Alpine sustainability on huts — Integrative-sustainable hut operation in the Alps

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The objective is an all-encompassing and multi-scale approach to metallurgical management according to aspects of sustainability in the field of tension between mountain sports and natural areas, involving and taking into account the most important and cross-border stakeholders. Three priorities are set, which take into account the different ranges of the hut: metallurgical buildings and infrastructure; B) metallurgical operation and supply; C) Influence of guests through mountain sports and arrival/departure on the alpine environment. From this, an innovative, integrative analysis tool is developed that enables the identification and evaluation of sustainable metallurgical operations. The analysis tool is continuously optimised during the project period. From these metallurgical analyses, site-related measures are derived, evaluated and implemented. Building on a successful pilot study (2019) at the Taschachhaus, metallurgical sites with different characteristics (summer and winter operation, etc.) are selected to include a wide range. Potential lies in the sustainable development of operational structures in the Alpine region through innovative concepts and cross-border networks. By establishing networking structures between Alpine Association, University and regional stakeholders (tourism associations, regional development, protected areas, etc.) as well as suppliers, service providers and public institutions, innovative measures for sustainable development are made possible and promoted. Integrative approaches to the participation of relevant stakeholders in research and application open up ongoing discussion in order to identify and exploit areas of action. The focus of the analysis is on the hut operation and its responsible person. In the long term, the concept of other Alpine associations can be applied to other locations, thus creating a standard that can be implemented throughout the Alpine region.

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