As you may have read in our previous update blog, we were planning to start our new environmental program. Today we are happy to say that we have made a concrete five-year plan for the program. The choices we make today affect how the world looks in the future. Therefore, we have developed an eco-program to document our efforts and learn how we can improve our methods to become a better ecotourism holiday destination in Sweden.
The preservation of our environment, and the development of sustainable solutions that help to create a more resource-saving. sustainable lifestyle, and greener business, has been a driving force for Malin and Magnus Axelsson for several years. Our previous projects (from aquaponic cultivation in the greenhouse to the production of biochar) are testimonies to the excellent work and the contribution from our staff and guests.
Documenting our progress
To be environmentally friendly is to live with intention. The intention is focused on protecting the environment and preventing damage to the environment through our interactions with it. It goes beyond an idea and extends to actual practices that affect how societies, companies and individuals behave. Being eco-friendly is more than just recycling or saving energy. It’s about changing the way we live our lives.
Awareness of the importance of using resources more efficiently is increasing. Now in Ödevata, we are registering for the first time the many small things that we have done for several years, or areas we want to work on more, to contribute towards a sustainable future. Below is a summary of our environmental program that we are planning for the next five years.
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Save resources – in all areas of our company
Trash/waste
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Reduce the amount of waste by 10% by 2026 | The amount of non-recyclable waste is weighed and documented | 30.08.2021 | Management (M) – Office |
| Staff and residents are informed and instructed about the separation system | 15.09.2021 | M – Office | |
| Products without packaging are preferred to be purchased (applies to the areas of hotel, breakfast, cleaning products, new furniture, etc.) | 31.12.2021 | M – Office | |
| Garbage & building materials are sorted and separated into 15 categories | 30.01.2022 | M – Contruction | |
| Building material is reused or given away (including cables, metal) | 30.01.2022 | M – Contruction |
Environmentally friendly purchasing
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Environmentally friendly products are preferred | all cleaning agents used are environmentally friendly (with eco-label) and easy to use |
31.12.2021 |
M – Office |
| By 2026, 70% of our breakfast products will be local, seasonal or organic – we are increasing this proportion year after year. |
31.12.2026 |
M – Office | |
| Laundry service is provided by an eco-certified and local company |
04.03.2021 |
M – Office | |
| 90% of all white goods are bought second hand | 04.03.2024 | M – Contruction | |
| Office supplies are bought from 90% recycled / sustainable material or have an eco-label |
04.03.2022 |
M – Contruction | |
| Repair before buying new. For new purchases we follow this order: 50% 2nd hand, 40% high quality, 10% less good / not local quality |
31.12.2026 |
M – Contruction |
Preservation and construction of buildings
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Sustainable construction and maintenance | The insulation used is made from second-hand or recycled material | 31.12.2026 | M – Construction |
| new building material is only purchased when a recyclable material cannot be found or purchased locally | 31.12.2023 | M – Construction | |
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| 80% of the furniture is bought on the secondary market and not new. Items that are no longer used are sold or given away before we throw them away | 31.12.2023 | M – Construction | |
| Discarded material that can be reused next year is stored or resold or given away after one year without use | 31.12.2023 | M – Construction |
Power consumption
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Reduce electricity consumption by 10% | Use of only green 100% Swedish electricity since Jan 2017 | 01.01.2021 | M – Office |
| Energy consumption is documented (counted) and compared with overnight stays and construction projects, winter etc. | 30.08.2021 | M – Office | |
| Guests will be informed about ways to reduce power consumption and our attempt to reduce it | 15.04.2021 | M – Office | |
| To avoid standby electricity, sockets with switches (on / off) are installed in houses, hotels, kitchens | 15.12.2022 | M – Office | |
| Notes in the houses / hotel kitchens ask guests to save energy by switching off the stand-by mode | 15.12.2022 | M – Office |
Heating system
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Reduce heating energy by 5% | Usage of a solar panel for hot water in two houses is being examined | 31.12.2023 | M – Construction |
| Connection of a solar panel connected to the heating system in a permanently rented apartment is being checked. | 31.12.2023 | M – Construction |
Transportation
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| reduce diesel consumption/ car use / | Fuel consumption is documented | 30.08.2021 | M – Office |
| Local products are preferred | 31.12.2025 | M – Office | |
| Wood for the heating system is purchased locally | 30.12.2021 | M – Construction | |
| Trips for shopping etc. are combined and coordinated with neighbors | 31.12.2025 | M – Office | |
| In summer, purchases for breakfast are done by bike if possible | 31.12.2023 | M – Office | |
| Only HVO – fossil-free fuel is used for all vehicles and diesel machines since spring 2021 | 31.12.2025 | M – Construction |
Water usage
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Reduce water consumption continuously | Water-saving products and machines (shower, toilet, dishwasher) are used |
31.12.2024 |
M – Construction |
| Rainwater is collected in tanks and used to water plants | 30.05.2021 | M – Construction | |
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Water from the lake is used in the whirlpool or used for watering plants |
31.05.2022 |
M – Construction | |
| Usage of lake water within the garden will be tested |
30.05.2022 |
M – Construction | |
| Own tap water is used as drinking water. Bottled water is never bought. | 31.12.2025 |
- Share awareness – with our guests
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| Guests are informed of efforts | Regular tours inform guests about the aquaponic system in the greenhouse and biochar production | 30.10.2021 | M – Office |
| Signs about electricity and water consumption and waste sorting are available in all kitchens | 30.10.2021 | M – Office | |
| a cupboard is set up to encourage people to swap groceries and pass on things. | 30.05.2021 | M – Office |
- Passing on knowledge – being a role model for others
Communication – Online and in Ödevata
| Objective | Measure | Deadline | Responsible |
| We share our expierence to inspire others | Separate area on the website will be developed | 31.12.2022 | M – Office |
| Environmental commitment is pointed out in newsletters and emails | 31.12.2022 | M – Office | |
| The design of our waste sorting station is checked and improved | 30.05.2021 | M – Office | |
| Every year 10 excursions take place for groups who want to implement their own projects (biochar, aquaponic-system) and guarantee the exchange of best practice and inspiration | 31.05.2022 | M – Office | |
| Cooperation with schools and universities will be expanded | 31.05.2023 | M – Office |
We at Ödevata have always promoted sustainability. Ödevata’s operations are conducted with three dimensions of sustainability: ecological, social and economic. Environmental issues are part of ecological sustainability. All three dimensions are long-term and important for our journey to become a better ecotourism holiday destination in Sweden.