With a glorious position on the cliffs of Caniço, by the sea, Sentido Galomar became the first green hotel in the country. Located next to an Underwater Nature Reserve, we have an added responsibility to help the wonderful underwater life and natural beauty that surrounds us. Sentido Galomar, as the first energy self-sufficient hotel, is indeed a case study on the Portuguese tourism industry. Sentido Hotels is actively contributing to the protection of Madeira Island’s nature, as we realise that our success is largely determined by our ability to develop sustainably. As trendsetters, we believe we have a necessary duty to protect our community and the environment so that our hotels remain alive and resilient for the next generations of conscious travellers. Hundreds of photovoltaic panels ensure its self-sufficiency, allowing it to produce all the energy it consumes and channel the surplus to other units of the group. Solar thermal panels heat the water. Still in terms of energy, the GTC system allows the guest to know their consumption in relation to the historical average of the room and the goal is to reward guests with more sustainable consumption. The equipment and materials present at Sentido Galomar are ecological and long-lasting. In addition to these measures, there is the activation of LED lighting by motion sensors, charging stations for electric cars, rubbish separation on all floors, the outdoor saltwater pool, the reuse of rainwater for cleaning, the amenities dispensed by dispensers and the air purification plates in the bathrooms, which work by photo catalysis and make it unnecessary to use additional chemicals for cleaning. With the energy management systrem they have implemented, they use: “Schneider” system, that allows the control and monitoring of room and hotel devices. Implementation of a GTC (centralised technical management) system for monitoring room energy consumption and equipment breakdowns. Resource consumption display placed in the room for guest consultation, in order to raise awareness about resource consumption. Public charging station for electric vehicles Special insulation of pipework to avoid thermal losses Solar-powered lifts, saving about 82%, running single-phase 220V. These lift batteries capture the energy from the regenerative VVVF drive making it renewable. Energy autonomy for a total of up to 100 journeys. Passive solar metering. Integrating structures that shade the lift in summer but allow it to capture the sun in winter. Chiller for Desalination (reverse osmosis), inthe water cooling (HVAC system) and the pool water heating. Efficient lighting system: LED Various state-of-the-art equipment with high energy efficiency: OTECGO kitchen are equipped with innovative technology, ensuring reduced energy costs and chemical-free cleaning process. All gas appliances have been replaced with high-efficiency electric equipment such as refrigerators, in the Atlantis Restaurant kitchen. Regarding water management, there are 4 circuits in the building: Clean water (for drinking and bathing) Rainwater harvesting and storage system (beach cleaning and garden watering) Grey water (washing) Salt water (swimming pools and chiller cooling) Investment in the construction of upper tanks for hot water heated through Solar Panels Seawater pool: saving potable water (capacity 86m3 = 86,000 litres) and chemicals As for the use of innovative materials, we have: Resysta: “rice husk” composite sheets used in furniture and cladding. It is an extremely durable recycled material, resistant to sun, rain, ice and even salt water. It is composed of 60% rice husk, 22% common salt and 18% mineral oil and retains the visual appearance of wood. Compared to wood, it requires minimal maintenance and is highly resistant to pests, mould and cracking. Wicker crafts used to decorate the walls of the hotel’s new reception area K-life: a compact mineral that utilises a photocatalysis process that makes it a stain-resistant, antibacterial tile. This process actively improves air quality, based on self-cleaning and promoting air regeneration, eliminating the use of chemicals.
