Values
Our commitment to responsibility
A stay at Hotel Kong Arthur begins with the essentials: a good night’s sleep and a warm, friendly welcome in the lobby. But to us, hospitality is about more than that. We are always looking for ways to improve how we operate and reduce our use of resources and CO2 emissions wherever possible. It’s something we’ve been committed to for years, and it continues to be an important part of how we run our hotel.
We take a thoughtful approach across many areas of our operation, including energy use, waste management, purchasing, and supplier partnerships. That is also one of the reasons we have been Green Key certified since 2009. Because the certification requirements continue to evolve, it helps us stay current with new industry standards and improvements.
We are proud to be Green Key certified, but we also see it as just one part of a broader effort. That’s why we continue to work toward additional goals beyond the certification itself.
From vision to action: Our work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
To help guide this work, we have chosen four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals that reflect the areas we want to focus on and help shape our direction moving forward. These goals were selected with input from employees across the company, and four working groups have been established to support the process, involving employees, managers, and directors alike. Each group focuses on one specific goal, while also contributing to a shared effort, since the goals are closely connected.
SDG 17
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals in total, and we chose to begin with the last one. SDG 17 is centered on partnerships for sustainable development, and we see it as one of the most important areas where we can contribute. It also connects naturally with the other goals we work with.
With two hotels and everything that comes with running them, from breakfast service and lobby bars to housekeeping and daily operations, we believe our choice of suppliers and business partners can play an important role.
That’s why we regularly evaluate our suppliers based on factors such as certifications, materials, product durability, transportation choices, and more. Some suppliers are replaced over time, while others, such as our external cleaning partner, have strengthened their own focus on responsibility along the way. We also work with suppliers who help us find better solutions through the services and products they provide. For us, strong partnerships are built on shared knowledge, new ideas, and a willingness to learn from one another. When that happens, a supplier relationship becomes something more meaningful.
SDG 7
SDG 7, which focuses on energy, is especially relevant to us because a hotel that operates around the clock naturally uses a significant amount of electricity and heating. We also know that non-renewable energy sources place pressure on both climate and environment. By choosing LED lighting throughout the hotel and supporting renewable energy where possible, we work to reduce our CO2 emissions.
At the same time, we generate waste that needs to be handled responsibly. That is why we sort waste to help ensure it is managed in the most appropriate way possible.
To better understand how much electricity and heat we use, and where energy demand is highest across the hotel, we have also installed remote meters on our electrical systems and thermostats.
SDG 8
We want to be a workplace where there is room for everyone. That is why we actively work with SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. For us, this includes attracting people who are a good fit for our culture and values, regardless of background or employment status.
We also put a great deal of care into making Hotel Kong Arthur a good place to work. Our people are passionate and proactive, but that is only possible because we are also able to enjoy what we do, without ever compromising our professionalism. Employee well-being is supported in a number of ways, including flexibility for the individual, summer yoga, and a care group that offers extra support during particularly demanding periods.
SDG 12
The world consumes more than ever before, and while it may not be realistic to stop that entirely, it is possible to make more thoughtful choices. That is why SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, is another important focus area for us.
Whether we are choosing a new supplier or renovating an entire wing of the hotel, we aim to work with partners who meet our standards for quality, durability, and responsibility.
That same mindset shapes the everyday choices we make throughout the hotel, whether it involves hand soap, umbrellas, or staff uniforms. It also guides our breakfast restaurant, where we draw on the principles of New Nordic cuisine, prioritize local and preferably organic ingredients, and work to avoid unnecessary food waste.
An ongoing commitment
Meaningful changes take time. As much as we might like to do everything at once, real progress happens step by step. From our experience, a steady and ongoing focus on responsibility is the best way forward.
In fact, CEO Kirsten Brøchner has for many years had a strong desire to strengthen the work being done at both Hotel Kong Arthur and Ibsens Hotel in this area. As early as 2007, a number of initiatives were already underway to build a more responsible business. In 2009, Klaus Bondam, then Copenhagen’s Mayor of Technical and Environmental Affairs, visited Hotel Kong Arthur to discuss opportunities and challenges and to try out the hotel’s electric vehicles, which were rented out to guests for several years. That was also the year we became Green Key certified, and it marked an important step in the work we continue today.
Below, you can learn more about a few of our partnerships and why we have chosen to work with these companies.
CleverCoffee
More than just a great cup of coffee
Every month, our breakfast buffet and lobby bar teams brew coffee from 200 kg of beans for our guests. That is why we see it as important not only to serve coffee that tastes great, but also to work with a supplier that aligns with our values. One of those partners is Aarhus-based roastery CleverCoffee, which is B Corp certified and works with documented social and environmental considerations throughout its value chain.
If you feel like trying something new, we recommend our light roast the next time you visit. Of course, the familiar dark roast is always available too.
Njord
Gin inspired by nature
When you order a gin and tonic, the gin is often made with juniper, coriander seed, and a handful of other botanicals. Aarhus-based distillery Njord takes a different approach, creating distinctive varieties inspired by the flavors of nature.
Their range includes both permanent favorites and seasonal editions made with handpicked berries and plants from the local area. Because the gins are so flavorful on their own, they pair beautifully with a good tonic. That said, we also enjoy putting our own spin on classic cocktails and are just as happy to serve them with ginger beer or elderflower soda.
Quilt of Denmark
Soft duvets and soft values
Is the bed the most important part of a hotel stay? For many people, it is. A good night’s sleep has a real impact on the rest of the day, which is why we put a great deal of care into creating the best possible sleep experience for our guests.
Our extra-long 220 cm duvets are made in Denmark by Quilt of Denmark. They are also certified by, among others, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX, Asthma Allergy Nordic, and Downpass. That means you can rest easy knowing that the duvets and pillows are made in accordance with recognized environmental, allergy-friendly, and animal welfare standards.
