We are now a 100% carbon-neutral company at Prestige Properties Ibiza
Together with the local community and outside environmental organisations, we set the bar high regarding our Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR).
We recognise that our everyday work impacts our environment. Because of this, we decided to take action to fight for a safer and cleaner future by becoming a carbon-neutral company.
In 2019 we partnered with an external environmental organisation to begin calculating and reducing our carbon footprint in the workplace. Our carbon footprint strategy has recently extended into an off-setting plan through reforestation with Bosquia, and we’d love to show you our journey so far.
Workplace carbon emissions and the planetary problem
Over the past century, it has been estimated that global CO2 emissions have risen from 2 billion tons (recorded in 1900) to a staggering 36.8bn tonnes. (by 2022 – International Energy Agency (IEA)).
Energy usage is a part of every company and household. CO2 emissions and energy consumption occur because of natural gas, electricity, heating, propane, servers, employee travel, and daily commuters. However, businesses and households can reduce their carbon footprint by taking simple, intentional actions. Using renewable energy sources, adjusting thermostats, making sure all plugs are turned off at the end of the day, using a laptop instead of a desktop computer, opting for hybrid vehicles, and recycling can all help.
Reducing our CO2 emissions and calculating our carbon footprint as a company
Our company has been actively working with a specialised partner program since 2019. Our partnership with Ambialia has helped us calculate and reduce our carbon footprint – setting us on a path to protect the environment, fight climate change, and help work towards the transition to a clean energy future.
As part of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we have implemented the following initiatives:
The use of hybrid company cars
Using recycled paper
Shifting from quarterly to annually printed magazines
Reducing our office thermostat and using low energy eco-settings
Offering our clients the service of live video visits of properties so that they do not need to take a flight to Ibiza every time
In the latter part of 2020, we calculated our current carbon footprint. Prestige Properties Ibiza emits approximately 18 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Off-setting with Bosquia – reforestation, actions and environmental policy
As part of our carbon footprint strategy, we’ve started reforestation with Bosquia. Their social enterprise educates companies like ourselves and individuals about the importance of forests. It encourages us to make a difference by increasing our planet’s green space. By funding them, we can compensate for our carbon footprint expenditure and enable them to reforest or create new native forests on our company’s behalf.
As the most significant regulators and balancers of climate, forests favour rainfall, generate oxygen, clean the air, and serve as an essential part of our planet’s ecosystem.As a company, we were particularly drawn to Bosquia as our off-setting non-profit organisation for their passion for nature, human progress and dedication to protecting forests on the Spanish mainland.
Be part of the solution.
Based on our internal statistics and general market trends across mainland Spain and the Balearic islands, we are confident that Ibiza will remain a top destination for buying property in 2023.
Ignoring the correlation between our CO2 emissions and climate change is easy. To address the problem at hand and work towards a clean energy future, we all need to consider offsetting and funding projects such as Bosquia that work to reduce carbon emissions.
In a world where climate change is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, we strive to be a sustainability role model within our industry, working with our specialised partners in innovative ways to combat the global issues at hand.
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Sustainable Ibiza – The Best Practice & Guide for Tourists & Visitors
We impact our environment every single day with the choices we make, from the food we choose to eat to the cars we choose to drive. Thankfully, many of us here in Ibiza and across the globe understand that we must work together and live intentionally in order to protect and preserve our island (and the planet).
Yet, even as tourists and visitors, you can also make small yet effective changes to lessen your environmental impact during your stay by limiting your energy consumption, using eco-friendly products, and taking deliberate steps to be environmentally friendly.
So, let’s get started with our latest guide to the best practices for eco-conscious tourists and visitors.
Energy Efficiency in Ibiza
Be mindful of your Water Consumption
Using water efficiently can help lower your environmental impact. Even while washing dishes or brushing your teeth, simply turning off the tap can actually save over a litre of water within a 20-seconds timeframe alone. Given how much we complete such daily tasks, wasted water can add up very quickly. The same goes for requiring many showers during the hot weather and beach season. Be mindful and do your best to save water where you can.
Make sure you do not leave your electronics on all day long. Electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use, and only turned on when necessary. For example, avoiding plugging in your mobile phone overnight can save a considerable amount of energy as charging only takes a few hours. Also, consider using high-energy appliances at night, such as dishwashers and washers, and always use the natural heat and light to dry laundry outside, rather than using a dryer.
Be sure to maintain a comfortable temperature and airflow in your home by utilising your surrounding natural resources. Use the shades and open windows to keep your villa cool during the warmer months rather than racking up energy via air-con appliances. However, when the air-cons are in use, don’t leave the windows open. Where possible, turn off the lights and use natural light instead.
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Recycling and Refuse in Ibiza
In accordance with IbizaPreservation, the following points are to be considered in relation to waste and recycling when visiting:
Before buying, think twice – buy only what you really need.
Avoid excessively packaged items
Refuse plastic bags – bring your own bag or basket to the grocery store (ask your Prestige agent for one of our cotton "Prestige Going Green" reusable bags!)
Our island depends heavily on tourism and visitors for its economic well-being. Nevertheless, every year in Ibiza, we are inundated with both luxury and leisurely activities that contribute to pollution and make it difficult to conserve and sustain our ecosystem. You can make a difference in many ways with these simple tips.
It’s important not to throw cigarette ends in the street or in nature, especially in our forests and woodland nature trails. Without even considering the risk of forest fires, our beaches, and natural surroundings should be respected. Although designated bins may be hard to find outside of urbanised areas, every tobacco store sells heat-proof ashtray wallets. These can be used to store cigarette waste which can then be disposed of properly alongside the rest of the day’s waste.
Don’t take souvenirs from our Posidonia and marine life, e.g. when sailing or visiting a beach, leave stones, shells, plants, and animals as they are in their natural habitat. Select an eco-friendly sunscreen that will protect your skin while not damaging marine life, collect your waste after you visit, don’t throw anything in the sea, and moor your boat in the right spot: Anchoring in Posidonia meadows is prohibited. Furthermore, jet-skiing and other high-pollution activities can also be avoided.
Try walking or biking to your destination rather than driving if it’s close enough – it’s healthier and better for the environment. Another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by taking public transportation or if you must drive, maximise every person per car to ensure less transport is on the road. Land-based activities that produce high levels of pollution should also be considered minimally, like safari tours and quad biking.
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Select Conscious & Local Businesses in Ibiza
Try and shop for products and services from local businesses and those who advocate for sustainability, eco-friendly products, fair trade, or have Corporate Social Responsibility as part of their business ethos. Even those businesses that make sure their employees have the right contracts and protections – such as insurance – as well as pay taxes are helping the Ibizan community and the environment.
Go to this google maps to see all the eco-shops available on the island.
Every action we take will make a difference. The most important thing to remember is that our actions will result in a cleaner, greener island, both now as well as in the future.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza Part. 2
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is essential for conserving resources, saving money, and helping the environment. Each of us has a crucial part to play as homeowners, to improve our homes’ energy performance and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint and waste. If we make simple changes, we can achieve better property energy efficiency and contribute greatly to our planet’s future well-being (and our household utility bills).
Our company, Prestige Properties is fully committed to promoting energy efficiency here in Ibiza as a firm supporter of green living. Previously, we published an "Energy Efficient Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza" article,aimed at encouraging property owners and buyers to create energy-efficient homes, which we have now extended into part 2 – "Energy Efficient Homes: A Guide for Home Owners Part. 2"
So, let’s get started with our latest guide for those who want to get involved in green and sustainable living right from the comfort of their own homes.
How to Save Energy at Home – Our Top Daily Tip for Your Ibiza Property
Change to LED Light Bulbs
In comparison to incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED bulbs offer significant energy savings. In fact, LED light bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. So, by making the transition to LEDs, you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint and CO2 emissions.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Although washing clothes in hot water is an effective way to get dirty items extra-clean, it is not cheap and of course, has harmful effects on the environment.
Where possible, wash your clothes in cold water (unless they are heavily soiled garments). Generating hot water for washing increases energy consumption by up to 90%, therefore, by switching to cold water each household has the potential to save a significant amount of energy on a regular basis. What’s more, cool water also slows the fading of colors and shrinking of fabrics, helping your clothes last longer!
Air Seal Your Ibiza Home
Something we covered in our last article – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza, but equally important advice to revisit. Sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks, and adding insulation can save up to 10% on home heating and cooling costs. Property factors such as roofing, solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges, water tightness, damp-proofing, and sealing should always be monitored, reviewed, and renewed where possible. If your home has single-paned windows, think about replacing them with more energy-efficient ones.
Clean or Replace All Filters
Dirty or clogged filters make systems like air conditioners and dryers work harder and longer than necessary. It is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 15% with regular cleaning and maintenance that will ensure steady performance and appropriate use of energy.
Care for Your Refrigerator and Freezer
As a general rule, refrigerators and freezers operate most efficiently when they are full, so keep all those shelves in use. However, you should not overfill them, since overfilling will restrict airflow and force the device to work harder. Remember to avoid excessive cooling and energy waste by following the manufacturer’s temperature regulation recommendations and be sure to clean your appliances before ice builds up to ensure they are all running efficiently.
Use Natural Resources for Light, Shade, Heating, and Cooling
Utilise your surrounding natural resources to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and eliminate the need for energy-consuming appliances. During the cooler months, open up the shades and let the sunshine enter to warm your home, or use the shades or tinted window panes to do just the opposite. And, where it is possible to use the natural light, turn off the lights. Typically, household lighting accounts for 12 percent of a household’s total energy usage.
Be Mindful of Electronics & Appliances in your Ibiza Villa
Make sure you do not leave your electronics on all day long. It is always recommended to turn off your computer, TV monitor, radio and electrical appliances when they are not in use, and only put them on when you really need them. Also, try to avoid plugging in your mobile phone to charge overnight, it only takes a few hours to charge.
Bake without peeking! Your oven has to use more energy when the temperature drops every time you peek. If you have time, turn off the oven before the cooking time is up, the heat already generated will be enough to finish the cooking process without using extra energy.
When possible, use high-energy appliances such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night. It is common for utility providers to offer lower energy costs during certain times of the day, and certainly overnight. Making plans to do your laundry overnight will not only help you save money on your energy bills, but you will also be doing the planet a big favor. Finally, air-dry when possible, hang laundry outside or on a drying rack and avoid using the dryer altogether. Household sustainability and energy efficiency can be improved with small yet effective measures.
Be Intentional with Your Ibiza Property Thermostat
If you set your thermostat just a few degrees higher or lower, depending on the season, you will be able to save about 6% to 8% on your energy bill per degree. Your home will not be noticeably cooled or heated any faster by setting your thermostat at a lower or higher temperature than is necessary. It is highly recommended to install a programmable thermostat for your home that will automatically adjust the temperature according to the schedule you set up.
Recycle, Reuse and Reduce in Ibiza
For the year 2019, Ibiza generated an average of 662kg of waste per person. The statistics exceeded the national average by 36.4%. Naturally, Ibiza’s landfill is unable to keep up with this large volume of waste which is why we must be intentional and proactive with our activity of daily living and promote waste reduction.
According to IbizaPreservation, offers the following list of points to keep in mind act upon:
Before buying, think twice – buy only what you really need.
Avoid excessively packaged items
Refuse plastic bags – bring your own bag or basket to the grocery store.
Use the recycling points on the island – yellow, green, and blue bins.
Donate the things you no longer use, or sell them at a flea market or auction & buy second-hand items where possible.
Ibiza also has a good network of selective waste collection points with three main containers:
Yellow is for "packaging" where you can deposit different types of containers: plastic, aluminum, metal, and Tetra Brik type containers (milk, soup, juice, sugar boxes).
The green container is for glass.
Blue is intended for "cardboard packaging", where you can deposit cardboard boxes and paper.
Every contribution is valuable to the whole and all of our actions will make a difference. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that living or staying in an energy-efficient home always creates a cleaner, greener island for both now and in the future.
During a collaborative effort, over 200 kilos of garbage were collected in just one morning by a group of local residents from Ibiza.
As part of a project led by us at Prestige Properties Ibiza, nearly 50 individuals, between our office and a variety of volunteer associations, worked together to clean up the areas of Cas Mut and Talamanca Beach, Ibiza.
During the project 23 people, Prestige Properties employees and volunteers, set out to collect roaming waste products and trash from the urban zone of Cas Mut, just outside Ibiza Town. The remainder of the group of volunteers and Prestige staff (30 people) gathered together on the beach of Talamanca with their friends, partners, and children who also took part in the morning’s activities.
As a result of the ‘Beach Clean Up’ initiative 160 kilos of glass, 120 kilos of plastics and cans, 15 kilos of paper, and approximately 50 kilos of non-recyclable waste were collected in total between the two locations. Cas Mut alone collected 170 kilos of rubbish (90 kg of which were plastic items or cans).
European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)
We specifically chose this date as it marked the start of the European Week for Waste Reduction 2021, whereby a wide variety of initiatives and campaigns across the island and Europe set out to raise awareness regarding reducing waste and living a more sustainable life.
A Special Thanks…
We would like to say a special thanks to our collaborators for all their help and assistance with the logistics of the day. We also would like to thank every volunteer who dedicated their personal time and came along to help us clean up these two beautiful areas of the island. Keeping our beloved island clean and nurtured!
Plastic Free Ibiza and Formentera is a movement consolidated since 2018 and promoted by IbizaPreservation. It is composed of 14 local non-profit organisations whose goal is to preserve the environment of the Pitiusas. While its primary activity is the Plastic Free Balearics certification, it also promotes awareness campaigns and educational workshops in schools.
Casita Verde is an ecology and education centre founded by Chris Dews in the green heart of Ibiza in 1993. Casita Verde practices and teaches sustainable, healthy living by applying permaculture principles, using alternative energy, and re-using and upcycling waste materials. Their tours, volunteering, and workshop experiences can help you with your own sustainable living journey.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes – A Guide for Home Owners in Ibiza
Energy efficiency is now considered the gold standard for all modern and newly built homes. It is important that as homeowners we take action and commit to conserving resources, saving money, and helping the environment through less waste and energy preservation. It does not matter whether your home is brand new, undergoing a renovation, or is very old. Property energy efficiency can be achieved by all with the simple strategy of applied knowledge and effective changes.
Prestige Properties is committed to promoting energy efficiency and green living here in Ibiza. In light of this, we have developed our very own "Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza" article to encourage Ibiza property owners and future buyers to create energy-saving havens! So, without further ado, please take a look at our guide below for all property owners in Ibiza wishing to make a difference right from their very front door.
Insulation & Draught Proofing your Ibiza Property
When considering the energy efficiency of a property, insulation and draught-proofing are two main primary concerns. Due to Ibiza’s high levels of humidity throughout the year (especially during winter, despite our mild temperatures), poorly insulated homes can still experience consequent dampness. Additionally, the high season can be extremely hot, increasing electric consumption necessary for cooling. Property buyers and new owners should always review the architectural design and overall construction of a house to ensure good insulation and low energy consumption.
Those who are investing in new property in Ibiza, or are looking to build or remodel a home are advised to carefully examine such factors as roofing and roof drainage systems, property orientation, and design (considering the sun’s natural light and energy for heating and cooling), solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges and insulation, water tightness, damp-proofing, sealing, and double glazed windows.
Building with Eco-Friendly Materials in Ibiza
In traditional construction, earth bricks, concrete, and wood are typically used. This means the continued destruction of trees for timber, and mining for cement to bind sand, gravel, and bricks together. Thankfully, the construction industry today has started to adopt new processes and green alternative building materials to build properties with more energy-efficient and sustainable means. Materials such as bamboo, hempcrete slabs, rammed earth, and reclaimed wood and steel, are now widely used among the top ‘green’ building materials. If buyers or owners are planning on building or renovating a property in Ibiza, be certain to investigate the philosophy and green sustainable practices of construction companies, architects, and workers on the island. Energy-intensive materials should only be used in moderation, or when they have been recycled.
Solar Power Panels in Ibiza
Installing solar panels to collect solar energy from the sun’s radiation which can then be converted into electricity or heat comes highly recommended for green living. The good news is solar energy is abundant and free. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now harness even more of this renewable electricity! And, with 300 days a year of sunshine here in Ibiza, there is no other energy source that has a less negative environmental impact than the use of solar power. The process of solar energy does not produce any greenhouse gases, nor does it pollute the environment. What’s more, generating your own electricity means consuming less energy from your utility provider which will immediately translate into substantial savings on your household bills. For more information on solar power systems in Ibiza why not visit Westphal Solar for solutions, services, and projects.
Upgrading your Boiler in your Ibiza Property
Approximately half of your energy bills are attributed to your boiler. An inefficient boiler is not only a major factor contributing to high home energy costs, but when boilers are old and not operating at an efficient level, they waste more energy than they need and leak unnecessary sources of excess carbon into the atmosphere. Today, more than ever it is becoming increasingly important to have an energy-efficient boiler. If your property hasn’t had a new boiler within the last 10 years, we would highly recommend considering replacing it with a newer model. In Ibiza, all new builds are now required to supply hot water via solar panel energy. These ‘Hot Water Solar Systems’ are becoming increasingly popular and those replacing old boilers or remodeling older properties are also seeking these alternative and energy-efficient installations.
Indigenous Landscape Gardens
Landscapes and property gardens are important features of any property that can not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but can also reduce energy usage by protecting the property from both wet and windy winters, as well as the heat of the summer sun. For example, well-placed trees, shrubs, and vines can provide shade, serve as a windbreak, and provide a natural air exchange, which prevents mildew and humidity problems. In addition, native and natural landscapes work well for conserving water, reducing pesticide usage, requiring less fuel and electricity for maintenance, as well as reducing noise and air pollution. Furthermore, natural indigenous landscapes also provide food and wildlife habitat, and they naturally clean the air because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
To design and maintain an energy-efficient landscape, it is highly recommended that property owners in Ibiza consult professional and reputable landscape designers, tree surgeons, as well as a wildlife-biologist or ecologist. Also, remember to take into account landscape water consumption and recycling. Energy efficient and green living home-owners can for example make simple and effective decisions for saving water by building a rainwater storage device that can be used to water the garden during the hot summer months.
Use Local Ibiza Companies and Workers
Seeking local architects, designers, construction workers, and landscape gardeners that advocate and use locally-produced materials, will save transportation costs involving both money and energy, and support the local labour market. Ideally, landscaping materials should be biodegradable, recycled, and low energy-consuming materials that are produced locally. We highly recommend selecting conscious businesses with good ethics, local staff, and workers with official contracts and insurances who are paying the correct taxes.
Keep an Eye on the Little Things
In order to utilise energy efficiently, we need to learn to accomplish the same daily tasks with less consumption by being aware of how energy is used, where it is wasted, and how we can make better use of it in our daily routines. Small simple actions carried out by the majority can make a significant difference to our carbon emissions and environment. Changing to LED lights, sealing cracks, replacing filters, encouraging shade, natural sunlight, and heat, setting a thermostat, monitoring temperature controls, turning off the lights, and dressing appropriately for the weather are all small yet compelling practices that can help towards better household sustainability and energy efficiency.
Final Thoughts for Ibiza Property Owners
If you are investing in a property in Ibiza, you may feel that prioritising energy-efficient construction in your new home is complex and expensive. However, such projects do not usually require greater complexity than conventional construction and are well-known to save financially too, in the long run. Additionally, very simple improvements can be made, such as LED lighting and shading, which aside from being environmentally friendly will also reduce the electric bill.
Regardless of how small a contribution you make, every single action does contribute to the whole. The important thing to remember is, living in an energy-efficient, well-insulated home, will not only reduce your household bills and increase the value of your property, but it will also contribute to a cleaner, greener island in the long run.
Thank you for staying updated with us at Prestige Properties. We hope to see you soon!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!
Prestige Properties Sponsors UD Ibiza for 2021/22
We are both excited and proud to announce that we are now part of the UD Ibiza family.
Prestige Properties Ibiza and UD Ibiza have signed an agreement, by which our real estate agency joins the celestial family as Official Partner for this 2021/22 season.
We hope to help the club meet its targets, both now and in the future, in every way we possibly can. At Prestige Properties Ibiza, we find it important to accompany and support such leading social and sports projects on the Island. For more information on our corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a company, please read on below and follow the links to our most recent community contributions.
UD Ibiza
In 2015, Amadeo Salvo (previously chairman of Valencia CF Football Club, and actively Chairman of the Board of Directors of the multinational group, Power Electronics), and his family became president of the UD Ibiza football club.
The team has since been completely reformed, having made an incredibly quick ascent into La Liga Smartbank, the Spanish second league level of professional football.
Naturally, it is a proud and great moment to be part of such a wonderful project on the Island, uniting all supporters behind one team at a top national level.
With the football season kicking off from August 13 2021, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all the club and players the very best for the season to come!
Join us at Can Misses for the first ever professional football match on the Island and support the team on August 22nd!
Our company’s philosophy has actively started working towards a better balance between economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social stability right here in Ibiza.
Since 2017, we have made many conscious decisions to give charitably, utilising our gratitude to help others in the best way we can, and as much as possible. In recent years, Prestige Properties Ibiza has actively collaborated with many local community projects and companies through sponsorship and promotional campaigns.
