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São Lourenço do Barrocal: First certification

São Lourenço do Barrocal: First certification

Green Globe congratulates São Lourenço do Barrocal in Portugal on its first certification awarded in acknowledgement of its sustainable operations and management.

São Lourenço do Barrocal in the Alentejano region is set amidst ancient oaks, olive groves and vineyards. The estate was once a small farming village (monte) and has been owned by the same family for over two hundred years. It has been rejuvenated as a farm retreat with buildings transformed into a remarkable hotel of understated luxury.

The monte now forms the central area of the farm retreat which involved repurposing many of the original buildings. Agricultural outbuildings have been renovated to become houses and a cowshed converted into a restaurant. Sustainable features include the installation of 24 photovoltaic panels and the floor of the entire hotel is made of clay from São Pedro do Corval, a village 5 km away. Locally made tiles and 350,000 bricks made using traditional methods were also used in the rebuild.

São Lourenço do Barrocal aims to provide a prosperous future for the local community and respects the region’s ecology, history and culture. The estate produces its own wine and olive oil with 160,000 kg of olives and 100,000 kg of grapes grown annually. The restaurant offers local seasonal food options using fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits collected from the bountiful organic vegetable garden and orchard. The estate also has its own unique herd of pedigree cows that supplies organic beef to kitchens.

Guest directories share information about water and energy conservation and reducing waste volume. Also, electric buggies are available for use inside the hotel grounds thereby minimizing the use of fossil fuels. And to support local businesses, the hotel store sells and promotes local Portuguese products including ceramics and textiles.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit greenglobe.com

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