Sustainability
Açorsonho
Protecting our planet
As islanders, we are deeply connected to the sea and the land.
Therefore, respecting the environment is not an obligation, but something we do naturally as Azoreans who love and value their home. As a company, however, we are even more aware of the impact of our actions and therefore feel an added responsibility to go further, doing more and better, positively influencing all those with whom we interact.
Our sustainable practices are present in all areas of our business, from planning and construction to the daily operation of each of our units. We actively collaborate with various organisations that help us to continually evolve. We are subscribers to the Azores Sustainability Booklet and members of A.E.S.A - Associação Empresarial para a Sustentabilidade dos Açores (Azores Business Association for Sustainability). We are also currently taking the first steps towards international EarthCheck certification, an important milestone in our environmental commitment.
These are some of the sustainable practices we have already implemented:
Room cleaning
on request
In our 4* units - Hotel Vale do Navio and Açorsonho Apartamentos Turísticos - we have a policy of cleaning occupied rooms only if requested. a policy of cleaning occupied rooms only if requested by the guest.
In return, for every day that the guest does not request cleaning, participating in our initiative and collaborating for a greener environment, we offer them a voucher to be used for hotel services.
This measure represents significant savings in terms of environmental resources and consumables and has been very well received by those who stay with us.
Together, we'll go further.
we think
Environmentally
Energy saving:
• Use of solar panels for water heating and electricity production;
• Efficient air conditioning management system;
• Double-glazed windows and thermal insulation;
• Terrace with thermal insulation;
• Minibars and all other electrical equipment with energy-saving features;
• Minimal stock of frozen products, reducing the number of freezers to a minimum;
• Use of LED lamps and motion detection throughout the Hotel;
Water saving:
• Collection, treatment, and use of rainwater for toilets and the irrigation system;
• Flow reducers installed on all taps;
• The restaurant does not use tablecloths, resulting in significant energy and water savings;
• Bed linen is changed every 2 days, when necessary, upon guest request, or at check-out;
• Availability of filtered water stations for free consumption by guests and staff.
Reduction in the volume of waste:
• Selective waste collection (glass; paper, plastic and metal; organic waste (composting); electrical and electronic equipment; batteries; cooking oils, among others);
• Use of recycled paper and recycled ink cartridges;
• All data and processes are managed electronically, eliminating the use/printing of paper;
• System of automatic dispensers for detergents and various chemicals;
• Amenities provided in dispensers (instead of small individual amenities);
• Combating food waste;
• Participation in environmental clean-up activities to raise awareness among our teams, guests, and the wider community.
we think
Socially
For the community:
• Collaboration with social institutions (non-profit organizations) by providing and donating various materials and services (contributing to proven social causes);
• Financial donations to various institutions (contributing to proven social causes);
• Close collaboration with schools and educational entities, namely by providing study visits, hosting interns, and offering job opportunities;
• Opening our facilities and making our services available to the entire local community;
• Providing fair job opportunities with good working conditions.
For our employees:
• 85% of our permanent staff members are on full contracts, ensuring job security and stability within the company and in their positions;
• 95% of our employees are residents of the north coast, which reduces the ecological footprint associated with daily commuting between the hotel and their homes;
• We offer above-average salaries, various social benefits, and opportunities for career advancement;
• We hire employees without minimum required qualifications, working with them on their personal and professional development, empowering and helping them acquire the necessary skills to perform their jobs independently;
• Equal conditions and access for all, with zero discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, or physical condition.
we think
Economically
• We are an economically sustainable company, and we aim to continue growing in a sustainable way, focusing on valuing people;
• We are strategically located on the North Coast of São Miguel Island to contribute to and drive the sustainable development of the various rural communities in which we are present. Through our activities, we provide:
– Retention of young professionals on the north coast;
– Fair trade with local producers (we value seasonal products);
– Economic development (cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, souvenir shops);
– Respect for and preservation of local heritage.
