Pillar 4: Governance and transparency: fewer vague promises, more trust
Why this matters to those who come to sleep, eat, or work
Governance sounds like a word from a report, but in practice it means this:
you know what you're booking and what to expect
policies are clear and consistently enforced
there are fewer surprises, fewer "excuses," and less improvisation
sustainability ceases to be marketing and becomes management
At Gandum, governance is the way to keep the entire project coherent when the hotel grows, when the team changes, and when there is pressure to "appear sustainable" rather than actually be sustainable.
1) Clear rules: a hotel works best when there are boundaries
What we do
We create internal policies and operating standards to align our team, suppliers, and partners. This includes our code of conduct, purchasing criteria, service practices, and day-to-day decisions.
What do you gain from this?
more consistent service, regardless of the shift
less noise and less improvisation
a safer and more predictable environment for everyone
2) Judicious decisions: sustainability without labels
What we do
We make decisions based on principles and criteria, not trends. When we make a choice, we explain why and accept the trade-offs.
What do you gain from this?
less greenwashing
more consistency between "what is said" and "what is experienced"
confidence that the project will not change direction at the whim of marketing
3) Transparency with stakeholders: telling the truth takes work
What we do
We open channels of communication and feedback with guests, staff, suppliers, and the community. When there are improvements, we show them. When there are limitations, we say so.
What do you gain from this?
more honest communication and fewer "vague promises"
faster problem solving because feedback enters the system
a hotel that learns and adapts without needing to put on airs
4) Data and monitoring: measure so you don't have to invent
Sustainability without metrics becomes opinion.
What we do
We monitor consumption and performance using KPIs and management tools (energy, water, operations). We supplement this with internal audits and, when appropriate, external validation.
What do you gain from this?
greater operational reliability (fewer comfort and service failures)
smarter decisions that reduce waste without affecting the experience
actual ability to prove progress, not just claim it
5) Certifications: when it makes sense, with substance
Certifications can be useful, but only if they are treated as a tool and not as a trophy.
What we do
We work to align Gandum with solid benchmarks (e.g., Green Key, B Corp, Biosphere, carbon audits) and use these processes to improve operations and measure impact.
What do you gain from this?
external validation that reinforces credibility
objective standards that help maintain high standards
comparability with international benchmarks
SDGs linked to this pillar
SDG 16 Peace, justice, and strong institutions
SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals
Governance and transparency at Gandum are this: a hotel where choices are logical, data exists, and communication does not try to impress. Less talk, more consistency. And that, in the end, is what makes your stay simpler, more comfortable, and more reliable.