AP Hotels & Resorts units receive Save Water Seal

The AP Hotels & Resorts group is already known for adopting measures to promote sustainability and has once again seen its work recognized with the award of the Save Water seal to 5 units. These are AP Victoria Sports & Beach, AP Oriental Beach, AP Eva Senses, AP Maria Nova Lounge and AP Cabanas Beach & Nature.

Coordinated by the Algarve Tourism Board, in conjunction with Turismo de Portugal and ADENE – Agência para a Energia, this label is awarded when a set of measures has been adopted with the aim of reducing water consumption by 15% compared to the same period last year.

In order to meet the objective, it is necessary to carry out “efficient and conscious water management”, where an action plan is drawn up in order to put into practice the measures chosen by the units.

In a first phase, the AP Hotels & Resorts units committed to carrying out 10 measures, 2 of which have already been implemented.

The measures that have earned AP Hotels & Resorts the Save Water label are:

• Adopt efficient washbasin taps in all sanitary facilities, with a flow rate of 4 liters/min or less.
• Adopt efficient sink taps in catering kitchens, with a flow rate of 8 liters/min or less.
• Ensure a daily water renewal rate equal to or less than 3% of the pool volume
• Minimize the need to replace drinking water from the mains by preserving the quality of the pool water
• Reduce or adapt cleaning techniques for floors and outdoor surfaces, avoiding washing with hoses or pressure washers and/or using water from alternative sources (e.g. rainwater or ApR).
• Encourage water-efficient behavior among guests who choose to reduce the frequency of cleaning accommodation units and replacing bed linen and towels – already done
• Put up or reinforce signs to make guests aware of, for example, reducing bathing time (<5 mins), turning off taps and showers during lathering and shampooing, not using immersion baths, avoiding washing dishes by hand, washing machines preferably with a full load, etc.
• Carry out training, capacity-building and awareness-raising activities for employees to promote the adoption of good practices to reduce water consumption – already done
• Carry out immediate checks and maintenance on all water-using equipment, devices and installations, also implementing a weekly (or more frequent) plan for this purpose, ensuring that occurrences are recorded and corrected, that leaks are prevented and that they operate more efficiently.
• Measure and disseminate the impacts of the measures implemented to employees, customers and the general public, encouraging them to continue and strengthen their commitment to water efficiency.

By obtaining the Save Water seal, the AP Hotels & Resorts group has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. This achievement is a reflection of the continuous work and joint efforts of the teams who, through concrete measures, have managed to significantly reduce water consumption. AP Hotels & Resorts believes that protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility and will therefore continue to invest in sustainable practices that benefit communities, guests and the planet, guaranteeing hospitality that respects and cares for the future.