SUSTAINABILITY
Caring for What Already Exists
For us, sustainability is not a marketing initiative or a checklist of promises. It is a way of thinking that begins with preservation, values longevity over replacement and recognises that every thoughtful decision—however small—can help protect the places we love. Haus Mannenberg is our commitment to caring for an old house, the landscape that surrounds it and the generations who will enjoy it after us.
RESTORATION
Preserving Rather Than Replacing
The most sustainable building is often the one that already exists.
Rather than replacing a centuries-old chalet with something new, we chose to restore it with patience, respect and the belief that historic buildings deserve a future. Wherever possible, original materials were repaired instead of replaced, traditional craftsmanship was preserved and the character of the house remained at the heart of every decision.
At the same time, the chalet was carefully rebuilt behind the scenes with modern infrastructure, allowing it to offer the comfort and reliability expected today while remaining true to its historic identity. We believe preserving the past should never come at the expense of the future.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Built to Endure
We believe that longevity is one of the greatest forms of sustainability.
Rather than following trends or choosing materials designed for short lifespans, we have always preferred quality, durability and timeless design. The furniture, finishes, natural materials and partnerships found throughout Haus Mannenberg were selected with the intention that they will age gracefully and remain relevant for decades rather than seasons.
The most sustainable purchase is often the one that only needs to be made once.
LOCAL
Rooted in the Region
The Bernese Oberland has shaped Haus Mannenberg in countless ways, and we believe it is important to give something back.
Whenever possible, we work with local craftspeople, independent businesses and regional producers who share our appreciation for quality and authenticity. From breakfast ingredients and coffee to the products used throughout the house and the places we recommend, many of the things you’ll experience here come from people who live and work in this part of Switzerland.
Supporting local knowledge not only strengthens the community—it also preserves the character that makes this region so special.
Small Decisions, Every Day
Sustainability is rarely defined by one grand gesture. More often, it is the result of thoughtful decisions made consistently over time.
Throughout the house, we aim to reduce unnecessary waste, limit excessive packaging, choose products with long lifespans and avoid replacing items simply for the sake of something new. Housekeeping is deliberately unobtrusive, preserving both the privacy of the house and a more considered use of water, energy and resources.
These choices may appear modest on their own, but together they shape the way we care for the house every day.
DAILY PRACTICE
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Looking After the House Together
Every guest becomes a temporary custodian of Haus Mannenberg.
During your stay, we invite you to enjoy the house with the same care and respect with which it has been restored. Simple gestures—switching off lights when leaving a room, using water thoughtfully, reusing towels during longer stays and avoiding unnecessary waste—help us reduce our environmental impact while preserving the comfort and character of the house for those who visit after you.
Many of the materials surrounding you have already served generations before us. With a little care, they will continue to do so for generations to come.
THE FUTURE
Thinking Beyond Today
We know that sustainability is not something that is ever truly finished. It is an ongoing responsibility that asks us to keep learning, improving and making thoughtful decisions, even when they are not the easiest ones.
Our hope is simple: that Haus Mannenberg will continue to stand proudly above the valley for another hundred years, welcoming future generations with the same sense of warmth, authenticity and quiet beauty that first captured our imagination.
Because caring for places like this is not only about preserving the past.
It is about protecting the future.