Nestled within the serene landscapes of Barcelona’s Penedés region, La Isla Verde emerges as a beacon of sustainability and ecological harmony. Founded by Beatriz Ayuso Audry and her partner Felix Egea Krier, this unique property has transformed a 9th-century farmhouse into an eco-paradise, embracing the principles of permaculture and sustainable living. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Beatriz to discuss the vision, challenges, and triumphs of creating such a haven.
The Genesis of Green Island
Beatriz is originally from Mexico, and Felix, has German-Spanish roots. They found their calling in the world of eco-tourism somewhat by chance. “We were living in Ibiza, running a business, when we stumbled upon this property, a part of Felix’s family heritage,” Beatriz shares. The property, once a cherished vacation home, had been left abandoned, save for one house. Inspired by Felix’s experience in hotel management and a shared passion for permaculture, the couple embarked on a journey to revitalize the land. They envisioned a renovation from centuries-old farmhouse into a modern eco-stay that preserved the property’s historical essence. Their dream was ambitious, blending the charm of rural Spain with cutting-edge green technologies to offer a unique, sustainable travel experience.
Going into the venture, Beatriz and Felix had high expectations. They anticipated challenges but were confident in their ability to overcome them through innovation, hard work, and a commitment to their values. They expected that leading by example, they could make a significant contribution to the eco-tourism sector and help catalyse a shift towards more sustainable travel practices. Moreover, they looked forward to creating a community of like-minded individuals—guests, local partners, and global eco-enthusiasts—who shared their passion for preserving the planet.
Reality vs the dream
The reality of bringing their dream to life, however, was a complex tapestry woven with triumphs and trials. Integrating modern sustainability features into an ancient structure proved to be as challenging. A cornerstone of Green Island’s sustainability model is its reliance on solar energy. The decision to power the entire property using solar panels was driven by both environmental considerations and a desire for energy independence. However, the integration of modern solar technology into a structure that has stood for centuries presented a unique set of challenges. “It was more than just an installation; it was about preserving the integrity and beauty of the farmhouse while ensuring it could meet the energy needs of the future,” Beatriz explains. This endeavour required careful planning and innovative thinking, particularly in finding ways to discreetly incorporate solar panels without detracting from the historical aesthetic of the building.
Eco Waste Management
Perhaps one of the most talked about aspects of La Isla Verde is its Swedish ecological toilet system. The Swedish toilet system, also known as a urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT), is a pioneering approach to waste management that Beatriz and Felix have adopted at the house. When used, the design naturally diverts urine away into a separate container or directly into a treatment system, thanks to a cleverly designed bowl. Faeces fall into a dry chamber below, where they are covered with a dry material such as sawdust, leaf litter, or wood ash. This process not only reduces odour but also facilitates aerobic decomposition, turning it into a compost-like material that can be safely used in agriculture, thus closing the nutrient loop.
Beyond the toilet system for composting human waste, La Isla Verde employs a comprehensive approach to composting that encompasses a variety of organic materials. Beatriz elaborated on how they extend their composting efforts to include kitchen scraps, garden waste, and any biodegradable matter generated on the property. This broader composting strategy plays a crucial role in their mission to minimise waste and enhance soil fertility naturally.
Kitchen scraps, including vegetable peelings, fruit waste, and coffee grounds, are collected daily and added to their composting system. These organic materials are mixed with garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and small branches, creating a balanced mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. This mixture is essential for the composting process, as it ensures aeration and speeds up the decomposition, turning waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Beatriz and Felix have set up designated composting areas on the property where this organic matter is carefully managed. The composting process is closely monitored, with regular turning to ensure proper aeration and moisture levels, which are vital for microbial activity and the breakdown of materials. Over time, this process transforms the organic waste into compost, a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil in their gardens and farming plots. Beatriz highlighted the joy and satisfaction derived from this cycle of renewal, where waste materials are given a second life as resources that contribute to the growth of new plants and produce.
Addressing the challenge of non-compostable garbage, Beatriz conveyed a nuanced perspective on the complexities of waste management. Despite their extensive composting efforts and dedication to sustainability, they confront the inevitable issue of dealing with waste that cannot be composted or easily recycled. Beatriz shared their strategy for minimizing such waste, emphasizing the importance of careful selection of products and materials used on the property to ensure they align with eco-friendly principles. However, the reality of non-compostable waste remains a challenge, prompting Beatriz and Felix to engage in continuous education with their guests about reducing waste and making environmentally conscious choices. They also collaborate with local recycling facilities to manage this type of waste responsibly.
Water Conservation
Water conservation and recycling are paramount at La Isla Verde . The property boasts a sophisticated system for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, addressing Spain’s pressing water scarcity issues. “We divide the water into five types, including rainwater and kitchen water, which we then reuse appropriately,” Beatriz says, highlighting the innovative approach to managing the property’s water needs. he property features a network of strategically placed water collection systems, including gutters and catchment areas on the roofs of the ancient farmhouse buildings.
This harvested rainwater is then channelled into a series of ground reservoirs and storage tanks, effectively creating “pockets” of water scattered throughout the property. These reserves are vital, serving not only the household’s needs but also providing irrigation for the lush gardens and native vegetation that adorn the estate. By maximizing the capture of rainwater during wetter periods, the property is able to reduce its reliance on external water sources, further minimizing its environmental footprint. This approach showcases an exemplary model of how traditional techniques can be adapted to meet the challenges of modern sustainability, ensuring the land remains fertile and the property self-sufficient in its water use.
Complex Regulatory Compliance
Beyond the technical difficulties of integrating sustainable technologies into an old farmhouse, Beatriz and Felix also navigated a very complex regulatory compliance landscape. “Every step forward seemed to be met with resistance, from securing permits to simply convincing authorities of the viability of our eco-friendly practices,” Beatriz shares.
Implementing our systems, especially in a region unaccustomed to such practices, posed a lot of challenges. Convincing authorities of the safety and efficacy of the toilet and other waste management practices, required having to demonstrate the system’s alignment with health and environmental regulations and constant education of the government officials. It was tedious but they got through it.
Eco Accreditations
Beatriz shared a pragmatic view on the importance of environmental accreditations, acknowledging their potential benefits in lending credibility and visibility to eco-endeavours like La Isla Verde. However, she also expressed reservations about the process, noting that obtaining such certifications can be fraught with bureaucratic challenges and may not always directly translate to meaningful environmental impact. Despite these concerns, Beatriz and Felix have actively pursued relevant accreditations to underscore their commitment to sustainability and to meet the expectations of an increasingly eco-conscious clientele. This approach reflects a strategic balance between leveraging the marketing and educational value of eco-certifications, while continuing to prioritize tangible sustainability practices over mere labels. Beatriz’s stance on accreditations highlights the complexities of navigating the eco-certification landscape and underscores the importance of authentic sustainability efforts beyond formal recognition.
Ongoing Education
Education plays a critical role at La Isla Verde. Beatriz and Felix are keen on showing their guests the importance and feasibility of sustainable living. “We offer tours around the house, explaining our systems. It’s about making our guests aware, showing them that sustainable living is not only possible but also enjoyable,” Beatriz explains. Educating guests about how to use each system correctly is essential to ensure acceptance. Through informational materials and the personal tours, Beatriz and Felix have been able to demystify the systems, turning initial scepticism into appreciation for its environmental ingenuity. “It’s about changing perceptions, one guest at a time,” Beatriz reflects.
Where they are today
Today, La Isla Verde shines as a beacon of sustainable living, demonstrating that it is possible to live in luxury and comfort without compromising on environmental values. The property’s self-sufficiency and innovative waste management practices not only serve as a model for eco-tourism but also symbolize a hopeful path forward for the industry at large. Beatriz and Felix’s commitment to their ethos has not only transformed a neglected farmhouse into an eco-paradise but has also paved the way for a new understanding of what it means to travel responsibly.
Beatriz expressed mixed feelings about Spain’s progress in the eco-space, acknowledging both advancements and areas needing improvement. She appreciated the growing awareness and initiatives around sustainability within the country but also highlighted the challenges of bureaucracy and the slow pace of systemic change. Beatriz pointed out that while there is an increasing trend towards embracing renewable energy sources and sustainable practices among individuals and businesses, the regulatory framework and support from the government can sometimes lag, making it difficult for eco-projects to realize their full potential. Despite these hurdles, Beatriz remains optimistic about the future, citing a cultural shift towards more environmentally conscious living in Spain and a growing community of like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to ecological preservation and sustainability. Her perspective underscores a hopeful yet realistic view of Spain’s journey towards becoming a leader in the global eco-space.
Looking back, Beatriz and Felix acknowledge that the journey to establish La Isla Verde was both more challenging and more rewarding than they had initially imagined. The reality of their venture tested their resilience, creativity, and commitment to their principles. Yet, it also affirmed their belief in the importance and viability of sustainable living.
It became not just a testament to what they had hoped to achieve but also a living, breathing example of how dreams can adapt and flourish in the face of reality’s complexities. Beatriz and Felix’s venture into eco-tourism has become a source of inspiration for others, proving that with passion and perseverance, the dream of a more sustainable world can become a reality. “It’s about creating a balance,” Beatriz concludes. “We want to show the world that it’s possible to live in harmony with nature, even in today’s fast-paced world.”
La Isla Verde isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a movement, a call to action for all of us to reconsider our impact on the planet and to embrace a more sustainable way of living.
About the House
La Isla Verde is housed within a meticulously restored 9th-century farmhouse, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the Penedés region, near Barcelona. This enchanting property marries historical charm with sustainable innovation, featuring original materials and construction techniques that pay homage to its rich heritage. The house itself is a testament to Beatriz and Felix’s dedication to preserving the authenticity of the structure while integrating modern eco-friendly practices. Distributed over two floors and connected by traditional staircases, it comprises common day rooms on the ground floor—including a main room, a living-dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen—while the upper floor hosts six uniquely themed bedrooms, named after elements of the Mediterranean environment. The farmhouse’s transformation into an eco-paradise is further evidenced by its self-sufficiency, powered entirely by solar energy, and its commitment to sustainable living practices, making it a beacon of ecological harmony and a model for responsible tourism in the heart of Catalonia.
Beatriz and Felix welcome all visitors and I for one cannot wait to arrive.
The Outside of the Property
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/4221882?source_impression_id=p3_1711261526_ZnnXFlg2tZgOZcOf
Key Learnings for Short-Term Rental Hosts
The story of La Isla Verde, offers invaluable insights for short-term rental hosts looking to embrace sustainability. Here are 10 key learnings from Beatriz’ and Felixs’ journey:
- Vision and Heritage Integration: La Isla Verde showcases how modern sustainability practices can be integrated with heritage structures, demonstrating the potential to merge eco-friendly innovations with historical preservation.
- Sustainability as Core Philosophy: The founders’ commitment to permaculture and sustainable living principles underpins every aspect of the property, emphasizing the importance of making sustainability a core philosophy of the business model.
- Challenges of Modernizing Heritage Structures: Incorporating modern sustainable technologies, such as solar panels, into ancient buildings requires innovative solutions to maintain aesthetic integrity while ensuring functionality.
- Innovative Waste Management: Adopting a Swedish ecological toilet system (UDDT) and a comprehensive approach to composting organic waste highlights innovative strategies for waste management that short-term rental hosts can consider.
- Water Conservation Efforts: Implementing sophisticated rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems addresses water scarcity issues and illustrates the importance of water conservation in eco-friendly properties.
- Navigating Regulatory Compliance: The experience of dealing with complex regulatory landscapes teaches the importance of patience and persistence in securing permits and convincing authorities about the viability of eco-friendly practices.
- Value of Eco Accreditations: While acknowledging the bureaucratic challenges, pursuing relevant environmental accreditations can enhance credibility and appeal to an eco-conscious clientele.
- Education and Guest Engagement: Educating guests about sustainable living practices and demonstrating the feasibility and enjoyment of eco-friendly living are crucial for changing perceptions and fostering appreciation.
- Community and Cultural Shifts: The founders’ observations on Spain’s growing environmental awareness and the slow but hopeful cultural shift towards sustainability underscore the broader context in which eco-tourism operates.
- The Journey’s Rewards: Despite the challenges, the transformation of La Isla Verde into a sustainable eco-paradise proves that with passion, innovation, and commitment, it’s possible to create a successful eco-friendly short-term rental that serves as an inspiration to others.
La Isla Verde exemplifies how integrating sustainability into short-term rentals not only contributes to environmental preservation but also offers a unique and enriching experience for guests, setting a new standard for responsible tourism.