Green Vacations

Green travels around the world

Go Green in the Black Forest

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Freiburg is a characteristic university town situated in southwest Germany’s Black Forest, near the border with Switzerland and France.  As Germany’s warmest and sunniest city, it has harnessed its pleasant weather to power a blossoming ecotourism industry.  From natural supermarkets that generate more power than they use to eco-friendly hotels, and from organic restaurants to well-preserved natural hiking trails, Freiburg has something that will appeal to every green traveler.

Stay

Freiburg’s most eco-friendly hotel is Green City Hotel (Paula-Modersohn-Platz 5).  This three-star hotel is actually operated as a non-profit organization with a focus on environmental sustainability and community involvement.  The hotel’s furniture was handcrafted by local carpenters using sustainable ash tree, and the hotel avoids using individually-packaged amenities wherever possible.  The hotel serves a daily breakfast based on organic and locally-sourced foods and beverages.  To reach the city center, the hotel has a partnership with a nearby bicycle rental shop, or you can ride the #3 streetcar to Freiburg’s central train station.

Explore

To take in some greenery without leaving the city, head to Schlossberg, the tree-covered hill on the east edge of the historic city center.  You can hike to the top in about thirty minutes, following the path across from the Schwabentor city gate.  From there, you can simply enjoy the views, or head out on one of the longer hiking trails that begin from this hill.

To properly experience The Black Forest, use a local bus to travel to Schauinsland, twenty kilometers south of Freiburg’s city center.  There, you can take Germany’s longest cable car to the top of the 4200-foot Schauinsland peak.  The mountainous recreation area here is ideal for cross-country day hikes at easy and moderate difficulty levels.  The marked Herbal Discovery Trail teachers visitors about the historical medicinal uses of local plants, while the Schniederlihof Museum highlights the history of this part of The Black Forest.

Eat

Before you venture into the forest, make a stop at Alnatura Super Natur Market (Merzhauser 179) to pick up picnic essentials like organic breads, meats, cheeses and wines.  Alnatura is located inside the Sun Ship building, which was designed by Rolf Disch to be one of the world’s first buildings that produces more energy than it uses.  The Sun Ship building keeps energy usage down through ultra-efficient insulation and triple-paned windows, while generating power through a solar-panelled rooftop.

If you’re back in Freiburg in time for dinner, reserve a table at Das Kartoffelhaus (Basler 10).  This humble restaurant celebrates Germany’s favorite vegetable- the potato- in innovative ways.  The chefs work with local and seasonal potato varieties wherever possible, and enhance the rotating menu of potato dishes with other locally-grown vegetables curated from nearly twenty different independent farms.  Das Kartoffelhaus can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-intolerant diners.

Drink

When you’re ready to sample some of Germany’s famous beer, head straight to Hausbrauerie Fierling (Gerberau 46) to sample the house-brewed light beer, which has been made exclusively from certified organic ingredients since 1999.  At times, organic seasonal beers are also available on tap.

If beer isn’t your thing, you may be interested in a visit to the Weingut Landmann shop for a natural wine tasting.  Weingut Landmann is a local organic vineyard that produces red, white and sparkling organic wines from small-harvest grape crops.  Their shop is in the nearby Waltershofen suburb (Umkircher 29).

 

Best Sustainable European & UK Architecture

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The single most important trend in modern architecture is arguably the move towards sustainable construction. Green, eco-friendly buildings are changing our ideas not only about how construction can be achieved in more environmentally sensitive ways, but how we as humans use space in our communities. As more and more architecture firms advance new techniques for green building, our modern built environment functions in greater harmony with the natural world. In Europe, green building is closely linked to their plans for reducing human-caused climate change.

Regional organizations like the Architects’ Council of Europe put forth best practices and guidelines for how green building can be achieved by its member organizations, although the most popular green certification organization worldwide is BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). There are also a number of smaller organizations that endorse a series of international architectural prizes. For example, the European Commission offers the prestigious European Green Capital Award and the Green Leaf Award, which recognize European cities for their extensive efforts to include sustainable architecture in their plans for the future. The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards recognizes innovative design with a sustainable focus.

If you’re interested in exploring some sustainable architecture on your trip to Europe, here are a few examples of the best green buildings from the last few years. They range from private residences to office buildings, and prove that green is always better.

Dragen Children’s House (Denmark)

This modern kindergarten is a sleek example of thoughtful and conscientious design. Conceptualized as a place that encourages green living and creative pedagogy, many features are environmentally friendly while inspiring children to be active. Without elevators, for example, children climb a series of staircases and ramps to navigate the building. The Dragen Children’s House only requires a small amount of energy, uses solar energy to heat their water, and incorporates a heat recovery system to minimize energy waste.

Environmental Learning Center (Amsterdam)

When you start with a mission that’s all about making sustainability a central focus to your visitors, you end up with a building like this one. This Dutch community center epitomizes the best in sustainable design. With features like a series of solar panels, a recycling heat and cooling system, and even bird houses that are designed to reduce the impact the building has on disrupting local ecosystems, the Environmental Learning Center incorporates a variety of green building tactics.

Passive Logements Wauters (Belgium) 

This chic Brussels building, the first built to passive standard, is actually a private house. Encompassing two duplexes, this visually compelling structure utilizes a number of green building techniques and features. Building materials were selected for their minimum impact on the environment, and construction practices were calculated to meet standard green criteria. The building also employs geothermal and solar technologies, and achieves near energy independence.

Unilever Headquarters (Germany)

Located on the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany, the international headquarters of Unilever is uniquely adapted to its environment (it’s actually shaped like a boat) and creatively designed to suit the company’s needs. Design features include wide-open spaces, easy access to various locations within the building, and communal spaces intended to encourage interaction. Green features include the use of natural light, natural ventilation systems, wind protection, and passive and active energy generation.

Badenerstrasse 380 (Switzerland)

A housing development in urban Zurich, the Badenerstrasse 380 is a prime example of design that takes into consideration not only the needs of its future inhabitants, but also how to meet those needs in environmentally friendly ways. The building is built mostly from wood and other natural materials, so it doesn’t create industrial pollution with the creation of artificial materials. All tenants even sign an agreement that they’ll practice an energy responsible lifestyle!

ECOstyle Warehouse (Netherlands)

Part of a community that aims for total carbon neutrality, the ECOstyle Warehouse in Oosterwolde was built for a company that itself has a great ecofriendly pedigree: they distribute educational kits about renewable energy and water efficiency. The building also employs solar technology and air-to-water heat pumps to regulate internal temperatures. They also recycle and purify rainwater.

United States Embassy (England)

Embassies aren’t just about security these days – they’re also about sustainability! The U.S. Embassy in London is a model of the new direction the government should take when it comes to green building. Solar arrays on the roof and heat pumps in the ground supply heat and power to the building, reducing their reliance upon a stressed power grid in busy London. They also recycle wastewater (at an onsite treatment plant) and use it for flushing toilets.

River Plaza (France)

This Parisian residential space has actually been recently renovated not once but twice, the second time being entirely focused on improving their use of green features and sustainable. It’s BREEAM certified, so they meet the highest in modern standards for green building on an international scale. The renovations have improved interior air quality and noise, as well as the outdoor spaces (with the inclusion of a lovely and eco-friendly green wall).

Torsplan (Sweden)

Located in what used to be a completely industrial area in the Swedish capital, Torsplan is a multi-use building that meets diverse community needs. It encompasses office space, restaurants, and a gym. Their most significant green features include individual HVAC units per floor, which helps to reduce heat waste in a big building, and their concrete construction, which also works to keep the interior temperature regulated.

Central Bank of Ireland (Ireland)

This Dublin-based bank is actually the first office building in the entire country to achieve an “outstanding” BREEAM rating. It’s an incredibly energy efficient building, with a 70% reduction in energy consumption over standard Irish building regulations. A mixed-mode ventilation system improves air quality, and offers a combined heat and power source. The design also utilizes natural light to reduce electricity consumption, making for a striking exterior as well.

Top 10 Green Cities Around the Globe

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Our world is working to be a greener place every day. With new sustainability initiatives that include everything from green building to recycling to organic farming, there are plenty of ways that individuals and corporations can make a difference for the environment. If you’re looking to continue your environmentally responsible practices on your vacation, then it’s a good idea to take a look at the green reputations of your destination before you go.

There are several factors that go into determining how “green” a city is. First and foremost is their commitment to reliance upon renewable energy, eschewing fossil fuels as much as possible in favor of solar energy, geothermal energy, and even biofuels. Another important criteria involves their adoption of green policies, whether that has to do with citywide recycling regulations or building code adjustments that require new construction to adhere to sustainable construction guidelines. However, it’s not just about the objects in the city, it’s about the people, too. Cities that promote green lifestyles by encouraging biking or walking instead of driving, and offer healthier and more environmentally friendly diet options like organic food and farmers markets tend to rank higher on these lists.

For travelers in search of the greenest cities to visit, this list represents that top 10 green cities across the globe from recent evaluations by environmental organizations. While there’s no authoritative list, these cities consistently rank highly and fairly represent global green practices.

Reykjavik, Iceland

This distinctive European capital runs almost entirely on renewable energy. The availability of geothermal energy goes a long way towards meeting the city’s energy needs, reducing the need for fossil fuels to below 1%. Their future goals include improving public transit and reducing the need for commuting via fossil-fuel burning vehicles, increasing the availability of public greenspaces and preserving the already extensive park system, and reducing pollution across the board. Reykjavik is also a hub for researchers working to improve upon green technologies. Plus, the Icelandic government funds a significant amount of climate change research.

Bristol, England

Not only the UK’s greenest city in recent years but Europe’s as well (in 2015), Bristol is an up-and-comer on the eco-friendly scene. Their Bristol Green Capital organization is dedicated to making Bristol a low carbon city that offers green living options to all its residents. They consistently achieve high environmental standards like a reduced carbon footprint, use of renewable energies, and widespread sustainable building practices. They also have a very good air quality that is only improving with the increase in cycling commuters and the expansion of greenspaces.

Portland, OR, United States

Portland has some serious green credentials, not least of which involves their use of renewable energy: they utilize 20% more renewable energy than the national average! As far as greenspaces go, they offer 250 miles of bike and walking trails, plus a number of parks and a couple of botanical gardens. Much of their new construction adopts sustainable building practices, and there are even entire real estate agencies devoted to providing green living options. And of course, there are plenty of green eating options, too, like farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants.

San Francisco, United States

A leader among American cities that strive for green living, San Francisco has been promoting intensive recycling efforts for several years now, banning plastic bags and making citywide recycling mandatory. They encourage zero waste production among their businesses and residents, and offer educational programs to help people learn about healthier, greener lifestyles. They also have a high number of people who bike or walk to work, and an extensive number of parks like the iconic Golden Gate Park and nearby Muir Woods. And of course, they’ve been a leader in sustainable dining for a long time now.

Vancouver, Canada

With aspirations of being the greenest city in the world by 2020, Vancouver is currently Canada’s most eco-friendly urban area. Greenspaces are abundant here, with more than 200 parks (including the gorgeous, waterfront Stanley Park) to provide residents with fresh open space to exercise and play. New technologies like solar-powered trash compactors are everywhere, and new buildings consistently rank among the most sustainable constructions in the country. They also offer community resources to help everyone from citizens to corporations to make their practices greener.

Malmö, Sweden

This Swedish city makes it onto the list for their massive wind-energy park; it’s actually the world’s third-largest facility of its kind. They also offer a significant amount of greenspace to their residents, which contribute to fresh oxygen production. One district to highlight is the Western Harbor, which runs on 100% renewable energy through the use of various alternative sources of energy like wind and solar power. Most construction in this neighborhood utilizes sustainable building practices, and commercial operations run on biofuels.

Freiburg, Germany

This popular German city has one major unique thing going for it when it comes to being green – the entire city is literally car free. Because of roadways that have barely been expanded since the city’s founding, car traffic is impossible and residents get around the old fashioned way. Other green efforts include ubiquitous solar panels, recycling programs, and the increasing availability of locally sourced food. They also aim to substantially reduce carbon emissions by 2020.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Winner of the European Green Capital title, Copenhagen has a lot to be proud of when it comes to green living. Because they’re also a major tourist destination in Europe, they strive to make green living accessible not only to their residents, but to their visitors as well. Recycling and organic food initiatives are common, and the city itself works to reduce carbon emissions, encourage sustainable building practices, and promote healthier lifestyles among its residents.

Stockholm, Sweden

Much of Europe’s greenest architecture can be found in Stockholm, so it’s no surprise that it ranks on the list of greenest cities. They have incredibly low carbon emissions compared to other major European cities, and have recently achieved a complete revitalization and rehabilitation of their waterways. New initiatives encourage the use of bikes for transportation, to endorse environmentally friendly food production and distribution, to improve recycling practices, and to reduce carbon emissions.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo has been making it onto green lists for nearly a decade now, and has been consistently one of the most sustainable cities in spite of its massive population. They have one of the lowest rates of greenhouse gas emission among comparable European cities, and all new construction adheres to green guidelines. And while many people walk or bike to work and school, those who don’t can take advantage of hydroelectric-powered public transit.

Eco Guide to Brighton

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By Rob Perkins

Brighton, on the south coast of England just an hour from London, is one of the UK’s most eco-friendly cities. Known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, diverse nightlife and acceptance of alternative lifestyles, Brighton was the first English city to elect a Green Member of Parliament, and has a strong focus on sustainable urban design.

It’s easy to organise a green holiday in Brighton. Stay in hotels that support sustainable tourism initiatives; eat at vegan, organic and zero-waste restaurants; sunbathe on a Blue Flag beach, or take a day-trip into the stunning South Downs National Park.

Brighton is an inclusive, forward-thinking city where new eco-friendly developments are constantly being developed, from bus services that run on recycled cooking-oil to a family-friendly cafe with a “living roof”. There is a fantastic number of green travel options in Brighton.

What to see…

i360

The newest attraction on Brighton’s beachfront is the i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower. A futuristic glass viewing pod gently glides up to 138 metres, affording 360-degree panoramas of city and sea, the South Downs National Park, and on a clear day, as far as the Isle of Wight. The restaurant at the foot of the tower serves locally sourced food to compliment its outstanding beach views.

Royal Pavilion

A unique and unforgettable sight, the Royal Pavilion was built as a holiday home for George, Prince of Wales, in the 19th century. Fascinating Indian- and Muslim-inspired architectural flourishes, including domes and minarets, make it the city’s most eye-catching building, while the attractive gardens are a popular picnic spot.

West Pier

Opposite the i360, the skeleton of the West Pier, which burned down in 2003, is one of the most iconic sights in Brighton. See it at dusk, when hundreds of starlings swoop around in beautifully choreographed patterns before coming to to roost on the structure’s exposed beams. There are many independent bars, shops and restaurant within a few minutes’ walk.

What to do…

Brighton Seafront

Explore Brighton vibrant seafront, which is alive with activity all year-round. Join the crowds watching a game of basketball or volleyball; sink into a deckchair onto the pebbled beach; buy an ice-cream on the Palace Pier (watch out for cheeky seagulls!); browse boutique shops and art galleries, or listen to funky vibes over a refreshing beer in an open-air bar.

The Lanes

The premier shopping district in Brighton, the Lanes are filled with quirky independent stores selling everything from vintage furniture to antiques, gourmet food and drink, vegetarian footwear and Native American headdresses.

 Earthship Brighton

Regular guided tours of Earthship Brighton are held in Stanmer Park, just outside Brighton. The first Earthship to be built in the UK, the community centre was entirely constructed from renewable, natural or recycled materials, uses renewable energy and rainwater harvesting, and serves as an inspirational educational resource.

Where to stay…

There are many eco-friendly guest accommodations in Brighton, but the most sustainable are often small guesthouses and bed ‘n’ breakfasts. Paskins sources its breakfasts from local farms, and uses toiletries that haven’t been tested on animals. Brighton House has won national tourism awards for its eco policies including minimising waste and using green energy suppliers. The Oriental is a boutique 4* hotel in a Grade II-listed Regency building, with owners committed to an eco-friendly ethos.

As one of the most popular visitor destinations in England, Brighton is overflowing with hotels, guesthouses and private rental apartments. Many offer superb sea-views, but expect to pay for them, and if you’re staying in the city-centre, don’t be surprised if you’re woken early by a dawn chorus from the resident seagulls.

Where to eat…

If you’re taking an eco-friendly holiday in Brighton you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to eating. From long-established vegetarian restaurants such as Iydea and Food for Friends to Silo, a restaurant / bakery / brewery / coffee house that aims to produce zero waste, there is a wealth of mouthwatering options offering global cuisine to suit any budget or appetite. With regular food festivals running throughout the year, and plenty of successful independents taking on the chains, Brighton is something of a foodie paradise.

Don’t Miss

Every year, many homes around the city with sustainable architectural features open their doors to the public. See modern solar systems in operation, green roofs or innovative rainwater recycling systems, meet the owners, and get inspired! `