Welcome to the Green Castle!

“Welcome to the green castle, bonny guests!” was reportedly exclaimed in the English Sherwood Forest during the merry times of Robin Hood, whose hospitality towards good people is famous. Our team at Chateau Mcely, situated in the middle of Bohemia at the edge of the legendary St. George’s Forest, can sincerely exclaim: Welcome to the first five-star “green” and eco chic hotel in the Czech Republic – and only the second one in the entire European Union!

Chateau Mcely Club Hotel & Forest Retreat has successfully passed the strict classification process on the basis of which the Czech Environment Ministry granted the company a license to use the European Union’s ecological sign. Because of its demonstrated commitment to the environment, the hotel fulfills European Directive No. 43-2005, and thus has earned the right to use the characteristic flower symbol, which you can see on top of this release.

Acquisition of the official green certificate is the news of the year for the whole company team.

It also represents recognition of an effort that began with the reconstruction of the dilapidated classicist chateau into the current hotel building. The idea of working with “green principles,” i.e. those which give maximum consideration to the environment, has been supported from the very beginning by the current co-owner of the hotel, Dr. James Cusumano, who for a long time has been engaged in the issue of environmental protection and other worldwide problems (global warming, dependence on oil). He recently published a book entitled “Freedom from Mid-East Oil.” His wife and business partner, Inez Cusumano adds, smiling, that she supports the “worldwide” effort of her husband “locally” by caring for all details, right up to a welcome cup of tea prepared exclusively from local herbs and served to all guests.

What was it that earned us the green certificate and what is a typical day at our green castle? From the time the hotel was opened we have been using a modern heating system based on combustion of waste wood chips. The chateau windows safely prevent any heat leaks. We use our own wastewater treatment system, and the by-product recovered water, as well as captured rainwater are used for watering the park. So-called green electricity, i.e. electricity from renewable sources, such as waste wood chips flows through the entire building. We use only energy-efficient light bulbs. We sort paper, plastics, glass, tetra packs, as well as batteries, printer cartridges and other hazardous waste. Our food waste is used locally to support regional farm production. When seeking new suppliers, we first look into their participation in the “green” society. All employees have been professionally trained so that each of them, according to their possibilities, work with “green principles” in mind and respect our local environment. We are confident that our guests appreciate the information that we provide them so that they can participate in our ecological efforts (for instance by using less water, fewer towels or airing their rooms in an energy-efficient manner). Our “green” efforts do not diminish the maximum convenience and service that we provide for all visitors to Chateau Mcely. In fact, these efforts actually provide a healthier and safer environment for them.

Our ecological program actually follows from our corporate vision: “We make a difference in the world by making a difference in yours!” Each little step has its value. We have already taken the first step at Chateau Mcely and we shall continue. Welcome in our green castle!

For more information: http://www.eco-label.com/default.htm