ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT
We take care of the mountain that unites us. Discover how we work to preserve the natural environment and reduce the impact of our activity.
Our commitment to the mountain
Sustainability and environment
At Grandvalira Resorts we work to ensure that enjoying the mountains goes hand in hand with taking care of them. For over two decades, we have incorporated new technologies, optimized resources, and promoted initiatives to develop activities that are increasingly respectful of the environment.
Our environmental management follows the criteria of the ISO 14001:2015 standard. This commitment translates into actions to promote renewable energy, reduce emissions, manage water responsibly, and preserve the landscape and biodiversity, involving our teams and visitors.
Renewable energy and self-production
The Grandvalira Resorts stations continue to expand their renewable energy production capacity through hydroelectric and photovoltaic installations.
This commitment is complemented by agreements for the supply of renewable-sourced electricity, which help reduce emissions associated with energy consumption.
Ordino Arcalís hydraulic mini power plant
The mini hydroelectric plant at Ordino Arcalís is the result of collaboration between the resort, the Ordino Comú, and Nord Andorrà.
The installation makes use of the existing reservoir for snow production and was built while minimizing environmental impact. It generates enough energy to cover the resort's annual needs and allows surplus power to be fed into the national grid.
Planell de la Tosa solar park
Located in Pal Arinsal, near the Cubil peak, the Planell de la Tosa solar park contributes to the production of renewable and locally sourced electricity.
The facility has 5,320 solar panels over an area of 22,000 m² and is part of the projects that promote the energy self-sufficiency of the resort.
Pessons hydroelectric mini-plant
The Pessons mini hydroelectric power plant, in Grau Roig, was developed by taking advantage of the renewal of the water intake from the snowmaking system.
This infrastructure makes it possible to generate renewable electricity and contributes to the self-production of energy at Grandvalira.
Photovoltaic installations and Costa Rodona
The Costa Rodona photovoltaic plant, in Pas de la Casa, expands the renewable energy production capacity of Grandvalira.
It adds to the installations of other buildings at the resorts, such as the La Coma restaurant in Ordino Arcalís; the Grau Roig ski school; the Funicamp; the Gall de Bosc restaurant, and the upper building of the La Massana cable car.
Renewable electricity: FEDA and Nord Andorrà
Grandvalira Soldeu–El Tarter has the Llum Verda seal from FEDA, which certifies the renewable origin of the electricity it consumes.
Meanwhile, Pal Arinsal maintains an alliance with Nord Andorrà to promote the use of renewable energy and expand the production of clean energy in the parish. This collaboration includes projects such as the solar park at Planell de la Tosa and the photovoltaic installations at the La Massana gondola.
Emissions and energy efficiency
Fewer emissions, greater efficiency
Grandvalira Resorts remains committed to moving towards net zero emissions by 2040–2050. The incorporation of renewable energies and improvements in the efficiency of the facilities help reduce our carbon footprint. Grandvalira Soldeu–El Tarter has reduced its emissions by 65% in less than ten years.
We monitor electricity, water, and fuel consumption and implement measures such as motion sensors for lighting, climate control regulation, and adjusting the speed of the lifts according to attendance.
Additionally, various buildings at Grandvalira Soldeu–El Tarter are gradually being connected to the FEDA Ecoterm heating network, a solution that allows for energy savings of up to 30%. We are also renewing the fleet of snow groomers with more efficient models to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from slope maintenance.
Water and snow production
We use water responsibly
We improve snowmaking systems and water resource management to adjust snow production to each area's needs.
The modernization of snow cannons and the use of snow depth measurements and GPS mapping allow snow to be produced and distributed with greater precision, optimizing water and energy consumption.
We also monitor ecological flow rates and maintain the channels and drainage of rain and meltwater. The facilities are equipped with purification systems and grease separators for the treatment of wastewater.
Landscape and biodiversity
We preserve the environment that welcomes us
We work to restore affected lands, protect habitats, and promote the integration of infrastructure into the landscape.
We develop revegetation plans, using techniques such as hydroseeding to reduce erosion. Part of this work uses local seeds that our teams collect, preserve, and reintroduce into the territory.
We mark lift cables to prevent bird collisions and apply conservation measures for the capercaillie’s habitat. We also collaborate with local agriculture to preserve traditional mountain uses.
Ordino Biosphere Reserve
Committed to the Ordino Biosphere Reserve
The parish of Ordino is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a distinction that recognizes the balance between the conservation of natural heritage and economic and human development.
In this setting, Ordino Arcalís has been recognized as a Company Committed to the Biosphere Reserve, strengthening its commitment to environmentally responsible mountain activities.
Waste and responsible consumption
We separate, recover, and consume responsibly
More than 75% of the waste generated leaves the facilities already sorted, making its treatment and subsequent recycling easier.
We have specific collection points and solar self-compactors at food service areas. We also sort materials such as rubble, iron, and wood from workshops and warehouses to deliver them to companies specialized in their recovery and recycling.
In food service and in resort operations, we prioritize local and zero-mile products, as well as recycled, recyclable, eco-designed materials, or those with environmental certifications. We also encourage the use of biodegradable products.
Sustainable mobility
We facilitate electric mobility
Grandvalira Resorts has 119 charging points for electric vehicles distributed across 33 station car parks. Visitors can charge their vehicle while enjoying their day in the mountains.
We are also working to improve the efficiency of our fleet and optimize staff transportation and accommodation.
Muntanyes Netes and awareness
Taking care of the mountain is a shared responsibility
Every summer, the teams from the resorts take part in the Muntanyes Netes day to collect waste and clean different mountain areas. This initiative helps to preserve the environment and strengthens the commitment of those who work in it.
Environmental awareness is also present in daily life: we promote an energy efficiency decalogue among our collaborators and carry out training activities to encourage more sustainable habits.
We also encourage visitors to respect the natural environment and use resources responsibly.
2030 Agenda
A commitment that translates into actions
Grandvalira Resorts maintains its commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the environmental sphere, this commitment is reflected in responsible water management, renewable energy, climate action, the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and support for local development.
Water and energy
We optimize water resources and improve the efficiency of snowmaking systems. We promote self-production of renewable energy and implement measures to reduce consumption.
Climate action
We monitor our carbon footprint and implement measures aimed at progressively reducing the emissions associated with our activity.
Responsible consumption and circular economy
We encourage the reduction, separation, and recovery of waste, as well as the use of ecodesigned materials and those with environmental certifications.
Biodiversity and local development
We carry out habitat protection actions and landscape restoration. We support local producers and collaborate with companies in the area