KPS Sustainability Charter

We recognise that ski tourism as an industry does not always prioritise the environment. If you are visiting the Grand Massif, chances are you have arrived by plane to Geneva, then used a transfer vehicle, or travelled here by car.

The ski lifts are heavily reliant on the use of fossil fuels, the equipment we use and the clothing we wear are made with petroleum-based products, and the wood smoke from our chalet chimneys contributes to smog and pollution.
So, what can we do to eliminate, wherever possible, the contributions to global warming that our property owners, our guests and ourselves generate by taking holidays in the Alps? Well it turns out, quite a lot!

KPS has set itself a target, alongside our property owners and cleaning teams, to become a sustainable and environmentally friendly company. A company that contributes positively to the planet, and does what it can to preserve this beautiful valley that we call home.

As a company Kukipegs Property Services have:

• Reduced vehicle use by moving to electronic guest check ins.
• Off-set our annual company vehicle emissions through a carbon-offsetting scheme. We have off-set all company vehicle emissions since 2016 by providing support for Nicaraguan farmers to reforest areas of land with native tree species. (https://www.myclimate.org/)
• Reduced our paper use by moving to electronic guest folders and house manuals for our properties.
• All of our properties are ‘paper-free’ – we no longer accept flyers or brochures from third parties for display in KPS properties.
• Where possible, all property lighting uses low energy long-life LED bulbs.
• For properties where KPS supply bathroom toiletries as part of a guest welcome hamper, we use refillable dispensers from the CosmEthics FairTrade range. 
• We have created bespoke heating guidelines for each property, enabling guests and owners to maximise the efficiency of their property heating and hot water systems.
• Our property key fobs are made from recycled plastic.
• Recycling bins and the location of the nearest recycling points are provided for our property owners and guests.
• Where possible, we use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• Where possible, our company uniform is sourced from organic materials and ethical manufacturers.

As a guest or an owner, there are a variety of changes, some small and some big, that you can also make to assist us in making sure we are  collectively more responsible for the environment.

• Travel:  For those who are able to consider train travel – The new Leman Express train route can bring travellers arriving at Geneva airport to the town of Cluses (30 minutes from Samoëns ), in less than two hours.  The service is frequent, cost-effective, and only requires the use of one of the various local transfer companies to complete your journey.  We recommend Go Massif and Mountain Lifts, both of whom are permanently based in Samoens.
• Vehicle use: Reduce your vehicle use whilst on holiday by using, where possible, the excellent and free ski bus network. We appreciate of course that this is not always possible, depending on your group type and / or chalet location!
• Property heating: We ask that you follow the heating guidance we have prepared for your property.  Please resist the temptation to change the master heating control settings.  If you have a question about their operation, and feel as though you need to adjust something – call us!  We are here to help.
• Towel radiators: Please only use them when you need to, and remember to turn them off during the day when you are not in the property.
• Log burners and fires: Please enjoy the fireplaces – they are heart-warming and a lovely feature in the chalets – however, please always consider the number of logs you are burning at any given time – it should only ever be two or three maximum… And remember, if you have to open a window because the room is too hot then perhaps the fire shouldn’t be on or burning that fiercely!
• Turn off the lights: We ask that you check that you have turned off property lights before leaving for the day/ on departure. Exterior lights are particularly easy to leave on without realising.
• Recycle: All of our properties are equipped with a recycling bin or recycling bags, enabling you to take these items to your nearest recycling point for collection. If you are not able to take them, we are happy to do so for you at the end of your stay, we just ask that you have rinsed things first!  Here in Samoëns  you can recycle: glass, metal cans, plastic cartons, paper and cardboard.

We would love to hear from you if you can think of any additional suggestions we can introduce, or recommend to our guests and owners.