Oceânico Group Commits to Greener Golf Resorts in Portugal

Eco-solutions for new resorts...

29th July 2008

Solar energy, water reclamation, recycling, and the re–introduction of flora and fauna are all part of Oceânico Group’s drive to provide owners with a greener golf experience across their Portuguese golf resorts.

The company’s 170–acre Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort being developed in the Algarve, where construction density is less than 20%, will use microgeneration – small scale power generation – through 194 units with solar photovoltaic systems. Between them they will produce 686MWh of power each year and save 486 tons of CO².

In addition, the resort will feature 194 thermal solar panel systems to heat water, saving 133 tons of CO², while the green areas of the resort – 3,900 trees, 23.72 acres of plants, and 48.19 acres of grass – will remove 39 tons of CO² from the atmosphere.
The overall CO² saving – 658 tons – is the equivalent of planting 60,100 trees in 185.3 acres of forest (based on 800 trees per 2.5 acres).

On Portugal’s Silver Coast the new Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort has been designated a Project of National Interest by the Portuguese Government, with a Nature Protection Plan being implemented during construction to cover vegetation, watercourses, biodiversity and the natural landscapes.

Solar panels are being used throughout the resort and will account for 70% of the heating for the water and swimming pools. Electrical appliances have been selected for their energy rating (all are rated band A), and technology to retrieve and use the heat generated by electrical items is being installed.

At both resorts rainwater will be collected to water the gardens and golf courses, while bathrooms will feature low consumption showers and toilets, and kitchens have water saving washing machines and dishwashers. The aim is to save 30% on water consumption, over a traditional golf resort. In addition, extensive recycling systems will reduce wastage, while natural materials including sustainable wood and stone are being used across the developments. Nikki Loker, Sales & Marketing Director of Oceânico Group says: "It is no longer enough for developers to install some solar panels and claim to be green. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental elements of their home – whether this is from the ecological impact on the natural environment, or in terms of energy usage. We have made a commitment to creating greener golf resorts and are proving that it can be done without compromising on the quality or experience provided to owners."

At the luxury Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve, where Phase One properties will be ready for owners in early 2009, Oceânico has already transformed abandoned farmland into a thriving environment over the last two years.

It now uses 50% less water than when it was farmed, with residual waters reclaimed and then blended with the resort’s bore hole water for watering the golf courses and gardens. Over 3,500 olive trees and hundreds of cork oak trees – a protected species – have been re–introduced, while new wetland areas are attracting wildlife back to the area.

Solar power is used to heat the swimming pools throughout the resort, with the aim of saving around 80% of the traditional energy costs associated with pool heating in the summer and 20–25% of the energy costs in the winter. Solar power is also used to heat hot water and will account for 70–80% of the development’s water heating requirements.

Recycling is another key element throughout the resort, with grass cuttings and garden waste recycled and made into compost for the grounds. In addition, batteries, tyres and oil are all recycled.

For more information visit www.oceanicogroup.com.