Sustainable hotel in Baix Empordà
Hotel Molí del Mig by URH is aware of the importance of being respectful of the environment. With this in mind, since its beginnings the hotel has carried out a series of actions designed to protect the environment and coexist with it in a sustainable manner.
Since the creation of the Natural Park of Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter (2019), we have adhered to the Europarc certificate for tourism companies, to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS) during the 1st and 2nd phase (from 2019 to 2025) and currently we are in the 3rd phase of renewal (from 2026 to 2028), where we have new actions planned, both in energy saving, as in spreading the values of the Natural Park, as in local development.
We also have the Bioscore certification as a sustainable accommodation, by committing to assume the responsibility of environmental challenges and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our relationship with the environment has always been a priority for us, and this criteria has been implemented in a variety of ways:
- Rehabilitation of the old mill and the extension of the new buildings have been carried out bearing in mind their integration into the landscape.
- Rural factors have been combined with design and architecture.
- The planning of the gardens takes into account the enhancement of the autochthonous landscape.
- The promotion of cycling and hiking routes is aimed, among other things, at discovering the environment.
- The various waste containers have been shielded from view.
A series of measures dealing with responsible water consumption have been implemented:
- WCs with 2 volumetric devices.
- Use of rainwater for irrigation.
- Garden irrigation control based on the percentage of humidity and rainfall control through water saving control.
A number of measures are being taken to save energy:
- Use of solar panels for water heating.
- Lighting with low-energy bulbs (LEDs).
- Motion sensors in the corridors and some points outside the hotel.
- Power disconnection on leaving the room.
- Air conditioning is switched off when the windows are opened.
- Installation of 72 photovoltaic panels in 2022, to generate energy.
- We have chargers for electric vehicles.
Waste management is handled in a responsible manner
- Organic products, paper, glass and plastic are separated, as well as oils and fats in the kitchen. The purchase of bottled products is also minimised, as is the use of plastic utensils.
- Chemicals are kept to a minimum and salt is used instead of bleach to disinfect the pool water.
- With regard to acoustic pollution, noise from the company's own equipment and machinery is minimised by putting up protective barriers.
- Involvement of customers in the management of special waste, providing special content at reception.
Information and knowledge of local heritage is offered to the customer
- Guests are offered information relating to the natural and cultural resources of the area: Natural Parks (especially the Natural Park of Montgrí, Illes Medes and Baix Ter), cultural heritage, cultural events, shows, concerts, exhibitions, etc.
- Information on all the local signposted cycling and hiking routes is also available.
- We have restored and enhanced cultural heritage elements of the hotel building itself: the old mill, the irrigation system, the pond, the coats of arms, the windows, the well, the sundial, etc.
- Our library offers a wide range of natural, cultural, literary and landscape-related information about the area.
Promotion of sustainable mobility
- In an effort to promote sustainable mobility, a bicycle rental service is available, as well as secure parking for bicycles.
- As a means of getting to know the area better and enjoying it to the full, circular cycling, walking and Nordic walking routes are also offered from the hotel.
- Guests arriving by public transport are offered a transfer to the hotel.
Promoting economic development and local produce
- We promote gastronomy and local produce (wine, cheese, rice, oil, infusions...).
- We offer our guests apple tasting at harvest time, as well as information on where to buy apples directly from the grower.
- 80% of our employees live in the area.
- We collaborate on social issues with organisations such as the Red Cross and Action Against Hunger.
- We provide information to the customers of our local suppliers, to promote their products and encourage visits to their facilities.
Engaging our guests in sustainability
- Linen and towels are changed on request.
- Involvement of our clients with the option of not having the room tidied on a particular day, in order to save water, energy and chemicals.
Customer satisfaction
- We promote sustainable mobility and customer enjoyment by offering bike rental services and routes designed for enjoying the surrounding area.
- We offer extensive natural and cultural information about the territory.
- We promote accessibility without discrimination. All areas are free of access barriers and our rooms have been adapted accordingly.
