Naturalistic intelligence refers to the ability to distinguish, classify and manipulate elements linked to natural environments or all life forms that come from them. This is how the psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner defined it, adding a new type of intelligence to his theory of multiple intelligences. The eighth. The one that identifies and takes advantage of the elements of nature such as the anatomical particularities of each of the plants and animals for the benefit of the planet.
That is the type of reasoning for which, without a doubt, Javier Pérez stands out. He is one of those types of people who has a special sensitivity for natural environments and he shows it when he speaks with emotion and pride about the natural area where the ecoresort he directs is located: “We are privileged to be here in the Serralada Litoral, in a place so unique that it seems unbelievable that it is close to Barcelona, just 25 minutes from the city”.
And it is quite true that approaching this idyllic destination where tranquility and rest prevail is a privilege for the soul, the conscience and the senses. And if, in addition, that place speaks of itself through its gastronomy centered on local products that come from its own garden and from local producers and based on a circular system that protects resources and returns them to the land whenever possible, the satisfaction is double. Doing so, moreover, in a space that is committed to ecology and sustainability, taking care of our planet to make the stay of its guests "cost" as little as possible, is to live an experience of harmony and serenity that goes beyond the pure earthly experience. .
This is what Javier Pérez makes possible for his guests every day. It is the first 100% ecological destination on the peninsula in the heart of a natural area located in a nature reserve in Vallromanes. And it is that, sometimes, it is not necessary to go far from the city to discover the most ecological slowlife. "Ecology and sustainability are our flag", emphasizes the director, who, in this way, manages to ensure that the hotel he leads is framed within the "Circular Spain 2030" roadmap.
This Spanish Circular Economy Strategy lays the foundations for promoting a new production and consumption model in which the value of products, materials and resources are maintained in the economy for as long as possible, in which the generation of waste and take advantage of those that cannot be avoided. The plan thus contributes to our country's efforts to achieve a sustainable, decarbonised, resource-efficient and competitive economy. An area in which Mas Sagralos ecoresort joins efforts, betting on responsible and sustainable tourism, and helping to promote the circular economy in the sector.
“It is very important to give a second life to all the waste we generate. It is very difficult to do it 100%, but we try, at least, to put our grain of sand. The main thing is to try to recycle as much as possible, both us, the workers, and our clients”, explains the director. To achieve the latter, they give all the facilities to their guests, who, in their own rooms, can recycle paper, organic, glass and plastic. And there is more: with part of the waste that is generated in the kitchen and with that which comes from the pruning of the five hectares that surround the hotel, a compost is made which is given a second life.
Seasonal and local gastronomy, that which generates the least amount of waste possible to minimize environmental impact, is another of the main values promoted by Javier Pérez from this eco-resort in the Vallés Oriental region. “Our gastronomy is ecological and sustainable. What we offer to customers is very important to us. We can get part of the product from our orchard, but we collaborate with many producers, farmers from the Maresme and ranchers from the Pyrenees, who continue to work just as their parents did, always trying to ensure that the product is of the highest possible quality. Being part of that chain makes us very proud”, celebrates the director.
Efficient energy consumption is also one of the objectives achieved by the director in charge of the project. All the buildings in the complex were built facing south in order to obtain the maximum yield of natural light, especially in winter. To this must be added the 250 m2 of solar panels that provide 15% energy savings. Low consumption LEDs and warm colors are also used to guarantee the minimum environmental impact. And there is more: Mas Salagros ecoresort embraces bioclimatism.
“Half of the rooms have a vegetal cover”, points out Javier Pérez. These covers keep the temperature of the environment low, act as thermal insulators, absorb CO₂ and retain humidity and rainwater, thus favoring biodiversity. It's all benefits. To promote physical and mental well-being, to promote healthy living, Javier Pérez offers its guests a fantastic thermal circuit. “Aire Vallromanes, where you will find the tranquility, rest and calm that we need for our daily lives, is managed by the international firm AIRE Ancient Baths Vallromanes”, he clarifies.
This sustainability model has earned the hotel manager and his team the Green Globe certification, the highest standard of sustainability in the world and also a seal that is only awarded to those companies committed to sustainability in the tourism sector. "We have been obtaining it for two years now and we are very proud because it is very demanding," says this hotel professional who works to leave the minimum carbon footprint on the planet. “We are all aware that this rhythm that we are having today, as a society, as a planet, cannot continue. The changes have to happen as soon as possible, because the maneuvering time we have left is less and less, so we have to get our act together”, Javier Pérez firmly transfers.
It is, as he says, everyone's job to reverse the situation. In companies like Naturgy they have already put themselves to find ways to dispose of all that organic, livestock and agricultural waste that we generate. Without going any further, it is recycling or reusing part of the materials generated in the dismantling process of its coal-fired power plants. This type of action also includes the generation of biomethane from landfills, a CO₂-neutral renewable gas that companies such as Naturgy are promoting more and more thanks to, among others, its Elena waste plant in Cerdanyola del Vallés. All these actions demonstrate the company's commitment to the circular economy as one of the strategic environmental axes of its Sustainability Plan.
