Sustainability at Gandum

Creating the future we want

Together, we offer practical and affordable solutions to sustainability challenges, from the food we produce to the architecture and energy in our spaces.

At Gandum, we take sustainability seriously

Because it's a principle, and because we put our shirts on every day to turn theory into practice. For us, sustainability is an opportunity, not a challenge. We want to reinvent the present and conspire to create a better future for everyone. For those already here and for those to come.

On a daily basis, every day

We can't change the world overnight, but everyday actions, practiced consciously and consistently, can make a difference. Especially if they are practiced by many. The main motivation for the project, without wanting to know everything or give lessons, was to create a space at Gandum that would serve as an example for us to build the future we want together. An inspiring place, capable of sowing positive attitudes, opening up space for thoughts, feelings, creativity and life-changing decisions. A place where every day we show that a lighter, more accessible, beautiful, peaceful and sustainable life for all is not only possible, but is already happening.

Our commitment to sustainability involves a good quality life for everyone

Sustainability means environmental regeneration, commitment to an egalitarian, community-based society and the viability of a financially stable economy with a future. The agroforests we have sown, planted and cared for at Gandum, embracing the principles of syntropic agriculture and stimulating regeneration, are perhaps the most visible example of this commitment - from the environment to the economy. From the conception of the project to daily practices at Gandum, we create sustainability every day.

Many imperfect people make the perfect world

Sustainability is a process, not a state, and these guidelines define all our decisions along the way. Because sustainability is not just about ecology, we want to promote tourism that regenerates resources, both natural and human, rather than exploiting them.

Some of the most important points of our sustainability plan

  • We have chosen a clean, abundant and renewable source of energy for the whole of Gandum - the sun. We produce all the energy we need through solar panels (net balance zero) and all the energy we import is renewable too (Cooperativa Coopérnico).

  • The Cloister building, which houses the hotel's 18 rooms, is built from scratch in rammed earth - rammed earth is a vernacular and biodegradable material - thus replacing large quantities of cement or cementitious masses which have a much higher environmental footprint than excavated earth.

  • The design of the buildings and the nature of the construction materials were selected to minimize temperature fluctuations in the buildings and energy losses.

  • Whether it's construction, maintenance or everyday use, we always try to reuse as much as possible, thus reducing waste, whether it's food or plastics.

  • From the waste we compost to the water we reuse, we are always thinking of ways to create short, circular, solid and sustainable value chains.

  • The gray water is reused in the agroforestry irrigation systems. The sludge from the wastewater treatment plant is composted and returned as nutrients to our trees.

  • We value local construction as a fundamental part of our sustainable approach. We work closely with local suppliers, using building materials mostly from the region. By opting for local materials, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support the local economy, strengthening the community. Furthermore, by favoring local companies, we promote the preservation of traditional techniques, guaranteeing the authenticity and cultural identity of our region.

  • We apply advanced smart building techniques to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. We use active monitoring systems to track hot water, cold water and electricity consumption in real time, both at the individual room level and at the building level. This information is made available to our guests, allowing them to make informed decisions about the use of resources and contribute to a more sustainable stay.

  • Passive ventilation is a central element of our sustainable construction approach at Gandum. Through careful planning and strategic building layout, we maximize to maintain comfortable and healthy environments. With strategically placed openings, we take advantage of gentle breezes and cross-ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical ventilation systems and minimizing energy consumption. Passive ventilation contributes to energy efficiency and a pleasant, sustainable experience for our guests, as providing a fresh, airy environment.

  • Gandum can only exist if its revenues actually exceed its costs. In this sense, our business plan is designed as a for-profit company, striving for transparency and reinvestment of profits in the space itself or in local or international projects for environmental regeneration or social and cultural development.

  • At Gandum we adopt regenerative agriculture to promote soil health, conserve water resources and foster biodiversity. Through sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation and agroforestry, we cultivate a sustainable future to ensure food quality and ecosystem resilience.

  • We are committed to preserving biodiversity in our natural environment, protecting habitats and supporting the conservation of endangered species. We create conservation areas, restore degraded ecosystems and raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife.

  • At Gandum we encourage low-impact mobility, promoting transportation options with a lower carbon footprint and offsetting the carbon emissions generated by our activities. By supporting the use of public transport, electric vehicles and car and bike sharing practices, we seek to minimize the environmental impact of travel.

  • We believe in the power of impact entrepreneurship to create positive change in society. We support all those seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to social and environmental challenges. Through partnerships and support programs, we promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives sustainable development and the creation of purposeful businesses.

  • We value quality employment and are committed to the well-being and development of our employees. We offer a safe, inclusive and inspiring working environment, where every team member has the opportunity to grow and develop professionally. We promote a culture of respect, equal opportunities and work-life balance, aiming for the satisfaction and success of all employees.

  • We value local value chains, promoting collaboration with local producers, farmers and artisans. By prioritizing the purchase of local products and materials, we support the regional economy and promote the preservation of local traditions and knowledge. By valuing local products, we offer our guests authentic experiences and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

  • Transparency is a fundamental pillar in our approach to sustainability. We are committed to communicating openly about our practices, challenges and achievements. We maintain an open dialog with our guests, employees and community, providing access to information about our impacts and commitments. We believe that transparency strengthens trust and allows us to move towards a more sustainable future.

  • We believe in equality and active participation as fundamental values. We value diversity and promote an inclusive environment where everyone is respected and has the opportunity to contribute and actively participate. We foster gender equality, ethnic-racial diversity and the inclusion of people with different backgrounds and abilities. We would like to create a space where everyone feels valued and can share their ideas, experiences and perspectives.

  • We are committed to conducting our business ethically and responsibly. We act in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and corporate responsibility. We promote fair relations with our employees, suppliers and partners, respecting human rights and supporting social and environmental initiatives. Our aim is to be an example of an ethical and responsible company, contributing to a better and fairer world.

  • We value fair trade and seek to support local suppliers and producers who follow fair trade principles. By valuing social equity and fair pay, we hope to create a positive impact on local communities. We prioritize organic, sustainable and certified products, contributing to the preservation of the environment and valuing ethical work.

  • We have a close-knit team and believe that Gandum can be an extension of everyone's home and family. When it comes to values and remuneration policies, we are proud to pay salaries above the national average to our entire team. 

And much more.

Our motivation really is sustainability, which underpins every decision we make. Through this website, our newspaper, other digital communication channels and, above all, in the space itself, we are informing you about the measures we are taking with the aim of inspiring everyone: a more sustainable life is possible.

Our full sustainability plan

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Our vision for sustainability and regeneration

At Gandum Village, sustainability isn't just a strategy or an abstract concept - it's at the heart of everything we do. We are inspired by the definition of sustainable development established by the Brundtland Commission in the report "Our Common Future" (1987).

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The objectives of our sustainability plan

The main objective of the Gandum Village Sustainability Plan is to transform our space into a practical model of sustainability and regeneration, in line with global challenges and local needs. This plan guides our actions in all dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, social, cultural and economic.

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Global Context and Relevance

Gandum Village is a practical response to the global challenges identified in reports such as "Our Common Future" and in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We live in an era of environmental emergency, growing social inequalities and rapid cultural change, where it is urgent to adopt regenerative and sustainable models that promote a balance between the present and the future.

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Core Values of Gandum Village

Gandum Village's core values reflect its mission to be a place that combines excellent hospitality with a positive impact on the environment, society and the local economy. These values guide every decision, from the design of the facilities to the experiences offered to guests and interaction with the community.

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Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Gandum Village aligns itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its commitment to regenerative practices, positive social and economic impact, and environmental preservation. These global goals serve as a reference for our local actions, integrating sustainability into every aspect of Gandum's operation and experience.

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Benefits of the Sustainability Plan

The Gandum Village Sustainability Plan is not just a management tool - it is the foundation that guarantees the project's positive impact, its distinctive positioning in the market and the creation of lasting value for the environment, society and the local economy. These benefits are distributed across several dimensions, connecting all stakeholders.

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Alignment with the SAFA Guidelines

Gandum Village adopts the SAFA Guidelines (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems), developed by the FAO, to structure and assess its sustainable impact. This model provides a holistic approach, divided into fundamental dimensions - environmental, economic, social and governance - guaranteeing a complete integration of sustainability into all operations.

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Metrics and Monitoring

The success of Gandum Village's Sustainability Plan depends on constant monitoring and clear metrics to assess the impact of actions and adjust strategies whenever necessary. The definition of key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SAFA Guidelines guarantees rigorous and transparent analysis.

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Pillars of Sustainability

Gandum Village's Sustainability Plan is based on four fundamental pillars that reflect a holistic approach to promoting environmental regeneration, positive social impact, economic viability and ethical and transparent governance. These pillars are not independent; they work in synergy to create a sustainable model that serves both the local community and the global environment.

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1. Environmental well-being

Gandum Village was born with a commitment to protecting and regenerating the environment. This pillar prioritizes practices that go beyond conventional sustainability, focusing on regenerating natural resources, preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. For Gandum, hospitality is only possible when harmonized with nature.

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2. Economic Integrity

At Gandum Village, economic sustainability is essential to ensure the project's longevity and positive impact on the social and environmental dimensions. Economic integrity goes beyond profitability: it means operating ethically, supporting the local economy and ensuring that the benefits of Gandum spread throughout the community. This pillar focuses on practices that balance financial viability with responsibility and regeneration.

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3. Social Welfare

Social Welfare is a central pillar of Gandum Village's Sustainability Plan, reflecting a commitment to valuing people, strengthening the community and promoting equity. This pillar goes beyond hospitality, creating positive social impact through job creation, ongoing training, inclusion and connection between guests and the local community.

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4. Governance and Transparency

The Governance and Transparency pillar ensures that Gandum Village operates ethically, responsibly and in line with its values of sustainability and regeneration. This pillar covers the implementation of robust governance practices, clear communication with stakeholders and an ongoing commitment to certifications and reports that reinforce the project's credibility.

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Final Message

The Gandum Village Sustainability Plan is more than a set of goals and actions - it is the practical expression of Gandum's vision as an example of regenerative hospitality. This plan defines how Gandum will lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability and quality can coexist, inspiring practical change in everyone who connects with the project.

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