Travelling inspires us to discover new experiences. It offers new horizons, magical places and lifelong memories. Increasingly in today’s world the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. The global movement aims to preserve the environment and conserve natural resources to ensure a better future for our children. Caserío del Mirador is dedicated to embracing sustainability in all aspects of our operation. As parents and a responsible hotel, we recognise our role in minimising our ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
Off Grid Energy
We take pride in being powered by clean renewable energy with over 90% of our electricity generated from solar panels. By relying on solar power, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint and minimise our dependence on fossil fuels. By harnessing the abundant power of the sun we can avoid fluctuations in energy prices and any impact from the larger energy infrastructure. With 20 years’ experience, we have showcased the feasibility and benefits of renewable energy which we hope inspires our guests, staff and local community to embrace clean energy solutions in their own lives.
Water Use
Fresh water consumption is significantly reduced by collecting rainwater and treating wastewater to be repurposed for irrigation. This helps conserve local supplies which is especially important in summer months in a Mediterranean climate when demand is at its highest. Water is a precious resource, our supply comes from a local well where reserves are limited and finite. By reducing our consumption, we lessen the impact we have drawing water from the local environment and any strain on the local water infrastructure. Recycling water is energy efficient and ensures that there are no polluting discharges. Irrigation encourages green, diverse and well maintained gardens, growing vegetables and planting trees for shade in the summer. There are multiple sustainable impacts of treating wastewater that enhance and benefit our surroundings.
Sustainable Food
We pride ourselves on our food providence and minimising of food waste. Using the freshest and best quality local ingredients to give the healthiest, most nutritious and flavoursome meals. We use fresh eggs from our chickens, fresh fruit and vegetables from our kitchen garden. Local markets support local farmers and we love the sun ripened produce, it is more sustainable requiring less transport and less packaging. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal and with abundant local produce there is little need to import anything from outside. Even our paella is made from Valencian rice and local olive oil.
Food waste is closely monitored, care is taken to prepare the correct quantities as we usually know beforehand guest numbers. Managing food effectively makes economic sense, reducing transport and refrigeration, and minimising waste. Most kitchen waste is fed to the animals so there is hardly any food waste thrown away.
Low impact vegetarian and vegan food
Each meal is prepared from scratch and can be adapted to any specific requirement. With such a variety of good quality fruit and vegetables available, catering for vegetarian or vegan meals is simple. We often split meals into meat and vegetarian options, and catering for vegans only requires some additional thought and planning of ingredients. Guests can chat to our chef and learn about ingredients and recipes. We like to spend time to make sure that everyone is catered for, happily accommodating non-gluten, non-dairy and any allergies too.
Wildlife and local ecosystem
When we moved to Spain, our plot was part of an ancient network of terraces that had been abandoned. Old walls hidden behind thick brambles and gorse were collapsing, so we decided to restore the old terraces by clearing the land and repairing the worst of the wall failures. Open space was created for grazing. As the grassland developed, wild flowers became more prominent and bees and butterfly more noticeable. In 2005, the neighbouring Sierra Bernia was designated a Nature Reserve to protect its wildlife and landscape. Being at high altitude so close to the coast, it was important to preserve its rare and diverse range of flora.
The beautiful wild flowers include a variety of orchids, rock roses, wild gladioli and daffodils, iris and multiple poppies. Bees feed off the pollen and different types bees return each year. We see lots of birdlife including birds of prey and owls. We continue to repair the walls because we want to retain the character of the terraces. It helps the grassland ecosystem continue to be a refuge for rare plants to flourish and valuable wildlife to prosper.
Energy Efficiency
Creating an ambient and inviting setting can be achieved through a sustainable approach that prioritises energy efficiencies and thoughtful design.
- Awnings are used to shade outside areas, the house and keep direct sunlight off guest apartments. Deflecting the summer heat reduces the need for cooling systems.
- Heating – surplus electricity generated by the solar panels powers a heat exchanger that heats energy efficient underfloor heating.
- High load activities are carried out while there is solar power to avoid charging and discharging batteries unnecessarily.
- Lighting in communal areas is automatically controlled with motion sensors and timers and light fittings using LED bulbs.
- Air conditioning loading is controlled by timers to avoid units be left running for extended periods.
Waste Management – Plastic, glass and cardboard are recycled. All guests have recycling bins.
Sustainability is an integral part of our values and operations. By embracing sustainability, we aim to minimise our environmental impact, create a positive social effect and provide our guests with an exceptional experience rooted in conscious and responsible practices. We strive to foster a culture of sustainability and act as an example that extends beyond our hotel. We invite you to join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future.
Email [email protected] to learn more about our sustainability.
