Ecolodgee Hotel Integrates Sustainable Architecture with Nature
Green Globe certification has been awarded to Ecolodgee Hotel. The certification acknowledges an ambitious environmental approach taken at the heart of the Futuroscope Park, situated in the Vienne department, near Poitiers in France.
Hotel manager, Michel Meyer said, "All the team is delighted in achieving our inaugural Green Globe certification. With Ecolodgee, we wanted to create a true haven of peace where our visitors can extend their day with a moment of relaxation, disconnection and reconnection with nature. Many guests are surprised to discover such a peaceful place just a few steps away from the excitement of the park.
“The architecture supports this transition - visitors gradually leave the urban environment behind and enter a world entirely made of wood, where they feel immersed in nature, in complete serenity. This project, completed in just 15 months, brought together nearly 50 employees from many different areas of expertise within the park, with the support of an external consultant. It is a collective achievement that we are particularly proud of."
The Ecolodgee project was designed with the ambition of creating tourist accommodation fully integrated into its natural surroundings. It aims to increase Futuroscope’s accommodation capacity while bringing a more sustainable and environmentally responsible dimension to the resort’s development. The project also addresses a current expectation from guests - the desire for a complete experience throughout their stay, extending beyond the park visit itself.
This objective is aligned with the principles of Green Globe certification, which is based on four key pillars:
Environmental sustainability
Legal compliance to ensure construction permits and other obligations are met for an authorised location,
Heritage and culture are promoted to support local culture and local craftsmanship, and
Social responsibility to guarantee safe and fair working conditions for employees
“A globally recognised standard, Green Globe certification is particularly meaningful and is increasingly becoming an important factor when travellers choose their next green destination,” added Michel Meyer.
Eco-architectural Vison
At Ecolodgee, a sustainability approach was integrated from the initial construction phase to minimise environmental impacts and reduce its carbon footprint. The 120 lodges were built using Douglas Fir wood, a French timber sourced from sustainably managed forests. Wood offcuts were also used to decorate the reception area. 80% of the companies involved in the project were local, supporting short supply chains and reducing travel-related emissions. In addition, a construction assembly site set up near the hotel further reduced transportation linked to the construction process.
Creating a Natural Ecosystem to Enhance Biodiversity
A former vacant plot of land has been transformed into a genuine “green zone” with the planting of 40,000 trees and plants, following the principles developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which promote dense planting across three vegetation layers. Plants compete naturally, allowing the strongest ones (those that reach light, water and nutrients most efficiently) to grow faster. Remarkable results have seen rapid and successful growth so that today no watering is required. The highly effective technique has helped restore biodiversity.
Water features were created to encourage the development of a new living ecosystem. Many local species have returned and settled, including ducks, moorhens, rabbits and many other animal and plant species. Using the LEKO listening system, 9 out of 12 bat species were also identified.
A fun activity book for kids has been created by Ecolodgee Hotel.
Greening Operations
Ecolodgee is committed to a process of continuous improvement in line with Green Globe sustainability criteria. The property has implemented rigorous monitoring related to energy, water and waste reduction along with sustainable management best practices.
Concrete sustainable innovations are seamlessly integrated into the guest experience as part of the property’s eco-friendly operations. Ecolodgee runs exclusively on 100% renewable electricity. To reduce energy consumption, natural and bioclimatic solutions ensure guest comfort. During the colder months, geothermal energy warms the reception building.
Landscaping at Ecolodgee is based on a genuine ecological infrastructure, a one-hectare body of water that naturally regulates rainwater. In line with the property’s water management strategy, rainwater from the central pond is used for irrigating green spaces. All lodges are equipped with water-saving devices including low flow restrictors and aerators. Guests are also encouraged to participate in water conservation initiatives throughout their stay.
Exclusive Biodiversity Trail for Guests
To raise environmental awareness among guests and children, a fun Biodiversity Trail was created that was developed in partnership with MAIF (Mutuelle assurance des instituteurs de France), a French mutual insurance company. The Trail raises awareness among guests and families by providing an educational experience through the discovery of local fauna and flora.
The trail spans across the hotel’s 3.8-hectare landscaped park, winding around the lodges. Informative, interactive stops set up along the path allow visitors opportunities to observe native species of trees and vegetation, wildlife, birds, insects as well as aquatic creatures living in and around the lake. With a colourful nature discovery activity book in hand, children can enjoy learning about sustainability and nature at their own pace.
Contact
Eléonore Fourré
Responsable Communication Internationale
International Marketing Manager
Ecolodgee Hotel
Boulevard Leonard de vinci
Chasseneuil du Poitou
86360, France.
(+33) 5 49 49 20 93
(+33) 6 98 50 47 03
eleonore.fourre@futuroscope.fr