Projects
MONTE DO GALO
Solar photovoltaic plant with batteries for countryside sustainable accommodation's self-consumption.
4,7%
a year
5 yr
term
B-
rating
12 mth
grace
monthly
instalment
127 trees
CO2 capture per year
Sustainable
Energy
SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Direct Impact
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Contribution to the decarbonisation of the economy: with an estimated production of 13,8 MWh of clean energy per year, the 25 photovoltaic panels will avoid the emission of 2,8 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 127 trees.
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Raising the awareness of employees and guests to sustainable issues in the local community.
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Indirect Impact
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Vernacular and ecological construction: the building is built with adobe (taipa), and used non-toxic and non-polluting materials and resources from the surrounding environment (clay, shale, straw and lime). The floor of the house is made of shale, a locally-available material. The house plastering is made of lime and the inner walls and ceiling are made of wood, corrk and tadelakt. This low-impact construction guarantees great acoustic and thermal comfort.
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Contribution to conscious and efficient water consumption: as there is no connection to the public water network (off-the-grid), the water consumption takes place through existing water (rain, spring and well) and will be suitable to the consumption needed.
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Natural regeneration: the promoter is currently implementing a 12 hectare reflorestation project through which they will replace existing eucalyptuses with autochtone forest adapted to the environment (cork-oak and arbutus). The project also includes the implementation of an orchard with native trees (figs and orange trees).
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Promotion of conscious consumption: the household equipment will be highly efficient, consuming low amounts of energy. Only consumables (comestics and detergents) which have an environment-friendly certification and are biodegradable and involve zero-waste will be used. Food will be organic and local. Mattresses, sheets and towels are all of natural sources.
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Promotion of waste treatment: the promoter will always aim at producing the lowest amount of waste. The residues produced shall be recovered through local composting of the organic matter and recycling of other materials.
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Creation of new employment: the project aims to create a permanent position along with two temporary positions.
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The clients’ displacements will be compensated by the natural regeneration project.
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Promotion of local development: The project has in its heart the exploitation of local culture and tradition through the vernacular architecture, construction methods, decoration objects (which promote to the highest extent the local culture and tradition, through objects such as the Monchique bench and tapestries of Monsaraz), and the food supply chain. Partnerships will also be undertaken with local authorities such as restaurants, and nature and leasure activities.
Project Information
In Costa Vicentina (Portugal’s Alentejo coastline), nested in the peace of the surrounding mountains and located 10 minutes away from the bustling ocean waves, is Monte do Galo, an estate with 20 hectares and two two-bedroom houses, at the disposal of the most demanding guests who seek a sustainable destination. It is expected to open to the public on July 1st 2021.
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The project is guided by principles of sustainability in all its dimensions: construction, design, energy, water management, forestry management, consumption, waste, and displacement.
The aim of this campaign is to finance a solar power plant for self-consumption with 7,2 kWp, which will allow the two houses to be self-sufficient in energy.
The plants will produce an average of 13,8 MWh of clean energy per year, contributing to avoiding the emission of 2,8 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent to the absorption capacity of 127 trees.
Financial Viability
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The panels will completely eliminate the costs associated with the consumption of energy. They will also allow Monte do Galo to position itself as a model sustainable destination.
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Aljezur is the region of Portugal where vacation rentals have the highest profitability, according to data provided by Airbnb. From 2022 onwards and following a conservative model, the project will be able to produce € 15,000 in net revenue, and growing at a rate of 12% per year in the following 5 years.
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Without any form of communication, Monte do Galo has received booking requests which will, at this point, ensure an occupancy rate above 50% for the high season (from July to September 2021).