Sustainability

Regarding sustainable development and the promotion of local value chains, the Bnomad association has set itself the goal of limiting its supply distances. Thus, the limit for the purchase of consumables (drinks, food, wood) has been set at 50 kilometers. This helps to promote local products (in large part with certified organic labels) and minimize CO2 emissions due to transport. The distance for the supply of infrastructure and furniture is set at a maximum of 500 kilometers. Wherever possible, the Bnomad association favours Swiss-made products. Second-hand items are also favored.

Circularity

In parallel with regional sourcing, the Bnomad association is pursuing a circular economy approach, aiming to minimize the impact of its waste, optimize and valorize inputs and outputs, and (re)use its infrastructure in a multimodal way. The activities relating to circularity are illustrated in the figure below.

The main material in terms of volume and weight with a short life cycle within the Bnomad association is firewood. The combustion of wood results in around 6 to 10% ash. With several hundred kilos produced each year, the Bnomad association recovers the ashes and recycles them into artisanal washing powder. This same lye is then used to clean textiles (linen, bathrobes, bedding).

As for the furniture, it is chosen on the basis of a concept that promotes both reuse and multiple, modular use. For example, variable, made-to-measure assembly systems (e.g. USM Haller) are used (reception counters being transformed into bedside tables according to summer/winter activity). Or sauna benches are designed to function as bed bases during the summer season, rather than being stored.

The Bnomad association is planning its own electricity generation (solar and/or wind), as well as a grey water recovery system. Awareness-raising measures for guests on how to optimize energy and water consumption are also in place.