Alpine eco-tourism

Project goal: Environmentally-friendly Alpine tourism, energy-efficient buildings
Energy sources: Solar thermal energy and photovoltaic
Project investment: around 5.5 million Euros ($7.95 million)
Emission reduction target: 300 tons of carbon dioxide over 10 years

Mountains around the world have been deeply impacted by climate change – whether it's melting glaciers, the emergence of new plant species on the slopes or the extinction of plant life in the valleys.

The Swiss Alps are no exception. Since the mid-1980s, the region's glaciers, which are regularly measured by scientists, have been diminishing. In 2003 alone, during a record summer, they reportedly shrank by up to five percent.

The changes wrought by rising temperatures have also made an impact on Alpine tourism which is an important source of income in the region. Among other things, hiking trails have had to be diverted or, in some cases, newly laid. In an effort to halt the harsh effects of global warming in the region, authorities are focusing on making Alpine tourism more eco-friendly and sustainable.

One of the model projects in the region is the “Neue Monte Rosa Hütte,” an unusual hiking shelter. Opened in 2010, the building is called by some as “the mountain hut of the future.” The architecturally-stunning building generates its own energy without the need for oil or coal. Solar panels mounted on the roof provide electricity. Solar thermal panels on the cliffs help to heat water in a climate-neutral manner. The shelter boasts eco-friendly ventilation and lighting. And batteries help to store surplus energy for future use.

A film by Sascha Quaiser (sp)