ECO-TOURISM | INSPIRA
Restaurant options include dishes whose ingredients are predominantly organic. When possible, Inspira sources locally grown or fair trade produce. And the hotel follows Marine Stewardship Council guidelines regarding seafood. For example, the cod purchased by the kitchen is from the Pacific Ocean where it is still abundant rather than the Atlantic where it is endangered. “In fact, we refuse to use any product that is not sustainable.”
Te investment in cuting edge technology has enabled the implementation of new forms of communication and business. Te hotel can offer digital conferencing systems – so-called ‘Green Meetings’ – and advocates a paperless process.
Perhaps the most tangible evidence of Inspira’s green credentials is its partnership with Pump Aid, a UK-based charity.
Profits from the sale of the hotel’s own processed mineral water – sold in recycled botles – go towards Pump Aid’s Water For Life initiative which funds the construction and upkeep of fresh water pumps in Africa. Inspira is the only hotel in Portugal working directly to support Pump Aid’s work in this way.
“Inspira’s method of [selling] water onsite to guests is unique,” says Pump Aid consultant Chris Pethers. “It is a very innovative way to provide drinking water in a sustainable manner and support the provision of water supplies in rural Africa at the same time.”
It costs around £1,300 to install and support what’s known as an Elephant Pump. Tis includes not just the materials and labour to set up the device, but also training of local communities in pump maintenance. Each pump can serve up to 250 people and as well as making the water supply more accessible the enclosed nature of the design protects the supply from contamination, thus reducing the risk of disease. In just five months generous hotel guests have raised enough money to build one pump, which is located in a village in Malawi.
“All businesses, including the Travel & Tourism sector, are investing more in sustainability both within their company practices and also within [a] wider environmental, social and economic [framework],” says Pethers. “It is fantastic that companies see Pump Aid as a valuable way to invest in sustainable development. However, most of these are water-related businesses, such as suppliers of botled water and water coolers. To have a company such as Inspira that isn’t directly water-related supporting us is wonderful.”
Green Globe acknowledges corporate social responsibility as a key compliance indicator and Inspira’s successful affiliation with Pump Aid is indicative of how to invest in long-term sustainability.
61 | Summer 2011 |
www.portugal-life.net
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