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Sustainability and
environmental responsibility

Save water

Welcome to our countryside house, "A Casa de Sobrado"!

We are happy to have you with us and hope you enjoy a pleasant and relaxing stay. As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we would like to share some important tips on water conservation during your stay.

Why is saving water important?

Water is a scarce and precious natural resource, and conserving it is essential to:

- Reduce the consumption of drinking water and minimize environmental impact;
- Save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- Protect ecosystems and biodiversity;
- Ensure water availability for future generations.

What are we doing to save water?

Our water comes from a precious source.  
The water we use in our village originates in the surrounding mountains. It is from these mountains that we find the natural springs feeding our water supply system. After being collected, the water is properly treated to ensure its quality and safety for human consumption.  

Once treated, the water is distributed throughout the village, reaching our homes. It is a valuable resource that we all share and use responsibly.

In our accommodation, we have implemented measures to reduce water consumption, including:

- Water flow restrictors on faucets: our taps are equipped with devices that limit water flow, significantly reducing water usage;
- Dual-flush toilets: our toilets have a dual-flush system, allowing guests to choose between a short or long flush depending on their needs;
- Regular maintenance: we perform routine checks to ensure that the plumbing functions efficiently and without leaks.

How can you help?

During your stay, we kindly ask you to help our village conserve water by doing the following:

- Turn off taps while soaping, brushing your teeth, or shaving;
- Take short showers, ideally no longer than 5 minutes;
- Use the short-flush option on the toilet whenever possible;
- Use personal hygiene products responsibly, opting for eco-friendly products that do not contain harsh chemicals;
- In the kitchen, avoid leaving the tap running when washing dishes;
- Avoid washing food under running water. Instead, use a basin or container with water for washing fruits and vegetables;
- When using the dishwasher, select the appropriate cycle for the load. Shorter cycles are sufficient for lightly soiled dishes, while longer cycles are recommended for pots and utensils with more grease;
- Remove food residues from dishes. Most of the time, rinsing before loading the dishwasher is unnecessary, but removing food scraps helps prevent blockages;
- Properly dispose of waste before loading the dishwasher. Remember that the machine is not a trash bin; do not put paper, non-resistant plastic, or other items that could cause damage or unnecessary water consumption;
- Participate in selective waste separation for recycling and help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills;
- Check that taps are turned off after use;
- If you notice any water leaks or plumbing problems, please inform us immediately.

Thank you for your contribution to saving water!

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Only toilet paper in the toilet

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The toilet is one of the main consumers of water in our homes, and its correct use can help reduce water consumption and protect the environment. 

Tips for responsible use:

Before using it, check that it is working properly and that there are no leaks;

Use the dual flush function whenever possible to reduce water consumption;

Do not throw objects such as pads, diapers, wipes, condoms or other materials in the toilet, as this can cause blockages and damage the sewage system and increase the water consumption for unblocking;

If you notice any problems, such as leaks or blockages, inform us immediately so that we can take the necessary measures.

What are we doing to promote responsible use?

Our actions:

We have installed dual flush toilets throughout the accommodation to reduce water consumption;

Responsibly sourced toilet paper in all bathrooms to reduce environmental impact;

We carry out regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly and there are no leaks;

Educating and raising awareness among employees and guests about the importance of responsible use and how to contribute to the sustainability of our home.​

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By following this advice you can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible society. Remember that small actions can make a big difference.

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Thank you for your support!

Reminder

We want to ensure that your stay is comfortable and safe. Therefore, we would like to share some important recommendations for when you leave the house.

Turn off lights, air conditioning, and electrical appliances

Please make sure to turn off all lights, the television, air conditioning, and other electrical appliances when you leave to save energy and reduce resource consumption. This helps protect the environment and reduce the accommodation’s carbon footprint.  
These measures also help prevent fires and ensure the safety of the house.

Close doors and windows

Always close doors and gates when leaving the accommodation to safeguard your belongings and privacy.  
Also, close the windows to prevent insects from entering. Remember, you are in the countryside, so this will also help avoid unwanted animals entering.

Other recommendations

- Make sure to take your key when leaving the house;
- Inform us if you have any special needs or issues with the accommodation so we can assist you effectively.

We appreciate your attention to these recommendations. Our goal is to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and safe stay.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Remember:

- Turn off lights and electrical appliances
- Turn off the air conditioning
- Close doors and windows
- Take the house key with you

 

Losing keys or forgetting to bring them will incur additional costs.

Thank you for your cooperation and for choosing A Casa de Sobrado.

 

We hope you enjoy your stay!

Sobrado Countryside House - Vila Verde

Our Purpose

To provide accommodations with an environment that inspires tranquility, comfort, and satisfaction, offering a restful experience and a genuine connection with rural life, where tourism is a tool for valuing and sustaining the territory, benefiting both visitors and the local community.

 

Our Commitments

To contribute to responsible and welcoming tourism, valuing local heritage and traditions so that each visitor can experience the authenticity and cultural richness of our destination in a sustainable and conscious way.

Commitments

Goal

Actions

Providing a positive hospitality experience

  • Create welcoming, safe, and comfortable environments for guests.

  • Maintain the facilities in good condition for enjoyment.

  • Incorporate decorative and design elements that promote well-being, art, abundant natural lighting, and spaces that invite outdoor socializing.

  • Ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene of the accommodation.

  • Provide activities that promote social interaction, well-being, and the chance to disconnect, such as books and board games.

  • Offer a revitalizing rest experience with king-size beds (in double rooms) equipped with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and bedding that ensure peaceful nights.

Enhancement of Local Culture and Heritage

  • Contribute to the promotion of the traditions, crafts, enogastronomy, and history of the territory.

  • Promote cultural events, craft fairs, and demonstrations of traditional techniques.

  • Create tourist itineraries that include visits to historical heritage sites and cultural locations.

  • Promote local wines and gastronomy through the dissemination of producers and local restaurants.

  • Develop informational materials about the history and culture of the area.

  • Contribute to the promotion of local artisans and their products.

Involvement with the local community

  • Foster collaboration with the local community for the development of sustainable tourism.

  • Contribute to local consumption as a way to support the local commerce.

  • Volunteer actions in social and environmental projects in the region.

  • Establish partnerships with local suppliers, producers, and artisans for services and products.

  • Engage the community in management and in creating authentic tourist experiences.

Promotion of Sustainable Tourism

  • Adopt responsible environmental practices in the management of accommodation and activities, contributing to the preservation of the environment and the social and economic development of the activity.

  • Installation of LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment.

  • Use of water-saving devices, such as low-consumption faucets and sanitary ware.

  • Implementation of selective waste collection, with separation of recyclable and organic materials.

  • Reduction of single-use plastics by replacing them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives.

  • Raising awareness among guests and staff about sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

  • Encouraging enriching and sustainable experiences, such as enjoying rural and ancestral pathways that reflect the essence of the rural spirit.

  • Promote local tourism and consumption with the purpose of ensuring that the economic benefits resulting from tourism activity are generated directly within the community, strengthening its sustainable development and boosting the region's economic activity.

Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy

We reaffirm our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, ethics, the appreciation of the local community, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. This document reflects our principles and actions to promote responsible practices, ensuring the well-being of guests, employees, and the community.

 

1. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

1.1 Objectives

  • Promote the rational use of energy, water, and natural resources.

  • Reduce waste generation and ensure proper disposal.

  • Encourage the use of sustainable products and conscious consumption practices.

  • Raise awareness among guests and employees about the importance of environmental preservation.

 

1.2 Implemented Actions

  • Installation of LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment.

  • Use of water-saving devices, such as low-consumption faucets and sanitary fixtures.

  • Implementation of selective waste collection, separating recyclable and organic materials.

  • Reduction of disposable plastics by replacing them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives.

  • Partnership with suppliers who adopt sustainable practices whenever possible.

  • Distribution of informational materials and signage to encourage sustainable practices among guests and staff.

  • Adoption of good waste management and energy consumption practices.

 

1.3 Responsibilities

  • Employees: must follow resource-saving guidelines, practice sustainable actions, and report improvement opportunities.

  • Guests: are invited to cooperate by practicing sustainability during their stay, such as reusing towels and reducing water consumption.

  • Management: will conduct periodic internal audits to monitor compliance with this policy, identify improvement opportunities, and promote training.

 

2. Commitment to Social Responsibility

2.1 Objectives

  • Support and strengthen the local community by promoting inclusion and sustainable development actions.

  • Promote equality, diversity, and respect in all our operations.

  • Maintain an ethical, transparent, and responsible conduct in all actions and relationships.

 

2.2 Implemented Actions

  • Prioritization of local suppliers and products to foster regional economy.

  • Participation in social, cultural, and environmental projects in the region, supporting initiatives with positive impact.

  • Allocation of resources or support for social and environmental actions whenever possible, including donations, sponsorships, and volunteering.

  • Training focused on ethics, respect for differences, and social responsibility.

 

2.3 Responsibilities

  • Employees: act with respect, ethics, inclusion, and social responsibility in all activities.

  • Management: seek partnerships, support social projects, and promote an inclusive work environment.

  • Guests: are invited to support local initiatives by participating in actions or contributing with suggestions and good practices during their stay.

 

3. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We are working to:

  • Conduct periodic assessments of compliance with this policy through internal audits, feedback, and performance indicators.

  • Gather feedback from guests, employees, and partners to improve our actions.

  • Review and update this policy whenever necessary, ensuring its consistency with our practices and strategic objectives.

 

4. Disclosure and Transparency

This document is available on our official website, at the accommodation, and in communication materials, demonstrating our public commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Our goal is to promote transparency and encourage everyone’s participation in building a more sustainable activity.

 

5. Contact

For suggestions, questions, complaints, or contributions related to this policy, please contact:

A Casa de Sobrado Countryside House

Email: acasadesobrado@gmail.com

 

This policy forms the foundation of our commitment to sustainable, responsible, and ethical tourism. Our goal is to act consciously, promoting continuous improvements in our operations, strengthening the local community, and contributing to environmental preservation. We believe that social and environmental responsibility is a collective priority, and we count on everyone’s cooperation to build a fairer, more balanced, and sustainable future.

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