Climate issues are becoming increasingly important when choosing a vacation destination. Awareness is growing – many vacationers also want to protect the environment during the most beautiful time of the year and spend their trip with a clear conscience. In addition to summer, sun and beaches, environmental protection is therefore increasingly on the wish list that the preferred destination should fulfill.
The Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn in northern Germany is such a sunny vacation idyll. If you go camping there, you not only save CO2 compared to a flight, you can even visit the campsite with the most environmental awards in Europe:
Insel-Camp Fehmarn has been committed to consistent ecological management for 20 years now. The site, which was newly built in 2000, operates according to a strict environmental management system. Only recently, in addition to ECOCAMPING environmental management, EMAS III and the “climate-friendly company” award, it was also awarded the new EU Ecolabel – known as the friendly environmental flower. 22 mandatory criteria and 46 optional criteria must be fulfilled. These include, for example, the exclusive use of green electricity. But potential savings must also be exploited. For example, LED lighting and water-saving shower heads are mandatory.
Some examples of selected environmental aspects of Insel-Camp Fehmarn are:
- The use of energy-saving lighting throughout the site ensures energy-saving brightness. The exterior lighting is controlled by twilight switches and the interior lighting by motion detectors. This means that the lights are only switched on when they are really needed. The lamps are directed downwards to protect against insects: this makes it easy to find your way around the extensive grounds while maintaining the darkness and twinkling stars that are so important for both humans and animals.
- The electricity used is generated 100% from sun, wind and hydropower and is therefore environmentally friendly and climate-neutral.
- Thanks to the hygienic, partly touch-free water-saving technology in the sanitary buildings, the valuable water only flows when it is needed.
- Hot water is heated using a solar thermal system and efficient gas condensing technology, which is operated with CO2-compensated green gas. The amount of CO2 released through combustion is calculated and offset through financial support for climate protection projects.
- Reusable cups, the extensive avoidance of small packaging and the availability of fresh food help to reduce waste on the campsite. Everything that cannot be avoided can be separated in a convenient recycling island and thus fed into the recycling cycle.
- For environmentally friendly mobility on the island, there is a bus stop on site, a ride-sharing bank, rental bikes in cooperation with a local service provider and an electric scooter for hire.
- The easy-to-clean design and interior fittings of the sanitary facilities and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents ensure hygienic cleanliness.
- The use of plants, some of which are rare and typical of the location, and the installation of nesting boxes for birds are not only beautiful to look at, they also promote biodiversity.
Insel-Camp Fehmarn is family-run: Owner Katherin Kleingarn took over the company from her mother Ellen in 2017. Why have they both been running the business according to ecological criteria for 20 years, even though it may seem more complex and expensive at first glance?
“My father grew up on a farm on Fehmarn. He describes his childhood as a very intense time: full of work and close to nature – always looking at the sea, the wind, the clouds and the sun. He is convinced that the earth is our most valuable asset. What you take, you should also give back. This attitude has also shaped me since my childhood,” says owner Katherin Kleingarn, explaining the values her family has lived by for generations.
It was therefore a matter of course that the family paid attention to sustainability as early as 2000 when building the campsite: in the selection of local craftsmen for short distances, the technology used and the use of high-quality, durable equipment. In 2003, the consistent introduction of ECOCAMPING environmental management was added.
“We are pleased to see that the population is now rethinking and that environmental aspects are becoming increasingly important when choosing a vacation destination,” adds Kleingarn. “This confirms our long-standing commitment.”
Further information at:
Insel-Camp Fehmarn
23769 Meeschendorf / Fehmarn
Phone: 0049 (0) 4371 50 300
Fax: 0049 (0) 4371 50 30 10
info@inselcamp.de
www.inselcamp.de
