At a time when sustainability is a global concern, the Hotel Bell Repòs in Playa de Aro, as a sustainable hotel, is the first hotel in Playa de Aro to achieve important recognition for its sustainable commitment by obtaining the Biosphere certificate that recognizes tourism sustainability.
The Bell Repos Hotel and Sustainability
In this article, we explain how the Hotel Bell Repòs, a sustainable hotel in Platja d’Aro, has committed to sustainability in the broadest sense, encompassing the three main pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social.
This commitment has made us obtain the prestigious Biosphere sustainable sustainability certification, making us an example of sustainable tourism at the local level.
What is Tourism Sustainability?
Tourism sustainability involves considering short- and long-term effects in the economic, sociocultural and environmental spheres when designing a tourism system.
This approach ensures that current needs can be met without jeopardizing future possibilities.
Biosphere Sustainable sustainability certification
The Biosphere certification is highly recognized internationally, it not only recognizes the hotel’s sustainable practices, but also highlights its commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Paris Agreement against Climate Change expressed in the 2030 Agenda.
The certification positions sustainable hotels, giving them visibility so that responsible travelers find them first. It also provides knowledge, success stories, advice and a certificate that guarantees that the hotel is an example to follow.
As a curious fact, it is worth mentioning that at the Hotel Bell Repòs, a sustainable hotel, we were certified on September 25, 2023, exactly eight years after the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, which was held on the same day, September 25. 2015, where world leaders established the 17 SDGs of the 2030 agenda.
The global sustainability of the Bell Repos Hotel
At the hotel we promote local culture, offer local cuisine and encourage innovation and continuous improvement among working people.
The main areas of sustainability are 3:
1. The sustainability of the Bell Repòs Hotel in the field of the environment and climate change
Water and Sanitation: We care about using water responsibly, with clean and efficient water systems,
awareness campaigns, saving and reusing water.
Affordable and Non-Polluting Energy: All the energy used in the hotel comes from renewable sources, both what we produce in the hotel and what we buy from the electricity company.
We work for energy efficiency and educate about the responsible use of energy.
Responsible Production and Consumption: We follow sustainable consumption and production patterns, prioritizing local and sustainable products, collaborating with local social projects and minimizing waste.
Climate Action: As a response to the climate emergency, we encourage sustainable mobility, measuring and offsetting our carbon footprint and promoting resilience to climate change.
Underwater Life and in Terrestrial Ecosystems: With our stop plastic pollution project, we eliminate all plastic bottles, thus protecting the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems.
2. The sustainability of the Bell Repòs Hotel in cultural and social spheres
End Poverty: We promote the inclusive economic growth of the community, collaborating with social programs and projects to improve the working conditions of working people.
Health and Wellbeing: We prioritize the health and well-being of workers and guests, promoting healthy activities and implementing safety and prevention measures.
Quality Education: With the aim of promoting inclusive and quality training, we participate in educational projects, promoting knowledge about sustainable development and staff training.
Gender Equality: Fully committed to gender equality, we implement labor and policy measures to empower women in their work environment.
Sustainable Cities and Communities: We collaborate with local companies to avoid “overtourism”, promoting local cultural products and activities, aimed at preserving cultural and natural heritage, and we encourage the use of sustainable transport.
Peace, Justice and Solid Institutions: We are transparent and honest people and we promote responsible management systems, and fight against corruption and exploitation.
3. The sustainability of the Bell Repòs Hotel in the field of governance and economy
Zero Hunger: We prioritize environmentally sustainable suppliers and take measures to avoid food waste.
The gastronomic offer follows safety protocols and highlights products from local agriculture and KM0 to contribute to reducing global hunger.
Decent Work and Economic Growth: We create decent work opportunities by protecting labor rights and local hiring.
We work towards the dignity of hiring, hiring long-term unemployed people, young people on internships or people with difficulties finding work.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: We promote improvements in local infrastructure and promote the planning and construction of sustainable infrastructure.
We also adopt measures to increase resilience against eventualities and use new technologies to improve our sustainability.
Reduction of Inequalities: We eliminate barriers and integrate people, ensuring universal accessibility to clients and workers, supporting small and medium-sized local businesses and applying social integration policies.
Alliances to Achieve the Goals: We highlight the importance of cooperation and coordination between different actors to achieve sustainable development.
We collaborate with academic institutions, creating agreements and sharing our good practices and experiences with other entities.
The Bell Repòs hotel, a sustainable model to follow
In summary, we hope that the Bell Repos Hotel’s commitment to sustainability not only serves to improve the world, but also serves as an inspiration to other local and area companies to understand that the socially responsible and sustainable business model is a model viable and very interesting for any company.
This Biosphere Sustainable sustainability certification is a testimony of our commitment and the concrete and lasting actions over time to guarantee a future that is as sustainable as possible for everyone.
