drinking water filter with a dispenser replaced around 40 car trips per year—saving ~45 liters of gasoline or 81 kg of CO₂ annually.
At the association house:
- The printed daily newspaper subscription was cancelled in favor of digital reading—saving approx. 44 kg of CO₂ per year.
- A new extractor hood with a closure mechanism helps prevent heat loss in winter.
- The kitchen was equipped with four different lighting systems (3.6 W motion sensor, 3×4 W counter, 2×4 W sink area, 7 W table, 15 W fan light).
- A dual-flush toilet cistern was installed.
Outdoors:
- Five sprinklers and two new taps improve lawn irrigation.
In 2022
- New IT infrastructure: Three instead of six access points now cover the area—targeted to communal areas and adjusted for signal needs, saving about €90 in electricity annually.
- Two rapid composters reduce kitchen waste and provide nutrient-rich soil.
- Renovation of windows and doors continued.
- A 2,200 W well pump was replaced with an 800 W high-efficiency pump, saving approx. €500.
- Eco-friendly fire starters are now used for lighting stoves.
At the Tagungshaus:
- A 25-year-old refrigerator was replaced with an A+++ model, saving €80–120 per year.
- Waterless urinals and flush stoppers help save water.
- A new two-level kitchen lighting concept was introduced, including a self-closing extractor hood.
- A 500 W beverage cooler was given away.
- A coffee machine with hot water connection and thermos jug saves electricity. Four modern wood stoves replaced all old universal burners.
- Outdoor lighting was completed with a maximum load below 11 W.
At the association house:
- Drafts in living and common rooms were sealed.
- Three fan lights allow clothes drying with stove heat in 4–6 hours.
- A kettle with temperature control helps save electricity.
In 2021
- Further renovations of windows and doors.
- A comprehensive waste separation system was introduced: paper, packaging, glass, deposit bottles, metal, electronic waste, organic waste, ash, batteries, hazardous materials, and paint are now sorted.
- Tetra Pak waste is reduced using concentrate; plastic waste is reduced with refill systems and bag-in-box. Residual waste was reduced so much that two 240 l bins every 14 days are sufficient.
- Ten door closers prevent unnecessary ventilation.
At the Tagungshaus:
- Heating and hot water boiler were replaced by a modern condensing boiler—reducing gas consumption by ~40% and saving €300 in electricity annually by eliminating frost protection and pipe heating.
- A new hot water circulation system reduces kitchen water consumption.
- The large bathroom was better sealed.
- Four old refrigerators were decommissioned.
At the association house:
- Two desktop computers and one switch were replaced with a notebook and a tablet.
- A fireplace stove with energy class A+ was put into operation.
In 2020
- A switch relay costing €700/year in electricity was shut down.
- Old incandescent bulbs were removed.
- Motion detectors were installed.
- Fluorescent tubes were replaced with more efficient variants.
- Power consumption across the premises decreased by 2,000 W.
- Two old washing machines were replaced with one 10 kg machine with automatic detergent dosing. Laundry is now washed overnight in Eco mode when possible.
At the Tagungshaus:
- A new A+++ refrigerator saves about €100 per year.
- Two showers received thermostat fittings.
At the association house:
- The former TV/smoking room was converted into a room for film, music, and games.
- We switched to oat milk.
- A new A+++ refrigerator saves about €100 per year. Two showers received thermostat fittings.
Outdoors:
- Garden irrigation was redirected past the filter system, reducing maintenance and operating costs.
In 2019
- All stoves were switched to sustainably sourced hardwood and foliage wood—ending the use of lignite.
- Systematic reflection on energy and resource consumption began.
At the Tagungshaus:
- The kitchen became smoke-free and vegetarian.
- The stove and lighting were repaired.
- One old HiFi system was replaced by a 5 W radio with remote control.
In 2018
- We switched to a green electricity provider—the first concrete step on our path toward a climate-conscious future.