Efficiency Turning less into more!
Efficiency is key to the more productive use of available resources, resulting in the overall reduction of the resources required. Technical innovations and modern work methods are common ways to achieve this increase in efficiency.
Some examples: The control rooms at the terminals are heated to no more than 18 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, the temperature is automatically lowered to 8 degrees. In the pumping stations, the most modern pumps and motors are used.
Our goal What we are doing
Through planning and technological development, mountain railway companies are able to make an important contribution to sustainable development. We, too, are strongly committed to increasing efficiency and using environmentally friendly technologies.
The "Reffnet Report", for instance, outlines measures for increased resource efficiency. We and our subsidiaries have committed ourselves to implement these measures, and the certificate below confirms that we have already taken steps in this direction.
Our measures
To increase efficiency
Dismantling of oil heating systems
The use of oil heating systems is a significant cause of emissions. In addition, transporting the heating oil up the mountain is incredibly costly and requires a lot of energy. That’s why we have set ourselves the goal of eliminating oil heating systems on our mountains in the next few years.
We are also promoting the expansion of bivalent heating systems in our hotels. The use of these modern heating systems based on heat-pump technology reduces heating oil consumption by 50%.
Heating Centre at Hotel National
The introduction of a new heating system at Hotel National will be responsible for an important contribution to energy efficiency in the future. The advanced heating network will heat 4-5 hotel and residential buildings with one pellet heating system instead of heating each building individually.
Optimised snowmaking
Davos Klosters is considered a very snow-sure region. However, the skilful management of the snow is important here as well. Both natural and artificial snow are used with high efficiency and optimally distributed during the winter months. The locations of the snowmaking machines were precisely determined to ensure the efficient production of snow.
Calculation of the amount of snow available
The slopes of the Davos Klosters Mountains were scanned and measured in an elaborate process. A satellite-connected system (SNOWsat) has been installed on all vehicles, making it possible to measure the depth of the snow during snow grooming. This allows us to optimally allocate the snow and thus save resources.
Reductions in compressed air and component wear and tear
Old snowmaking machines are continuously being replaced with new ones. These require up to 20 % less compressed air, which saves a massive amount of energy every winter.
When fewer guests need to be transported, we also reduce the circulation speed of our lifts. This reduces wear and tear on the rollers and lowers the energy consumption of the system. The increased service life of the small parts reduces waste and promotes the efficient use of resources.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
Our guests’ journey to the resort is responsible for a large part of the CO2 emissions. To positively influence the behaviour of visitors, Davos Klosters Bergbahnen is promoting e-mobility. The goal is to install EV charging stations for electric vehicles at all valley stations and hotels.
