Since 2015, 10% of water sales revenue at CERVO has been allocated directly to support global initiatives aimed at enhancing water quality, availability, and sanitation.

One notable achievement includes funding a solar-powered water fountain in Kadapa, India, which now supplies clean drinking water to three villages. This project not only addresses critical water needs but also fosters educational and employment opportunities within the community, promoting sustainable development and improving quality of life.

In Zermatt, the exceptional quality of tap water is harnessed in restaurants, where locally sourced Zermatt water is filtered and, if desired, carbonated. A portion of the proceeds from this offering is donated to Water Is Right, reinforcing a shared commitment to providing affordable and accessible drinking water and sanitation on a global scale.

Water Is Right, founded by musician Rolf Stahlhofen, advocates for universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation. With over 2.1 billion people lacking safe drinking water and 3 billion without access to proper sanitation facilities, this mission addresses a critical global challenge. Diseases linked to poor hygiene claim the lives of 2.1 million individuals each year, underscoring the urgency of this work.

Through this ongoing partnership, transformative projects continue to drive positive change, contributing meaningfully to global efforts to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.

Through a collaboration with My Climate, visitors can offset their carbon footprint by contributing an additional 3 CHF per person, per night, with funds supporting climate-focused initiatives.

One such project in Kathmandu, Nepal, transforms landfill waste into high-quality fertiliser, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable agriculture, and creating local employment opportunities. This project achieves an annual reduction of 3,500 tonnes of CO2.

The resort’s energy system is a model of sustainable innovation, with 48% of its energy needs met by geothermal heat from three 18-metre-deep wells, 52% by an advanced heat recovery system, and 1% by solar energy. Hydropower complements these sources to ensure 100% of electricity is sustainably sourced.

Planned future developments include transitioning from natural gas to biogas, furthering the goal of achieving 100% carbon-neutral energy production.

Energy efficiency is at the heart of CERVO’s operations. A state-of-the-art waste heat recovery system recycles thermal energy from the sewerage system and commercial refrigeration, significantly reducing resource consumption. Solar collectors on Lodge VI feed energy into geothermal probes, increasing system efficiency. Ventilation is managed with demand-dependent systems that optimise air quality and minimise energy use.

Sustainability extends to sourcing practices, with most food procured within a 150-kilometre radius. For items sourced from farther afield, suppliers must adhere to sustainable practices or contribute to local or global community projects. 

Guests are encouraged to adopt energy-saving habits such as minimising water use, opting for showers over baths, and managing room ventilation efficiently.

The resort’s transport policy also aligns with its commitment to climate action, using exclusively electric vehicles on-site and encouraging sustainable travel by assisting with train bookings and offering bicycles for local exploration.

CERVO Mountain Resort has received the IBEX Fairstay Platinum award and Swisstainable Level 3 recognition for its comprehensive sustainability efforts. With ongoing innovation and dedication, the resort continues to set benchmarks in climate-conscious hospitality.

Since June 2022, CERVO Mountain Resort has proudly established three bee colonies on its grounds, offering fresh, locally produced honey for the breakfast buffet.

However, the primary focus of this initiative is to support the local ecosystem. Bees are essential pollinators, playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity by enabling a wide range of plants to thrive. 

This, in turn, supports local agriculture, wildlife, and the overall health of the environment. By fostering a vibrant bee population, the resort contributes to preserving healthy ecosystems and protecting these vital creatures for future generations. 

CERVO’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its apiary. The resort prioritises sourcing products from within a 150-kilometre radius, minimising transport emissions and reducing resource waste. 

When sourcing from further afield, CERVO ensures that its partners adhere to sustainable practices. This local-first approach not only enriches the guest experience by showcasing authentic regional flavours and craftsmanship but also strengthens the community and reduces environmental impact.

A selection of CERVO’s trusted suppliers includes family Biner for honey and the Matterhorn butcher for meat, both from Zermatt; cheese from the Horu Käserei and Binderalp; and bread from La Cave à Levain in Sion. Vegetables and fruits are provided by Toni Julen GmbH from Zermatt, while grains and seeds come from Biofarm in Kleindietwil. By sourcing locally and sustainably, CERVO bolsters the regional economy while fostering a deeper connection to the land.

The resort operates as a permaculture system, mirroring natural ecosystems by producing energy, food, and resources in harmony with its environment. Initiatives like the onsite apiary, vegetable markets, and Sustainability Day embody this ethos, creating opportunities for the community to engage with CERVO’s environmentally focused practices.

CERVO’s connection to the local community in Zermatt is at the heart of its operations. Monthly soup tables, seasonal vegetable markets, and annual events like Sustainability Day bring people together to celebrate a shared commitment to nature and sustainable living. These initiatives highlight the resort’s role as both a guardian of the environment and a champion of community values.