Our vision: sustainability you can feel (and regeneration that lasts)
At Gandum Village, sustainability is not a marketing strategy or an abstract concept. It is the foundation of everything we do—from the way we build, to what we serve, to how we care for the land and people.
Our vision is inspired by one of the simplest (and most difficult) definitions to achieve: that of the Brundtland Commission, in its report “Our Common Future” (1987), which describes sustainable development as:
"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
This principle guides decisions large and small. The goal is clear: to create a place where comfort does not depend on waste—and where the guest experience is not disconnected from the land that makes it possible.
The starting point: Our Common Future
The report Our Common Future, produced by the United Nations, was a milestone in how the world began to think about the balance between progress and preservation.
For us, it remains relevant for one simple reason: it recognizes that major global challenges can only be changed through local action. And that the most credible solutions are those that can be experienced, tested, and improved upon in the field.
That is why Gandum exists as a practical example —without pretending to "teach lessons," but with a genuine desire to do better.
The report highlights three pillars that also underpin our approach:
Environmental Protection
Prioritize practices that regenerate nature, reducing impacts and promoting biodiversity.
Social Justice
Ensure that local communities benefit directly and indirectly from Gandum.
Economic Feasibility
Integrate sustainability with financial viability, creating a business model that sustains positive impact in the long term.
Gandum's commitment
At Gandum, this vision is not just expressed in nice words—it is reflected in operational decisions. For us, sustainability means:
Environmental Regeneration
Not only reducing impacts, but improving soil, water, and local biodiversity conditions.
Human Connection
Create opportunities for learning and engagement with the community and guests.
Regenerative Design
Planning spaces and operations that harmonize comfort, functionality, and respect for nature.
That's why Gandum is not "just a hotel." It's a place where sustainability becomes concrete — and where every guest and partner can be part of a shared vision for a better future.
A living example of real sustainability
Our approach is practical and scientific. It is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
But our commitment goes beyond “minimizing impacts.” We want to show that sustainability and regeneration can coexist with comfort, design, and memorable experiences.
This is our mission: to create a lasting impact—and inspire others to do the same.
The objectives of our sustainability plan
The Gandum Village Sustainability Plan aims to transform the space into a practical model of sustainability and regeneration—aligned with global challenges and local needs.
This plan guides our actions in the areas of sustainable development: environmental, social, cultural, and economic.
General objective
Contribute to a more balanced future, where regenerative and conscious practices are integrated into everyday life, inspiring guests, employees, partners, and the community to make choices that benefit both the present and future generations.
Specific objectives
1) Reduce environmental impact and regenerate nature
Implementing practices that not only minimize our ecological footprint, but also regenerate the soil, biodiversity and water resources.
2) Promoting social welfare
Create employment and training opportunities for the local community. Offer experiences that connect guests and visitors to the culture, traditions, and sustainable practices of the region.
3) Achieve sustainable economic viability
Ensure that Gandum's growth is aligned with ethical and responsible practices. Work with partners and suppliers who share the same values, creating a transparent and fair value chain.
4) Educate and inspire for a sustainable future
Create content and activities that promote awareness of sustainability and regeneration.
5) Align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Actively contribute to priority SDGs, with clear targets and regular monitoring. Make Gandum a practical example of how a small business can have a global impact.
Expected results
Transforming Gandum into a space that combines excellent hospitality with measurable positive impact.
Inspire other businesses, guests, and partners to adopt sustainable and regenerative practices.
Become a benchmark in Portugal and abroad as an example of conscious and regenerative hospitality.
Connecting with guests and partners
The plan also has a simple and essential goal: to create connection. Whether it's planting a tree, participating in a workshop on climate change, or simply enjoying a meal at Provenance, every interaction at Gandum reflects the values and goals of this plan.
Because sustainability, for us, only makes sense when it ceases to be theory—and becomes practice.
