Energy Consumption in Tourism Facilities and the Need for Sustainable Heating
The tourism sector is one of the largest service industries in the world and causes significant energy consumption. Especially hotels, holiday resorts, and similar accommodation facilities operate 24/7, resulting in high energy intensity. To ensure a comfortable experience for guests, heating, cooling, lighting, hot water preparation, and ventilation systems are constantly operated. As a result, the annual energy consumption of an average tourism facility can reach hundreds of kilowatt-hours per square meter, which is several times higher than that of a standard residence. Particularly in winter or cold climate regions, space heating and hot water supply constitute a significant portion of total energy demand. Energy analyses show that approximately 25–30% of energy use in hotels is spent on space heating. Therefore, it is crucial that heating systems in tourism facilities are efficient and sustainable in terms of both operating costs and environmental impact.
Today, the concept of sustainability is strongly felt in the tourism sector as well. Sustainable tourism is an approach that aims to use current resources while considering future generations and reducing the environmental footprint. In this context, accommodation businesses need to rethink their energy management and heating methods. Traditionally, many hotels and holiday resorts have used fossil fuel boilers (such as natural gas, fuel oil, coal) or electric heating systems. However, fossil fuel-based heating contributes to climate change through high carbon dioxide (CO₂) and pollutant emissions and is considered an unsustainable path in the long term. Additionally, fluctuations in fossil fuel prices and foreign dependency make it difficult for businesses to forecast energy costs and pose economic risks.
The need for sustainable heating has become a prominent issue for tourism facilities for both environmental and economic reasons. On one hand, many countries are setting greenhouse gas reduction targets as part of the global fight against climate change and encouraging the use of renewable energy. For instance, regulations aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in buildings and carbon taxes encourage businesses like hotels to shift toward cleaner energy sources. On the other hand, with the growing number of environmentally conscious tourists, turning toward "green" practices has become a competitive advantage for accommodation facilities. The concepts of eco-hotel or green hotel define facilities with high energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, and such businesses are rewarded with international certifications (e.g., environmentally friendly accommodation labels). This strengthens the brand image and can also increase customer satisfaction.
The search for a sustainable heating solution brings multiple renewable technology options to the forefront. Solar water heating (solar collectors), geothermal heat pumps, biomass-fueled boilers, and waste heat recovery systems are among the solutions considered by tourism facilities to reduce fossil fuel use. Among these options, heating with biomass pellet fuel has recently gained attention. Pellets are small cylindrical fuel particles made by compressing wood shavings and similar organic waste. Since they are produced from biomass, a renewable source, and provide stable combustion, pellet fuel is a strong candidate to meet the eco-friendly heating needs of tourism facilities. Moreover, pellet usage can be integrated with existing boiler systems under certain conditions, and there are boiler technologies with capacities sufficient to meet large-scale central heating needs.
Physical and Energetic Properties of Pellet Fuel: Suitability for the Tourism Sector
Pellet fuel consists of small cylindrical fuel particles produced by compressing sawdust, chips, and other biomass materials, usually by-products of the wood industry, under high pressure. Typically measuring 6–10 mm in diameter and several centimeters in length, pellets are a dense and dry form of fuel. During the production process, the raw material is dried and pressed into shape without the need for a binder (natural lignin in the wood acts as a binder). The physical properties of the resulting pellet fuel make it more homogeneous and user-friendly compared to traditional wood fuels. Due to their low moisture content (typically around 8–10% by weight), they have high calorific value and exhibit consistent performance during combustion.
One of the most important energetic properties of pellets is their high calorific value. The lower heating value of high-quality wood pellets is generally in the range of 16–18 MJ (megajoules) per kilogram, equivalent to approximately 4.5–5 kWh of energy. This value is considerably higher volumetrically compared to loose sawdust or wood logs. Due to low moisture, most of the energy goes directly to heat production rather than evaporating water. Moreover, pellet density is also high (bulk density around 600–700 kg/m³), allowing a large amount of energy to be stored per unit volume in the storage area. While the volume required to provide the same amount of energy is about three times higher than fuel oil, it is approximately one-fourth compared to wood chips. This demonstrates that among biomass energy forms, pellets offer high storage efficiency.
The homogeneous size and shape of pellet fuel allow it to be used smoothly in automatic feeding boiler systems. The granular nature facilitates transportation from silos or storage areas to the boiler using screw conveyors (augers) or vacuum systems. This enables fully automated heating systems to be installed in tourism facilities where fuel feeding can be done without human intervention. Technically, pellet boilers are equipped with modern control units that continuously adjust the amount of fuel in the combustion chamber, fan speed, and air flow to achieve high combustion efficiency. Today's advanced pellet boilers can reach combustion efficiencies of 85–95%, which is comparable to modern boilers running on natural gas or diesel. The regular and controlled combustion of pellets ensures a stable heat output, which allows the desired comfort conditions to be maintained easily in environments like hotels with variable heat demand.
When evaluating the suitability of pellet fuel for the tourism sector, several points should be considered: resource availability, fuel quality, operational convenience, and safety. First and foremost, it is essential that pellet fuel is sustainably sourced. In regions with widespread forest product manufacturing or where the furniture and timber industries are present, pellet production is more developed. This means local fuel supply is possible for hotels. For example, although the pellet sector is relatively new in our country, it has been developing, especially to utilize wood waste, and pellet factories have been established in some regions. Local pellet supply reduces logistics costs while increasing the security of fuel supply. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels will also lower geopolitical and economic risks for tourism facilities.
Fuel quality is another critical factor for the success of pellet usage. High-quality pellet fuel has a low ash content (typically below 1%) and low moisture level and meets international standards in terms of density and particle size. These features mean less waste and residue during combustion, cleaner boilers, and higher efficiency. Considering the importance of uninterrupted service in tourism facilities, fuel-related malfunctions or maintenance downtimes should be minimized. Using standardized, high-quality pellets facilitates trouble-free boiler operation. Furthermore, since pellet fuel contains very low levels of pollutants such as sulfur and heavy metals, the gases formed after combustion have lower corrosion or pollution effects compared to fossil coal or low-quality biomass fuels.
In terms of operational convenience, pellet heating systems offer significant advantages for hotels. Many tourism facilities already have a central boiler room and a water-based heat distribution infrastructure (radiators, fan coil units, underfloor heating, etc.). Pellet boilers are designed as hot water-producing boilers that can be integrated into existing installations. For example, a 300 kW pellet boiler can meet the space heating and domestic hot water needs of a medium-sized hotel. If necessary, multiple boilers can be connected in cascade to share the load, allowing even the heating demand of large facilities of thousands of kWs to be met with pellet fuel. Since the fuel feeding system is automatic, hotel staff do not need to constantly monitor fuel supply; it is sufficient to refill the pellet silo at certain intervals (e.g., once every few weeks during the winter season). This process is usually carried out by pellet distributor tankers, just like tank filling for liquid fuels. In modern systems, the resulting ash is also collected in automatic ash boxes, which need to be emptied at intervals of several weeks. This maintenance task is not time-consuming for technical staff, and since the amount of ash is only a few thousandths of the fuel, it is easy to manage.
Safety is also indispensable for tourism facilities. Pellet fuel is safe when properly stored and the system is correctly installed. As a solid fuel, it does not pose explosion or leakage risks in storage, nor does it create hazards like the accumulation of flammable gases. Of course, as with all fuel types, it is recommended that pellet storage areas are well ventilated and precautions are taken against dust accumulation. Pellet boilers usually have fully enclosed combustion chambers and safety sensors, minimizing risks such as fire or backfiring. A properly designed and maintained pellet system can be operated as safely as a natural gas boiler. This is an important advantage in terms of hotel guest and facility safety.
Physical and Energetic Properties of Pellet Fuel: Suitability for the Tourism Sector
Pellet fuel consists of small cylindrical fuel particles produced by compressing sawdust, chips, and other biomass materials, usually by-products of the wood industry, under high pressure. Typically measuring 6–10 mm in diameter and several centimeters in length, pellets are a dense and dry form of fuel. During the production process, the raw material is dried and pressed into shape without the need for a binder (natural lignin in the wood acts as a binder). The physical properties of the resulting pellet fuel make it more homogeneous and user-friendly compared to traditional wood fuels. Due to their low moisture content (typically around 8–10% by weight), they have high calorific value and exhibit consistent performance during combustion.
One of the most important energetic properties of pellets is their high calorific value. The lower heating value of high-quality wood pellets is generally in the range of 16–18 MJ (megajoules) per kilogram, equivalent to approximately 4.5–5 kWh of energy. This value is considerably higher volumetrically compared to loose sawdust or wood logs. Due to low moisture, most of the energy goes directly to heat production rather than evaporating water. Moreover, pellet density is also high (bulk density around 600–700 kg/m³), allowing a large amount of energy to be stored per unit volume in the storage area. While the volume required to provide the same amount of energy is about three times higher than fuel oil, it is approximately one-fourth compared to wood chips. This demonstrates that among biomass energy forms, pellets offer high storage efficiency.
The homogeneous size and shape of pellet fuel allow it to be used smoothly in automatic feeding boiler systems. The granular nature facilitates transportation from silos or storage areas to the boiler using screw conveyors (augers) or vacuum systems. This enables fully automated heating systems to be installed in tourism facilities where fuel feeding can be done without human intervention. Technically, pellet boilers are equipped with modern control units that continuously adjust the amount of fuel in the combustion chamber, fan speed, and air flow to achieve high combustion efficiency. Today's advanced pellet boilers can reach combustion efficiencies of 85–95%, which is comparable to modern boilers running on natural gas or diesel. The regular and controlled combustion of pellets ensures a stable heat output, which allows the desired comfort conditions to be maintained easily in environments like hotels with variable heat demand.
When evaluating the suitability of pellet fuel for the tourism sector, several points should be considered: resource availability, fuel quality, operational convenience, and safety. First and foremost, it is essential that pellet fuel is sustainably sourced. In regions with widespread forest product manufacturing or where the furniture and timber industries are present, pellet production is more developed. This means local fuel supply is possible for hotels. For example, although the pellet sector is relatively new in our country, it has been developing, especially to utilize wood waste, and pellet factories have been established in some regions. Local pellet supply reduces logistics costs while increasing the security of fuel supply. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels will also lower geopolitical and economic risks for tourism facilities.
Fuel quality is another critical factor for the success of pellet usage. High-quality pellet fuel has a low ash content (typically below 1%) and low moisture level and meets international standards in terms of density and particle size. These features mean less waste and residue during combustion, cleaner boilers, and higher efficiency. Considering the importance of uninterrupted service in tourism facilities, fuel-related malfunctions or maintenance downtimes should be minimized. Using standardized, high-quality pellets facilitates trouble-free boiler operation. Furthermore, since pellet fuel contains very low levels of pollutants such as sulfur and heavy metals, the gases formed after combustion have lower corrosion or pollution effects compared to fossil coal or low-quality biomass fuels.
In terms of operational convenience, pellet heating systems offer significant advantages for hotels. Many tourism facilities already have a central boiler room and a water-based heat distribution infrastructure (radiators, fan coil units, underfloor heating, etc.). Pellet boilers are designed as hot water-producing boilers that can be integrated into existing installations. For example, a 300 kW pellet boiler can meet the space heating and domestic hot water needs of a medium-sized hotel. If necessary, multiple boilers can be connected in cascade to share the load, allowing even the heating demand of large facilities of thousands of kWs to be met with pellet fuel. Since the fuel feeding system is automatic, hotel staff do not need to constantly monitor fuel supply; it is sufficient to refill the pellet silo at certain intervals (e.g., once every few weeks during the winter season). This process is usually carried out by pellet distributor tankers, just like tank filling for liquid fuels. In modern systems, the resulting ash is also collected in automatic ash boxes, which need to be emptied at intervals of several weeks. This maintenance task is not time-consuming for technical staff, and since the amount of ash is only a few thousandths of the fuel, it is easy to manage.
Safety is also indispensable for tourism facilities. Pellet fuel is safe when properly stored and the system is correctly installed. As a solid fuel, it does not pose explosion or leakage risks in storage, nor does it create hazards like the accumulation of flammable gases. Of course, as with all fuel types, it is recommended that pellet storage areas are well ventilated and precautions are taken against dust accumulation. Pellet boilers usually have fully enclosed combustion chambers and safety sensors, minimizing risks such as fire or backfiring. A properly designed and maintained pellet system can be operated as safely as a natural gas boiler. This is an important advantage in terms of hotel guest and facility safety.
Environmental Effects of Heating with Pellets: Carbon Neutrality and Waste Management Perspective
The use of pellets in tourism facilities offers significant benefits in terms of environmental sustainability. To understand these benefits, it is necessary to look at the role of pellet fuel in the carbon cycle and the dimension of waste management. The concept of carbon neutrality refers to the situation where the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere during the combustion of a fuel is balanced by the amount of carbon absorbed from the atmosphere during the formation of the fuel. Since wood-based pellet fuel is obtained from trees that grow through photosynthesis, the CO₂ released during combustion is theoretically equal to the CO₂ absorbed from the atmosphere during the growth of the trees. Therefore, when supported by sustainable forestry practices, pellet fuel can be considered a carbon-neutral heating solution. Unlike fossil fuels, burning pellets does not add new CO₂ from geological carbon stores; the carbon can be recaptured by forest growth in the short cycle.
Of course, achieving full carbon neutrality in practice depends on certain conditions. Energy is consumed and a small amount of fossil fuel is used in the production and distribution processes of pellets (e.g., for drying or transportation using diesel fuel). However, various life cycle analyses have shown that even when all these processes are taken into account, heating with pellets results in significantly lower net greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. In fact, studies have shown that a facility heated with a modern and efficient pellet boiler can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% compared to a facility using fuel oil. Even compared to natural gas, which is a relatively cleaner fossil fuel, pellets have a significantly lower carbon footprint (approximately 50% less), thanks to their renewable origin. This improvement is due not only to the low emissions at the source but also to the recovery of otherwise unused carbon by converting wood waste into energy.
The environmental impact of pellet usage is not limited to the carbon aspect. From a waste management perspective, pellet fuel's environmentally friendly nature is further reinforced. The raw materials for pellets are generally leftover materials from sawmills, furniture workshops, or forest maintenance operations. For example, drying and pelletizing sawdust, trimmed wood pieces, bark, or harvest residues is quite common. If these materials are not turned into pellets, they are often disposed of in lower-value forms or, worse, burned in open areas or left to rot. In both cases, uncontrolled emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere occur. Pellet production converts this waste into structured fuel, contributing to a circular economy: waste is turned into energy, replacing fossil fuels and alleviating waste management issues. This win-win situation is a key component of sustainability principles. By using pellets, tourism facilities become part of the waste valorization effort; this is a tangible contribution they can highlight in their environmental responsibility statements.
The impact of pellet heating on local environment and air quality is also noteworthy. Traditionally used fossil fuels like coal for heating release large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM), and other toxic gases (such as CO and volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere. These emissions harm human health and cause environmental issues like acid rain and smog. Pellet fuel, on the other hand, is known as a clean-burning fuel. Its sulfur content is extremely low, so SO₂ emissions are negligible. Thanks to high combustion efficiency and fuel homogeneity, particulate emissions are also quite low. In modern pellet boilers, advanced filter systems and combustion chamber designs allow the amount of dust and soot emitted from the chimney to be reduced below even the strict European Union standards. As a result, pellet heating is a safe option for air quality, especially in tourism facilities located in sensitive natural areas or city centers. Guests and local residents rarely notice thick smoke or disturbing odors from the chimney of a hotel heated with pellets; since the combustion mainly produces colorless and odorless gases (primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor).
The small amount of ash resulting from the combustion of pellet fuel, when properly managed, not only does not harm the environment but can also be transformed into a beneficial product. Ash derived from wood contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and contains almost no toxic heavy metals. This ash can be used as a soil conditioner in agriculture or horticulture. In fact, some biomass facilities have practices where combustion ash is packaged and sold as fertilizer or returned to forest soil. Thus, the cycle of pellet fuel is closed with a mineral return to the soil from which its raw material originated. At the scale of a tourism facility, depending on the annual pellet consumption, a few hundred kilograms of ash may be produced annually; this can be periodically delivered to municipal waste management or recycled by licensed environmental companies. This responsible management of ash also demonstrates that pellet is superior to fossil fuels in terms of waste disposal (for example, coal ash is often considered hazardous waste and requires special storage, whereas pellet ash is inert and much safer).
Another important point to mention environmentally is the issue of sustainable raw material supply. For pellets to be truly carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly, the wood raw material must be sourced in accordance with sustainable forestry principles. If forests are damaged by excessive or illegal logging and directed toward pellet production in violation of renewable principles, this can harm biodiversity and carbon balances in the long term. Therefore, many pellet manufacturers strive to obtain their raw materials from certified sources (e.g., FSC – Forest Stewardship Council certified). In the context of sustainable tourism, it is expected that a hotel pays attention to even such details in its supply chain: ensuring the pellets used come from sustainable sources. Fortunately, both globally and in our country, pellet manufacturers are increasingly using existing biomass, such as wood waste and residues from forest maintenance, rather than cutting down trees specifically for pellet production. This strengthens the environmental superiority of pellet fuel.
Integration of Pellet Systems into Tourism Facilities: Technical and Economic Evaluation
Converting the existing heating infrastructure in a tourism facility to a pellet fuel system or installing a pellet system in a new facility requires careful planning and a comprehensive evaluation. The technical assessment begins with determining the heating demand of the facility and designing the pellet system to meet this need. For example, the size of the hotel, number of rooms, level of insulation, and climatic conditions determine the annual and instantaneous heating load. Once this load is calculated, an appropriately sized pellet boiler or multiple boilers are selected. The market offers a wide range of products, from small residential pellet stoves to industrial-scale central boilers with megawatt capacities. Since tourism facilities typically require heating power on the order of hundreds of kilowatts, automatic feeding pellet boilers are preferred. These boilers can be modular; systems where multiple units operate together provide more flexible load management and redundancy.
Another aspect of technical integration is compatibility with existing systems and infrastructure requirements. If the facility was previously heated with natural gas or liquid fuel boilers, it is likely that the water distribution system (radiators, piping, possibly heat exchangers for domestic hot water) is already in place and usable. In this case, the pellet boiler can be connected to the existing installation and function just like the previous boiler; in other words, the hot water from the boiler is directed to the hotel's heating circuit and domestic hot water heaters. During this integration, attention should be paid to the physical space where the pellet boiler will be placed and the chimney. Due to their burner and storage systems, pellet boilers are slightly larger than gas boilers of equivalent capacity. Therefore, there must be sufficient space in the boiler room, or if necessary, an additional boiler/utility room may need to be created. Especially the area where the pellet fuel will be stored—the silo or storage room—is a critical part of the design. As previously mentioned, a larger storage volume is needed for pellets compared to fossil fuels. A storage unit can be planned to meet the hotel’s seasonal pellet needs, or a smaller silo may be chosen based on the assumption of periodic fuel delivery. The silo is usually located adjacent to or separate from the building, in a dry and ventilated area. A screw conveyor (spiral pipe) or suction system should be installed between the silo and boiler, with this distance typically not exceeding a few meters; the design must accommodate this.
In terms of power and control systems: Pellet boilers can be integrated with modern automation infrastructure. Most pellet boilers can be connected to building automation systems or smart thermostats and offer remote monitoring and control features. This facilitates energy management in tourism facilities. For example, during seasonal transitions or according to occupancy rates, heating demand may vary, and the boiler settings can be optimized automatically. In addition, safety and emergency mechanisms can be digitally monitored; alerts can be sent to the maintenance team immediately in the event of low fuel level, system faults, or abnormal conditions. Thus, even in a large facility, a pellet system can be operated efficiently and reliably.
The economic evaluation of pellet systems is at least as important as the technical aspects. Before making an investment decision, facility managers must carefully analyze the costs and savings associated with pellet heating. This analysis generally focuses on two main components: capital costs (installation costs) and operating costs (fuel and maintenance costs).
Capital cost: The initial investment cost of pellet boilers and related equipment (storage silo, conveyor system, automation, etc.) may be higher than that of equivalent capacity natural gas boilers. This is due to the system’s more complex fuel feeding mechanism and the need for special design for solid fuel. Additionally, building modifications may be necessary (such as constructing a new silo or adapting the chimney for the pellet boiler). However, this initial cost can be offset by long-term fuel savings and possible incentives. In many countries, there are financial incentives such as grants, tax deductions, or low-interest loans to support the transition to renewable energy. Tourism businesses can benefit from such incentives for environmentally friendly investments and reduce the installation cost of a pellet system. For example, in Turkey, there are credit programs for hotels supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy investments, or indirect advantages under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s green certification for eco-friendly facilities. Investigating these incentives and applying them to the project will strengthen the economic feasibility.
Operating cost: The annual consumption amount and unit price of pellet fuel are the main factors determining the operating cost. Although pellet prices vary by region, they generally remain stable due to local production. They tend to be less affected by global market fluctuations than oil and natural gas prices. This makes fuel budgets more predictable for hotels. For comparison, pellet fuel is usually competitive or even cheaper in terms of cost per unit of thermal energy than coal, fuel oil, or electric heating. In regions where natural gas is not cheap or unavailable, pellets are a highly advantageous option economically. For instance, in a rural mountain hotel without a natural gas connection, heating is usually done with LPG, diesel, or electricity—methods that are quite costly; in such conditions, pellets can reduce fuel expenses by nearly half. In a city hotel where natural gas is available at a reasonable price, pellets might be similar or slightly higher in terms of fuel cost; however, indirect gains such as carbon taxes, future regulations, or the customer-attracting potential of an eco-friendly image should also be considered.
Maintenance and operating expenses should also be taken into account in operating costs. Pellet systems require regular maintenance (e.g., burner cleaning, removing ash and soot from heat exchanger surfaces, checking mechanical components). Fortunately, these maintenance tasks are routine procedures for a boiler technician and can be handled with standard manpower. Maintenance costs are generally a small percentage of the annual fuel cost and, if performed correctly, extend the system’s lifespan and prevent major repair costs. If high-quality pellets are used and the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations are followed, a pellet boiler can easily last 15–20 years, which is sufficient time for the investment to pay off over the long term.
Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is a common approach in economic evaluation. For example, if an investment of X lira is made for switching to a pellet system and the annual fuel + maintenance savings is Y lira, the X/Y ratio gives the number of years needed for the investment to pay back. In tourism facilities, a payback period of 3–7 years is generally considered reasonable; if a project falls within this range, it is considered viable. If a pellet system significantly reduces fuel costs, the payback period will shorten. Especially a business using an old and inefficient coal boiler can achieve savings through increased efficiency and cleaner combustion by switching to pellets, allowing it to recover the initial investment in a few years. For a business switching from natural gas, the savings may come more from environmental obligations or carbon costs, so the payback period may be slightly longer; at this point, decision-makers should also consider environmental benefits and customer satisfaction as a type of return.
Another aspect of transitioning to a pellet system in tourism facilities is operational adaptation and staff training. When switching to a new fuel type and system, it is important that operating personnel are familiar with the system. Technical staff should be knowledgeable about daily monitoring of the pellet boiler, using the digital control panel, what to do in case of a fault, and scheduling fuel orders. Fortunately, many pellet boiler manufacturers or suppliers provide comprehensive training and technical support after installation. Another option is to work with Energy Service Companies (ESCO); these companies can install and operate a pellet system in your facility, and you pay a regular fee for fuel and service. Such models are attractive for hotels that want to reduce investment burden, although the ESCO model is not yet common in our country. Still, it is possible and sometimes beneficial to get external support for technical operations.
Tourism businesses evaluating the integration of pellet systems should consider not only their internal facility dynamics but also the supplier ecosystem. Securing a reliable pellet supplier is a critical success factor to ensure the continuity and quality of fuel supply. When making agreements, issues such as seasonal price fixing and scheduled delivery should be clarified. Some large hotels prefer to stockpile a month’s or a season’s worth of pellets at once to ease fuel logistics, in which case the storage capacity should be designed accordingly. Smaller facilities may opt for more frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
The integration of pellet systems into tourism facilities is both technically feasible and mature, and when properly planned, can be economically profitable. On the technical side, capacity calculations, infrastructure compatibility, storage, and safety must be carefully addressed. On the economic side, the savings offered by pellet fuel in both investment and operating costs, possible incentives, and the reputation value that comes with environmental transformation must be evaluated together. If these aspects are analyzed in a balanced way, switching to a pellet-fueled heating system offers a solution that respects both nature and the operational budget in the long term. Thus, the facility can turn the principles of sustainable tourism into concrete action and become a model example for both its guests and the industry.