Vacation Home Taking Steps Towards SustainabilityQuestionnaire
Certifications:
Green Tourism Active (GTA Global) - Certification level: Green Champion with Distinction (90% pass rate)
Green Tourism (UK and Canada)
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
Biomass
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Rainwater collection and usage
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
LED lighting throughout the premises
Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? We are a fully off grid destination, we have a solar system (no mains network), solar thermal for hot water, 2 boreholes for our water, organic vegetable production and an incredible biomass boiler for our central heating. We are working on a biodiversity plan with the environment agency in Portugal, all our policies including accessibility, responsible visitor code, fire policy, environmental policy and action plan, bottled water policy and climate action plan are all available to view on our website. We will be regularly posting our waste plan targets online as well. We are a GOLD award winner with Green Tourism as well.
