Being green with the Green Key

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2017 is the the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, and in June, Casa do Valle received the Green Key award.  

The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry, in 55 countries. This prestigious ecolabel represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. A Green Key stands for the promise to its guests that by opting to stay with the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level. The high environmental standards expected of these hotels are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits. Green Key is eligible for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, restaurants and attractions.( www.greenkey.global/)

At Casa do Valle we believe that the more companies that are ‘green’ the better it is for the future of everyone. Many others believe so too – and while talking with colleagues, we noticed how easy it is to think and say that you are green but still give way to not-so-green choices out of convenience. After all, line-drying and recycling is not all it takes, and you must make a conscious decision to be green.  Recycled paper is more expensive and harder to find, it is tedious to check ALL the ingredients of the detergents, especially if they are on sale, etc.

When we decided to go for this award, we did so in order to make a commitment and thus installed green procedures in our activities. Many things we were already doing, others we thought we were but were not etc.   Some of the things that we did are:

  • Changed all lighting to LEDs
  • Installed water reduction devices in all bathrooms 
  • Installed a current-stabilizer
  • Changed some of our cleaning products to ensure we use nature-friendly products only
  • Changed our brand of amenities (shampoos, shower gel) to ensure that no conservatives are being used
  • Acquired new recycling bins for our guests to recycle their waste
  • Put ‘green and recycling information’ in the rooms for guest information

And so on.

And we continue our other linen practices – the recycling and line drying of towels and washing linen only every so many days.


Maybe one of these days sun panels will no longer be prohibited in the Historic Center, of which we make part, and we can get our hot water from renewable resources.

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