Sustainability
The Foundation is taking action to minimise the negative impacts of its activities. Through its values and initiatives, it is committed to more sustainable practices for future generations.
Our commitments
Chillon Castle Foundation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy encompasses a range of commitments to manage our environmental, social, societal, economic and territorial impact.
This policy is designed to help reduce any negative impacts resulting from our activities and to boost our positive impact. We do this by uniting all our stakeholders around the same values and initiatives, so that – together – we can be part of the transition to a more sustainable model for current and future generations.
We hold the Swiss EcoEntreprise SD and CSR Certification, and the international Responsibility Europe certification – a recognised sustainability evidence that takes environmental, social and economic aspects into account and is regularly subject to external review in accordance with the requirements of the respective certification scheme.
We are also part of the Swisstainable sustainability programme and are classified at level III – leading. The Swisstainable sustainability programme brings together businesses and organisations from across the Swiss tourism sector. The program is not a label.
Find out more about SwisstainableBy taking part in the programme, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices, through specific measures such as the developement of a responsible purchasing charter and concrete actions outlined within the following five pillars:
The strategy is based on five pillars:
We are taking concrete steps to help reduce our environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.
- We have co-designed a transport scheme with our teams and will soon be bringing on board a consultant. This scheme aims to encourage our team to opt for public transport or active travel on their commute.
- We offer discounted RailAway offers, which combine train and admission tickets.
- We recycle and communicate the importance of everyday eco-action: pooling printers, reducing energy and water use, using recycled paper, etc.
- In our shops, we favour Swiss and European products, artisan items and those made using recycled or sustainable materials.
- When it comes to maintaining our green spaces, we most notably use organic pesticides (where necessary) and have installed bat nesting boxes, amongst other measures.
- We strive to source and select service providers that are aligned with our values (CSR certified, ISO 14001 standard, etc.).
We aim to create a space that is inclusive, where we respect one another’s differences, human rights and fair working conditions.
- Our foreign visitors can take advantage of our brochure available in 19 languages, our audioguides in 9 languages and our guided tours in 10 languages.
- 85% of our managers and 67% of our board members are women.
- We have created several charters and internal documents, including a responsible procurement charter, a visitor welcome charter, an open space charter, a time management charter, anti-harassment guidelines, a service staff handbook, plus visitor information and a visitor code of conduct.
Chillon Castle Foundation’s social policy promotes wellbeing, health and safety in the workplace, as well as an excellent-quality service for our visitors.
- Around 2% of our staff budget is dedicated to training each year, and we encourage our team to build on their skills and employability over time.
- The social benefits package we offer our permanent members of staff and team – such as pensions, and loss of earnings or accident insurance – exceeds usual Swiss standards.
- We support wellbeing in the workplace through various awareness workshops on topics such as managing performance and mental health risks (harassment, bullying, work-related stress, etc.).
- We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, with a range of experience and training.
- Our teams on the ground are trained in first aid and ensuring the safety of our customers.
- Chillon Castle Foundation was certified as a Great Place To Work in October 2024.
Chillon Castle Foundation aims to guarantee the castle’s longevity as a financial entity and heritage site, as well as add value in our region.
- Our shops showcase gourmet products with the VAUD CERTIFIÉ D’ICI label and, in doing so, help boost the visibility of local producers.
- Our commitment to contributing to the local economy and promoting Vaudois excellence has earned us the VAUD AMBASSADEUR label.
- We are members of several local bodies that encourage partnerships and collaboration, and help promote our region: Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, the Association des Musées de la Riviera Vaudoise (Riviera Museums Association), the Association des Châteaux Vaudois (Vaudois Castles Association), the Association des Châteaux Suisses (Swiss Castles Association).
Our CSR policy is centred on the management principles outlined in the ICOM code of ethics.
- All Chillon Castle teams are regularly trained and kept up to date on CSR and sustainability principles.
- Chillon Castle Foundation achieved Level III in the Swiss Tourism sustainability programme, as well as the benchmark Swiss EcoEntreprise SD and CSR Certification, and the international Responsibility Europe certification.