Sustainability

WASTE MANAGEMENT We aim to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. We separate general rubbish and recyclables are then sorted accordingly into paper, glass, plastic, aluminium and organic waste. Some glass bottles are reused by local families to store drinking water and home pressed argane and olive oils.
Any surplus is then sent for recycling through our local Association Souss Hygiene. We purchase consumables in bulk as much as possible to avoid buying over packaged smaller portions. Refillable glass bottles are used for guests toiletries, avoiding waste plastics and sachets.

ENERGY CONSERVATION We record and monitor our monthly electricity consumption, looking for ways to reduce our overall consumption. 12 large solar panels provide 100% solar heated water most of the time. Electric back-up is available during times of high occupancy or overcast weather. Installation of wooden window shutters have had immense insulation benefits, reducing our need for seasonal air-conditioning and heating. Summer heat from direct sun is blocked out while still allowing natural ventilation from the sea breeze. In winter the shutters, along with a plastic film reduce the cold radiating from the glass panes, indoor heat is retained. Entire plumbing system is installed with eco-friendly PPR, known for it’s heat preservation properties, long lasting and leak proof resulting in less maintenance. Circulation pump recirculates hot water, further reducing heat loss. We use modern energy efficient washing machines and 100% line dry bed sheets. Towels are 70% line dried before being fluffed up in the dryer for guest comfort. Extremely low watt LED and energy efficient light bulbs provide 95% of the riad lighting. Light motion sensors and minute timers are in use in storage cupboards, staff work areas and communal toilets.

WATER CONSERVATION Every month we record our water consumption and track our overall annual consumption, looking for ways to reduce. Dual flush toilets 3L/6L are installed throughout the property.

AIR QUALITY All our rooms and indoor communal areas are non-smoking. Centralised air conditioning system is a water cooled unit containing no harmful CFC gases. Wooden window shutters have added noise insulation benefits and dust reduction. Most of our staff live locally and walk to work reducing the need for motorised transport. We encourage guests to explore on foot and use the local bus service, the bus stop is 80m from our door. Bicycle hire is also available onsite.

CLEANING PRACTICES Recycled unbleached paper products are purchased when available. We use natural and eco-friendly cleaning products where possible. Local olive oil soap is used to clean and care for terracotta tiles. Vinegar and water is used to clean table tops, glass, mirrors and ceramic tile floors. Vinegar is also used in the laundry as a deoderiser and softener. Fresh lemon is used to clean bronze/copper serving trays. Locally made savon de marseille is used as a laundry pre-treatment as required.

Towel and sheet saver program has been initiated and well received by many guests. Bed linens are changed every 3 nights unless otherwise requested. Towels are changed on request.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE We support local business by buying local fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, herbs and bread. We highlight local specialty produce such as Argane oil, Olive oil, Amlou and Honey which is sourced from a reliable supplier purchasing directly from women’s co-operatives in Ida-Outanane. We choose to purchase locally grown fresh seasonal produce, organic when possible. Vegetarian meals are offered.

TRADITIONAL HERITAGE Traditional bejmat terracotta tiles and tadelakt polished limestone render originating from Morocco where selected to showcase Moroccan craftsmanship traditions and create a breathable, natural and peaceful handmade ambiance. In general we always choose Moroccan made items over imports. Especially when purchasing fabric for soft furnishings. Handmade and artisan carved wooden furniture and architectural features. Moroccan made commercial grade kitchen equipment and outdoor furniture have also been selected.

STAFF INVOLVEMENT All staff members are introduced to our green practices when starting to work with us and are encouraged to continue these green practices at home. We strive to create local employment opportunities. Our staff earn fair wages with entitlements and enjoy working in a positive team environment.

GREEN ACTIVITIES We are active members on the advisory committee with local associations RDTR (Reseau de Developpment de Tourisme Rural) and PATI (Pays d’Accueil Touristique Ida-Outanane) Addressing common issues to support our network of rural tourism operators, particularly accommodation providers. Working towards improving standards and exchange of best practices. Encouraging preservation and conservation of nearby natural sites. Promoting responsible tourism and sustainable development within our region. Emphasising the value of preserving and sharing cultural heritage and identity. We support local waste management Association Souss Hygiene. We are cultivating recycling initiatives between local tourism operators and a newly created recycling service. We encourage more thoughtful waste management policies within our industry and co-operation between local businesses, community members, associations and authorities. We have organised, sponsored and participated in coastal clean-up days.

You can be a more environmentally and socially responsible guest by…
1. Using our onsite recycling bins
2. Be a great example by not littering in public places, even picking up a couple pieces of litter will leave the place better than you found it and sends a strong signal encouraging to others to do the same.
3. Make a point of taking your rubbish with you until you find a rubbish bin.
4. Be mindful of your water and energy consumption
5. Participate in our towel and sheet saver program (Less laundering = less precious water being polluted by detergents entering our ecosystem
6. Switch off lights, TV, air conditioning when not in use, especially when leaving your room.
7. In warmer months, close your window shutters during the day to keep your room naturally cooler. Make the most of cool sea breezes each evening, air conditioning is not essential most of the year.
8. When using air conditioning, please ensure your windows and shutters are closed for maximum benefit and energy efficiency.
9. Walk, cycle and use public transport as much as possible during your stay. You might be surprised at how warm and friendly the local residents are when you travel at a slower pace.
10. A little Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Taschelhit (Berber dialect) goes a long way. Try learning a couple phrases such as traditional greetings, please and thank you. Any of our staff members will be happy to share a few words with you. Please feel free to browse or borrow our language basics pocket book in the lobby lounge.
11. Please share your comments or suggestions on how we can improve our environmental and social efforts.
We would love your feedback, either in person at reception or contact us at [email protected] THANK YOU FOR BEING ECO-CONSCIOUS!

We aspire to become a more environmentally and socially responsible establishment. Our commitment to making Tamraght and the Ida-Outanane region a better, cleaner and more inspiring place to live and visit sparked the concept of KEEP IT CLEAN, KEEP IT ZOUINE (BEAUTIFUL) environmental campaign. This initiative was created to boost awareness, discussion and collaboration between local tourism businesses by encouraging us to work collectively with local associations and authorities to find sustainable solutions to the undesirable issue of littering which affects us all socially, environmentally and economically.

Our approach is through sharing thoughtful waste management practices: If each establishment can start by sorting their own recyclable waste, train their team of staff to recycle at work and encourage recycling at home. This will create a conscious shift in the way the community views and deals with waste

An increase in recycling waste collection will decrease the pressure on already stretched resources for general waste collection and trips to landfill dumping.

Tourism establishments are the communities highest consumers of recyclable waste with a greater environmental impact than the average village household. We have an invested interested in the cleanliness of our beaches and public spaces. It is our shared responsibility to be a part of the solution so all residents can benefit from a cleaner lifestyle and proudly share our beaches and special sites with visitors.

We organised a trial clean-up operation along Tamraght beach from 16 October 2016- 16 January 2017.
Over 20 local businesses made financial contributions towards supplying public recycling and general waste bins at key points along the beachfront and an increased collection service. Two full time beach cleaners were hired to maintain 2.5kms of coastline and 20 bins. It was positively received across the community.

We hope to resume this operation with a higher level of participation and support from local businesses and authorities. We believe the responsibility and costs should be shared, the more partners involved the more sustainable it becomes. We are committed to finding sustainable waste management solutions and protecting our precious natural sites. We invite you to help Keep it Clean, Keep it Zouine

A. Installation of photo voltaic panels to power the essential reception equipment and common area lighting along with energy efficient timer programs.
B. Installation of tap water purifying system for drinking water, to further reduce waste packaging.
C. Solar heating system for the swimming pool
D. Installing key card system to conserve electricity when guest rooms are unoccupied.
E. Move towards all-natural cleaning products and becoming a totally smoke-free establishment.
F. Install rainwater tank, to use for watering pot plants, cleaning outdoor areas and vehicles.
G. Organising more community activities to create eco-awareness