Three years of sustainable change - how has the Empire Riverside Hotel changed?

Enrico Ungermann:
‘Sustainability is now an integral part of our identity. The last few years have shown that it's more than just a strategy - it's an attitude. Whether in technology, in purchasing or in our dealings with each other - we have rethought many processes and are constantly evolving.’

What successes make you particularly proud?

Sascha Brandt:
‘Our GreenSign certification was a major milestone. That was a powerful signal for us - both externally and internally. In the corporate customer segment in particular, we are realising how important sustainability certificates have become. This is one of the reasons why more and more customers are consciously choosing our company.’

Enrico Ungermann:
‘What I'm particularly pleased about is that sustainability is not only supported by the management level, but is brought to life by all employees. That makes us even stronger as a team.’

Are there measurable successes?

Enrico Ungermann:
’Yes, we can be really proud of our successes. Through targeted measures - such as upgrading to modern technologies and the use of modern measurement and control technology - we have managed to noticeably reduce our energy consumption. For example, we have reduced our electricity consumption by 6.17% and water consumption by 11.76%. It is particularly pleasing that we were able to reduce our CO₂ emissions by an impressive 45.86 tonnes. A large part of this technical implementation was realised by the technical team - that was a real key factor. It's a great feeling to see the positive changes in concrete terms and to know that we are on the right track.’

What specific measures have been implemented?

Sascha Brandt:
‘We pay attention to sustainability in all areas - from the use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents and the avoidance of unnecessary packaging to the conscious selection of regional and seasonal food. We attach great importance to a transparent and fair supply chain, especially in purchasing.’

Enrico Ungermann:
‘We also rely on LED lighting, waste separation, water dispensers instead of plastic bottles for our employees and digital business cards. We abolished our minibar, digitalised processes with ‘Hotelkit’ and encouraged guests to use towels sparingly. We also support social projects with the ‘Art Empire’ exhibition.’

How do you ensure that your products are sustainable?

Sascha Brandt:
‘Our purchasing department acts with great sensitivity. Quality, sustainability and cost-effectiveness must be in harmony. We maintain close relationships with many of our suppliers, which allows us to consciously manage and make adjustments. Personal contacts and open dialogue make all the difference.’

Enrico Ungermann:
‘And: we favour suppliers from the region whose values and commitment match our philosophy.’

How do you deal with the issue of water consumption?

Enrico Ungermann:
’Here, too, we work with smart systems - from water-saving taps to sensitising the entire team. We are constantly developing the technical side - among other things through targeted optimisations in which our technical team plays a central role.’

Which projects do you support in Hamburg?

Sascha Brandt:
‘Our city is close to our hearts - that's why we regularly get involved in social projects, support organisations that provide help and create space for exchange and togetherness. We are particularly proud of a project close to our hearts that we regularly organise - in the truest sense of the word. High above the rooftops of Hamburg, in our Skyline Bar 20up, our charity concert series takes place several times a year. What begins as a musical evening regularly becomes a real symbol of social cohesion.

On 18th May 2025, it's that time again: celebrate together, enjoy - and do good at the same time. This year, the proceeds will go to two very special projects:

• the integration project ‘Hanseatic Help e.V.’
• and the unique Erotic Art Museum Hamburg, which is committed to cultural diversity, openness and social discourse.

Our concert series stands for more than just music - it is an invitation to be part of a sustainable, open society. More information and donation options are available directly on site.’

How are guests sensitised to sustainability?

Sascha Brandt:
‘We focus on voluntariness and personal responsibility - and give our guests concrete opportunities to act sustainably without feeling restricted. Whether by deselecting room service or providing tips for environmentally friendly mobility in Hamburg: we support, but don't patronise.’

Enrico Ungermann:
‘Open, honest and at eye level. Sustainability is a continuous process - and communication plays a central role in this. Our guests find out what we are doing via our website, social media and in the hotel itself. Internally, regular training courses and our sustainability day ensure that everyone in the team is on board.’

How does health & well-being play a role?

Sascha Brandt:
‘For us, that's clearly part of it. We focus on healthy, regional cuisine, offer fitness and relaxation in our spa area and create an atmosphere that is good for body and soul. Our guests should not only sleep well, but also live well while they are with us.’

What does the future hold?

Enrico Ungermann:
‘We want to further expand our commitment to sustainability - especially in the direction of the circular economy and CO₂ neutrality. For us, sustainability is not a trend, but an attitude that is anchored in all areas of our company.’

Sascha Brandt:
‘The market is evolving - and so are guests' expectations. In the next five to ten years, sustainability will be a decisive criterion when choosing a hotel. We see this as an opportunity - and as our mission.’

What was particularly challenging - and what was particularly enjoyable?

Enrico Ungermann:
‘It was sometimes challenging to scrutinise existing processes and rethink them - but that's what made us stronger. It's especially nice when we see that our commitment is appreciated by our guests - and that they consciously choose our hotel because we take responsibility.’