Transforming Tourism: Sustainability and Innovation at Hotel Royal Son Bou

At the Hotel Royal Son Bou Family Club, sustainability is at the heart of all our operations. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, promoting resource circularity, and raising environmental awareness among our guests.

With our ISO 14001 certification, we work to minimize environmental impact and protect the natural resources of this beautiful island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Today, we want to share our 2024 achievements and the goals that guide us toward a more sustainable future.

Clean Energy: Our Photovoltaic Plant as a Strategic Investment

In 2024, our photovoltaic plant generated 1,774,688 kWh, covering 99.47% of the hotel’s energy consumption. This installation is one of the most significant investments in our hotel’s history, not only for its initial cost but also for the positive impact it has on sustainability and the fight against climate change.

A Bold Move for an Independent Hotel

As a family-run, independent hotel, we’ve embraced solar energy to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and avoid the volatility of energy costs. In Menorca, where natural resources are limited, every action counts to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for the island.

Key Solar Generation Data in 2024

• Most productive months: May and June, with 224,237 kWh and 206,237 kWh, respectively.
• Summer performance: While it might seem that summer months would produce the most energy, the opposite is true. During July and August, panel efficiency decreases due to overheating, underscoring the importance of proper location and maintenance of the installation.

Environmental Benefits

Thanks to our photovoltaic plant:

• We avoided emitting tons of CO₂ that would have been generated by fossil fuels.
• We promoted the use of renewable energy, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reducing the Impact of External Laundry: Less is More

In 2024, we eliminated table linens in our La Basílica Restaurant to reduce water, energy, and detergent consumption associated with external laundry. This measure has achieved the following:

• Tablecloths: At the restaurant, 175 units were used daily, and over 160 open days, we avoided washing 28,000 tablecloths.
• Napkins: We saved the washing of 13,600 napkins, using an average of 85 units per day.
• Elimination of table linen replacements: By removing table linens, we avoided purchasing 200 replacement units annually, reducing the water and energy required for production.

Why Reducing External Laundry Use Matters

1. Water consumption: Industrial laundries use vast amounts of potable water, a limited resource in Menorca.
2. Chemical use: Industrial detergents and bleaches can harm ecosystems if not managed properly.
3. Transport and emissions: Shipping textiles for cleaning generates additional CO₂ emissions.

These actions reflect our commitment to resource circularity and responsible consumption, vital values for protecting Menorca’s unique environment.

Goodbye Diesel: Aerothermal Energy as an Efficient and Sustainable Solution

In 2024, we installed an aerothermal system that allowed us to eliminate diesel use for domestic hot water (DHW) and air conditioning during the summer months.
How Aerothermal Energy Works

Aerothermal systems extract energy from outdoor air using heat pumps. Even at low temperatures, this system efficiently generates heat, making it one of the most sustainable technologies on the market.

Key Benefits

• Energy efficiency: For every kWh of electricity consumed, up to 4 kWh of thermal energy are generated.
• Sustainability in Menorca: On an island with limited resources, eliminating diesel reduces pollution and minimizes reliance on imported fuels.

Thanks to this technology, we’ve improved our energy efficiency and contributed to a cleaner tourism model.

Eco-Friendly Products: Savings, Sustainability, and Ecological Cellulose

In our daily operations, we use Green Care Professional products and certified ecological cellulose, reinforcing our commitment to the environment and resource circularity.

Green Care Professional Achievements in 2024

• •    119 kg of oil saved.
• •    39 kg of plastic avoided.
• •    374 kg of carbon dioxide prevented.

These products, certified with labels like Ecolabel and Cradle-to-Cradle, ensure low environmental impact and a circular approach to their production and use.

Ecological Cellulose: Sustainable Toilet Paper for Apartments

In our apartments, we exclusively use toilet paper made from certified ecological cellulose, achieving the following in 2024:

• Avoiding 3.85 tons of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.
• Saving 19,240 liters of water.
• Eliminating 34.63 kg of plastic. This product uses zero plastic packaging and is delivered in recycled cardboard boxes.

By choosing this solution, we not only reduce environmental impact but also highlight the importance of small, sustainable decisions in daily life.

How You Can Help Us Be More Sustainable

In each apartment, guests will find an explanatory leaflet with information about our sustainability initiatives and tips on how to collaborate:

• Request amenities only when necessary to minimize waste.
• Use the recycling bins available throughout the hotel.
• Opt for reusable bottles and take advantage of our drinking water stations.
• Turn off lights and air conditioning when not in the apartment.

Environmental Awareness and Education in Kikoland

At our kids’ club, Kikoland, we believe in the importance of teaching new generations the value of caring for the planet. That’s why in 2024, we incorporated environmental awareness workshops into our activity program, including:

Recycling Day

A fun and educational activity where children learn to separate waste and reuse materials through crafts.

Young Environmental Ambassadors

Through games and activities, we instill sustainability values, encouraging children to become everyday defenders of the environment.

Goals for 2025: Teaming Up for the Planet

In 2025, our primary goal is to continue fostering responsible tourism by involving the families who visit us in all possible actions:

• Strengthening circularity across all hotel operations.
• Expanding educational activities in Kikoland, integrating more sustainability workshops.
• Further reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint through innovative and collaborative measures.

Our Commitment Keeps Growing

From the photovoltaic plant to plastic elimination, every step we take reflects our commitment to a more sustainable tourism model. At the Hotel Royal Son Bou Family Club, we work to offer a unique experience that respects the environment and inspires you to be part of the change.

We invite you to visit us and enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Menorca, where together we can protect the planet and ensure a better future.