Hacienda Los Olivos - Christian retreat centre in Andalucia Spain

HACIENDA LOS OLIVOS

Christian Retreat Centre in Andalucia

Eco Centre and Sustainability
Hacienda Los Olivos is located in one of the most beautiful and impressive national parks in Spain. Central to our vision for the centre is a clear commitment to a Green Agenda which combines rigorous environmental management with minimal ecological impact. One of the ways in which we seek to minimise the environmental impact on the park is by welcoming only small groups into the centre (a maximum of 15-20 people at a time). Through the elements listed below, Hacienda Los Olivos seeks to become a carbon neutral facility. In addition to this, we are working in partnership with Climatestewards to offset the carbon generated by our guests in reaching the centre.
Green Agenda
	Energy Generation Hacienda Los Olivos will generate electricity in two ways: through the use of photovoltaic (PV) solar technology and through wind power. The sun shines for an average of 330 days at the site of the Hacienda, allowing a potential of almost unlimited electricity generation via the sun. We anticipate using a PV solar rig to generate in the region of 10-12 KW per day. In addition, whilst most of the land is sheltered from the wind, the highest peak in it is situated 1100 metres high, with great potential to generate electricity via small size wind turbines.
Water and Irrigation Another way in which we seek to create the minimal environmental impact is by a responsible use of water, using well equipped showers, instead of baths, in all en-suite facilities; WC with two function flush to save water; and a drip irrigation system aimed at trees individually for the gardens. On the north edge of the land Hacienda Los Olivos has a lake in need of restoration (re-lining) which was neglected by previous owners. Once this had been restored and refilled it will be used both as a water feature, with quiet areas around it, and as water storage for the irrigation of the land.
	Hot Water and Central Heating The sun will also be used to create all of the hot water necessary to run the centre. Solar panels (different from the type used to generate electricity) will provide hot water and will support the central heating system (underfloor heating). These will sit on top of some of the roofs of the buildings and feed traditional style hot water storage tanks in the loft spaces.
Recycling Finally, we seek to have a minimal environmental impact through the recycling of all organic waste to create compost for the trees; the separation and recycling of up to 70% of the rubbish generated (paper, glass, plastic, cans, etc), taking it to the closest waste recycling centre; the exclusive use of recycled paper without colouring (office use, toilet, etc) and the restoration and reconstruction of existing buildings using reclaimed material from the area.
Eco-holidays Hacienda Los Olivos is also a working farm, with over 200 olive trees and about 250 almond trees. In 2010 we will run "Farming Holidays" for those who enjoy contact with nature, work on the land (olive picking in February and almond picking in October), group meals and personal time to relax and enjoy the Hacienda and its surroundings.