Green Key awarded Thon Hotel EU located in Brussels (Belgium) has established a green roof and an insect hotel to increase biodiversity
The green roof of the Thon EU hotel with lavender, poaceae and the vegetable garden. (Picture by E. Uskokovic)
Thon Hotel EU is located in an old building that was renovated in April 2012 to be changed into a hotel. From the beginning of the renovation project there was a desire by the director of the hotel to include environmentally friendly" solutions. In addition to evaluate the use of resources and energy, the environmental project goes further. Indeed, the hotel offers many complementary actions in favour of the environment, such as the installation of a green roof, a vegetable garden, an insect hotel and two beehives.
The green roof:
The green roof is made up of poaceae and lavender. The flowers of lavender are pollinated by bees belonging to the two beehives which are also located on the roof. The beehives give the hotel the great opportunity to produce its own honey and offer it to the customers during breakfast. There is also a vegetable garden, which is an excellent source of healthy food and biodiversity when managed without pesticides. The green roof also allows water retention and regulation of rain flow. In addition, guests are delighted to have a view of their room on a bit of nature.
The insect hotel
The bees and other insects need shelter in an urban environment where their natural habitat is becoming increasingly scarce. Besides supporting the biodiversity, it inspires some of the hotel guests to have an insect hotel at home. The insect hotel is not only favorable for small six legged animals, but it is also an excellent educational tool for children. It is a real satisfaction for the hotel to spread good ideas for the preservation of biodiversity among the customers and the staff.
The insect hotel on the roof of the Thon Hotel EU. (Picture by E. Uskokovic)