Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Madeira

From the get-go, Casas da Levada made a conscious decision to adopt permaculture principles in its design and space management. The concept of permaculture, a term originating from "permanent agriculture", has evolved over time to encompass a broader perspective of a "sustainable permanent culture". This methodology is described as a design system for constructing sustainable, productive human environments in balance and harmony with nature.

In executing their project, Casas da Levada has allowed permaculture to permeate all aspects of their operations, embodying a holistic and integrated approach. This approach centers around three core pillars: Earth Care, which encapsulates environmental sustainability; Caring for People, signifying social sustainability; and Sharing Fair, representing economic sustainability. These elements together form the backbone of Casas da Levada's commitment to fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship with both the natural world and the community it serves.

Hotel Orca Praia, a leading property in the eco-friendly hotel industry, is deeply committed to sustainable practices, adopting numerous renewable energy systems. A significant solar system provides a vast capacity of 9,000 liters for sanitary water heating. This is supplemented by a biomass boiler, certified by TUV, that efficiently recycles paper, card, wood, and other bio-substances to generate heat for sanitary water. Adding to the environmental friendliness, the swimming pool is maintained through electrolysis of salt, eliminating harmful chemicals and preventing allergies. Hotel Orca Praia has made significant strides in decarbonization by curtailing the usage of petroleum-based products and making a shift towards Green Energy. Moreover, the hotel fosters self-reliance by harnessing energy from photovoltaic panels.

The hotel prides itself on a comprehensive management system that boasts the quality and environment accreditations of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Additionally, a HACCP system is in place, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to safety and quality standards. It's applied to various services provided by the hotel, including accommodation, food and beverage, leisure activities, and courtesy transport to Funchal's city center. Pro-active measures, such as promoting recycling and electric vehicle use among guests, are continually implemented, with a keen focus on reducing environmental impacts and carbon footprint. The Green Key certification, among others, stands as a testament to their dedication to constant improvement. Hotel Orca Praia also gives food safety and hygiene paramount importance, ensuring quick and efficient response to any needs or issues. This commitment to continuous betterment and stakeholder satisfaction places Hotel Orca Praia at the forefront of eco-friendly hospitality.

Sé Boutique Hotel, a proud recipient of the Green Key award, allows guests to contribute to environmental preservation simply by choosing to stay there. This award, granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education, attests to the hotel's adherence to stringent environmental requirements. Every task conducted by the Sé Boutique Hotel is performed with sustainability and eco-friendliness at its core. The Green Key is an internationally recognized symbol of eco-responsibility, present in 57 countries, and in Portugal, it is represented by the Blue Flag of Europe Association.

Additionally, Sé Boutique Hotel is not merely focused on implementing sustainable practices within its own operations. A key objective of the hotel is to engage in its activities sustainably while simultaneously promoting sound environmental practices within the wider community. The hotel actively encourages sustainable movement and places high value on creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all.

Saccharum - Hedonist Design Resort, part of the Savoy Signature group, champions sustainable and eco-efficient management in its daily operations, keenly recognizing that environmental health is integral to both economic growth and social well-being. This includes rational use of natural resources and energy, and a dedicated effort to reduce pollution as much as possible. Regular evaluations are conducted to assess environmental impacts and ensure alignment with sustainable tourism norms. Preventing pollution, managing natural resources and waste effectively, and promoting communication with external entities, environmental groups, local authorities and the public form part of their environmental commitments.

Savoy Signature also places considerable emphasis on responsible purchasing. This involves a rigorous selection of suppliers based on sustainability criteria, preference for regional suppliers, supporting local socio-economic growth, and opting for reusable, returnable, and recycled goods where possible. There's a significant emphasis on promoting healthy diets at the resort, demonstrated by the provision of the highest quality, freshest produce, alongside stringent food safety and hygiene protocols. Organic and locally sourced produce are prioritized whenever feasible. Moreover, the resort stands by the most rigorous food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring all culinary preparations are executed under strict hygienic conditions, with all involved personnel being well-trained and supervised. Savoy Signature is committed to furthering their sustainable practices and continuously improving their procedures, with an annual sustainability report outlining their progress and achievements.

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, considering these principles crucial for the future of not just their business, but also for everyone they interact with.

In terms of environmental sustainability, The Cliff Bay - PortoBay has implemented various measures to increase energy efficiency, reduce wastefulness, and manage waste properly. The hotel's yearly energy efficiency plans include solar panels, low-energy bulbs, efficient appliances, and motion detectors. The recycling of all waste, including from rooms, is a norm, with biowaste composting in certain gardens and separate rubbish collection. Water consumption is curbed through the introduction of tap flow reducers, automatic watering systems, and efficient pool filters. A considerable effort is made to reduce paper usage, prioritising recycling and the use of 'green print' seal printers, which additionally helps to save energy. A unique touch is the maintenance of the surrounding green spaces by the gardening team from the Vila Porto Mare resort, indicating their far-reaching commitment to a sustainable environment.