These are plans that, in compliance with the articles of Law 3/2022, of June 15, 2022, regarding urgent measures for the sustainability and circularity of tourism in the Balearic Islands, represent a profound transformation in the way the hotel chain operates. The endorsement received from the leading certification entity in Spain exceeds the legal requirement to turn this project into an important advance in its sustainability strategy at a global level.
“With Proudly Committed we have established the transformation of our model towards circularity as one of our priority objectives. This certification with AENOR, together with the one received at the beginning of the year in Zero Food Waste, allows us to evaluate our model, analyze the results and propose continuous improvements to continue advancing towards this objective” says Lola Trián Riu, Sustainability Director of RIU Hotels, who adds that “the great holiday hoteliers emerged in the Balearic Islands, with a model that has been implemented throughout the world. Now we have the opportunity to be pioneers again, this time in the sustainable transformation of the sector.”
For his part, Ángel Luis Sánchez, director of the Mediterranean Region of AENOR, wanted to highlight “the importance of companies such as RIU Hotels, which have a huge presence and impact on the population, making an effort and committing to the environment, good corporate governance and Balearic society. By obtaining the AENOR Circular Economy certification added to the recent Zero Food Waste management certification, they demonstrate that they are an example on the islands for both locals and all those who visit them.”
The Mallorcan chain is committed to a model in which resources are used more efficiently, extending their useful life so that they do not become waste. In this way, waste is minimised and their value is maximised. This includes, among other strategies planned by the chain, initiatives such as the recirculation of materials in the hotel or the conversion of hotel bio-waste into high-quality compost. This compost is used by local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture and the use of zero-kilometre products in the hotel restaurant. Another notable initiative is the one the chain has with the La Fiore glass factory. This project focuses on glass recycling, where the hotel collects and classifies the used bottles to be transformed into new artistic glass utensils by La Fiore. These objects are then acquired by RIU for use in the hotels, thus closing the recycling cycle.
In addition, RIU's circular economy plans for its hotels in the Balearic Islands include carrying out energy audits and monitoring consumption, self-production of renewable energy and the incorporation of energy efficiency and home automation systems.
Based on the methodology of the Balearic Islands Tourism Strategy Agency (AETIB), these plans consist of a circular assessment, planning of measures and goals and internal analysis. All of this will help to ensure that the strategies are updated and aligned with changing circumstances at a global level. To achieve the objectives, different indicators are defined, with their objectives and goals, in priority areas of action, such as: energy, water, materials and waste, responsible food purchasing, training, recruitment and awareness-raising.
Dingnews.com 09/10/2024