Sustainable Development in Portugal

Sustainability projects in Portugal

MOVIJOVEM, the Portuguese Youth Hostel Association, is committed to operating in a sustainable manner. In order to become more sustainable they are focusing on two main initiatives. Firstly, in 2011, in order to become a more energy efficient National Association, a thermal and energetically requalification process will take place. After a technical inspection of the hostels and having identified all the actions and requirements of energy performance improvements, MOVIJOVEM will implement the following measures:

• Place ‘movement detectors’ in technical zones and sanitary facilities, to reduce energy consumption through a more efficient use of lights.
• In outdoor spaces, place energy-efficient systems such as LED-systems or photovoltaic batteries, which are activated by both movement and time sensors, so as to provide optimum control.
• Replacement of incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent or LEDS, effectively reducing electrical energy consumption between 30 - 50%.
• Implement flow reducers and shower heads with incorporated reducers in public places, effectively reducing water consumption, without loss of comfort, by around 40%.

Secondly, MOVIJOVEM have signed a protocol with Quercus who are an environmental Portuguese Association with ecological concerns. Together they will be measuring the ecological footprint of each Youth Hostel with a view to reducing and developing a compensation strategy for emissions.

Click here to explore sustainable development projects in other countries worldwide.

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