Protégeons la planette
...an environmental policy
Our social and environmental policy
Our purpose is to provide our guests with a revitalizing stay with a low carbon footprint in a bucolic setting, while preserving the built heritage of the Château de Larunque and its ecosystem, in order to promote sustainable experiences that respect nature and the climate, and are rooted in the region.
To do this, we have established a social and environmental policy and we are committed to implementing actions meeting 8 objectives making the Château de Larunque:
- Low-carbon: Economical and low-carbon energy management,
- Sustainably equipped: Furniture and equipment purchased and maintained sustainably,
- Educational: Raising awareness of respect for the environment and ecological transition,
- Beautiful and respectful: A beautiful living environment, respectful of nature and biodiversity,
- Locally anchored: Anchored in the region with local and respectful partnerships,
- Profitable: The development and economic sustainability of the project,
- Accessible: Transport for passengers, both to come to the castle and during their stay,
- Managed: Monitoring of our commitments and improvement objectives.
To check the achievement of these objectives, we have set 16 key indicators that we monitor monthly and here are the results of the 8 main ones for the previous 3 years.
Ecolabel and Sustainable Territory
To guide our actions and measure their results, we have chosen to rely on recognized standards: the European Ecolabel certificate and the Sustainable Territory Charter . These frameworks help us structure our initiatives and gain recognition for the efforts we make towards responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.
These reference documents cover the following themes:
Reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy
Preserve water resources
Reduce waste production and promote sorting
Preserve the environment and promote biodiversity
Promote low-carbon transport for guests
Buy eco-responsibly and locally
Inform and raise awareness of the process
The European Ecolabel is the only official eco-label of the European Union . It guarantees travelers that tourist accommodation meets strict environmental and health criteria.
We were audited and certified by AFNOR in October 2024. We met the 22 mandatory criteria and obtained 40 points on the optional criteria, while the minimum required was 26. This certificate is valid for a period of three years.
ThereThe Sustainable Territory Charter is a progress tool initiated by the National Federation of Tourist Offices. It allows accommodation providers to engage in a responsible approach, adapted to local specificities.
We were assessed by the Tourist Office in April 2024, with a compliance rate of 91% across the 68 applicable criteria. The Charter is valid for three years and is monitored annually to ensure that our commitments are maintained and continuously improved.
Reasonable consumption of low-carbon and renewable energy
We place great importance on controlling our energy consumption and reducing our carbon footprint. Several concrete measures have been implemented to combine comfort and respect for the environment.
Energy-saving and intelligent lighting
We have replaced all of our lighting points (94%) with LED bulbs, which consume much less electricity. In areas where it makes sense (bathrooms, outdoors), we have installed presence detectors to prevent the light from being left on unnecessarily.
More sustainable heating equipment
The old oil-fired heating system has been replaced by a biomass boiler, and for the pool, a heat pump has replaced an old electric heating system. Furthermore, we adapt the heating to real and reasonable use: the pool is only heated during rental periods, and the recommended room temperature is 19°C during the day and 16.5°C at night.
Energy-saving appliances
Our washing machines and dishwashers are A++ energy-efficient, reducing daily water and electricity consumption. We prefer natural drying for laundry. A low-energy heat pump dryer is used as a backup.
100% renewable electricity
All electricity consumed at the château is certified renewable and produced in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Thus, each kilowatt-hour consumed contributes to the development of renewable energy.
Regular monitoring of our consumption
We monitor the site's electricity consumption monthly, and for larger facilities (pool, sauna, spa), we consult the data daily. This allows us to quickly identify any deviations and adjust our usage.
Environmentally friendly comfort
The castle is equipped with double-glazed windows and French doors to limit heat loss in winter and naturally improve comfort in summer. We chose not to install air conditioning, preferring other solutions to keep the rooms cool.
Measured water management
Water is a precious resource that we use with care. We have implemented several actions to reduce consumption, while maintaining the comfort of our guests.
Energy-saving equipment
All our showers and sinks are equipped with aerators and flow reducers, allowing us to limit water consumption to approximately 5 liters per minute.
Our dishwashers and washing machines are also chosen for their efficiency and consume little water per cycle: 9 liters for the dishwasher, and 49 and 55 liters for the washing machines.
Careful monitoring of consumption
Every month, we record the castle's water consumption. Each time the property is rented, we inspect the water points for possible leaks. In addition, every quarter, we monitor the network using a nighttime flow measurement, which allows us to identify invisible leaks.
Simple actions to save water
In the bathrooms, posters remind people of the importance of reducing shower time. Everyone can contribute, in their own way, to preserving resources.
A garden designed to limit watering
We practice very careful watering of the park and garden. A pump is currently being installed on our well to irrigate the vegetable garden and fruit trees.
Reducing and sorting waste
Limiting waste production and promoting its recycling are at the heart of our environmental approach. We implement simple and effective solutions to reduce waste production and promote its sorting.
Accessible and efficient sorting points
Recycling bins and recycling containers are installed throughout the property. To ensure quality recycling, we take the sorted waste to the recycling center ourselves. This way, no waste is lost due to lack of discipline.
To prevent any pollution of pipes and water, we also provide a grease trap. Frying residue and cooking oils are collected there, then taken to the recycling center for appropriate treatment.
A special "No Trash" bin is available to collect products requiring special treatment (batteries, ink cartridges, small electronic devices, broken dishes, etc.). We then take them to the recycling center for appropriate treatment.
Equipment to avoid packaging
We have chosen solutions that significantly limit disposable waste:
a bean-to-cup coffee machine, to avoid aluminum pods,
a filtered water tap, to eliminate plastic water bottles,
a sparkling water machine, to replace sparkling water packs,
a beer tap, to avoid throwing away cans and bottles after use.
Zero disposable items provided
At the château, we do not provide any disposable products: no single-use toiletries, no disposable dishes or cutlery, and no single-use linens. This significantly reduces the amount of waste generated.
Information and awareness
Clear posters remind our guests of the correct sorting practices. Everyone can thus actively participate in the recycling of waste produced during their stay.
Preservation of the environment and biodiversity
We enjoy the nature that surrounds us and we want to take care of it and promote biodiversity. Our actions are part of an approach that respects the soil, air, water, and local wildlife.
Respectful cleaning products
We favor cleaning products that carry environmental labels (Ecolabel, Ecocert) or are of natural origin. This helps reduce the impact of our activities on water and ecosystems.
A pesticide-free garden
We do not use any chemical pesticides. Weeding is done manually or with natural solutions (vinegar, salt, etc.). The beds are mulched to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and nourish the soil.
Preserved outdoor spaces
A quarter of our grassy areas are deliberately kept as meadows, with only two mowings per year. This gentle management allows many plant and animal species to thrive.
All exterior surfaces (97%) are permeable (neither bitumen nor concrete), which promotes water infiltration, soil aeration and the development of biodiversity.
Garden waste and food waste are composted on site. This simple action helps limit the waste sent to landfills and creates a natural amendment for our soils.
Cohabitation with local wildlife
The castle is home to a colony of bats in its basement, which numbers around 100 individuals in the summer. These natural allies help regulate the nocturnal mosquito population.
Reducing the transport footprint of our guests
Travel accounts for a significant portion (50%) of a guest's carbon footprint. At Château de Larunque, we're implementing several solutions to encourage more sustainable travel and reduce the impact of our guests' travel.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
We provide a charging station and outlet for electric cars. Charging is free at the outlet, and at a competitive price (EDF + 10%) at the charging station to encourage the choice of clean vehicles to reach the château.
Shared transport solutions
To encourage train travel, we offer connections with car rental companies, taxi, private hire car or minibus services for train station-castle shuttles.
Practical information for traveling differently
Our map and tourist guide provide train and bus schedules for getting to the estate. We also highlight nearby cycle paths and bike rentals, encouraging cycling both to access the château and for excursions during your stay.
Carbon footprint tracking
We measure the carbon footprint associated with our guests' transportation. This tracking allows us to better understand the overall impact of our stays and identify ways to further reduce it.
Responsible purchasing and local roots
Our purchasing decisions and partnerships are part of a sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted approach. Every action counts: favoring second-hand goods, supporting local producers and artisans, and promoting social inclusion.
A focus on second-hand and sustainable products
Except for bedding, almost all of our furniture is secondhand. We do the same for our decorative items, which allows us to give new life to unique pieces without increasing their environmental impact. We track and measure this share of responsible purchases in our dashboard.
When we need to replace an electrical appliance, we always choose a high-efficiency model (class A or the best available). For small appliances, we prefer second-hand.
A showcase for the region's wealth
Our map and tourist guide highlight the surrounding tourist offices, so that everyone can easily discover the heritage and culture of our beautiful region and present a selection of local addresses within a radius of 40 km maximum, with particular attention to organic producers: the Maison Minville bakery, the Jardins de Castelnau (organic fruits and vegetables)...
We also offer wines, aperitifs and beers for sale, in order to share local know-how with our guests.
A search for inclusion
We accept holiday vouchers to make your stay accessible to a wider audience.
We also collaborate with the local ESAT for certain services, such as baking, thus contributing to the professional integration of people with disabilities.
Support for local actors
The majority of our goods and services come from our community of Seignanx communes, as well as from neighboring territories (Urt, Bayonne, Dax). By choosing this proximity, we reduce the carbon footprint linked to transport while supporting the local economy.
Information and awareness of our guests
We believe that everyone's participation is essential to preserving the environment. This is why we are increasing our information and awareness-raising activities so that our guests understand our commitments and can also adopt responsible actions.
Clear and accessible information
We communicate our commitments and recommendations through numerous channels: our website, messages and newsletters, welcoming guests, as well as more than 40 posters and notices displayed throughout the château.
Our posters and leaflets provide practical advice for saving energy and water and reducing waste. Every little bit helps and allows our guests to actively participate in preserving the estate and its environment.
Ongoing awareness
We regularly carry out awareness-raising activities, more than 10 times a year, in particular through our newsletters and the provision of books on the environment and sustainability.
A dissemination of our approach
All of our communications emphasize our environmental policy. It is present at the reception desk, on the website, in our messages and newsletters, and across all materials displayed throughout the château.
Monitoring our commitments and continuous improvement
It is not enough to implement environmental and social initiatives: we also ensure their effectiveness and constantly seek to improve.
A structured policy and rigorous monitoring
We have implemented a clear social and environmental policy, supported by a dedicated management system. Key indicators, an action plan, and an evaluation process allow us to monitor our results and identify areas for improvement.
Our actions meet the requirements of the European Ecolabel and the Sustainable Territory Charter, which are subject to audits and monitoring. This ensures that our practices meet strict environmental and sustainable development standards over time.
Listening to improve
We measure guest satisfaction and conduct an annual review of suggestions for improvement. This feedback allows us to adapt and strengthen our initiatives to make them even more effective and understandable.
Monitoring of consumption and products used
We regularly measure our energy and water consumption, the percentage of renewable energy used, and our chemical usage. This precise monitoring allows us to detect discrepancies and act quickly if necessary.
An annual carbon assessment and reduction actions
Each year, we calculate our carbon footprint, including the impact of transporting guests from their place of residence. We are constantly seeking to reduce our footprint through several levers:
Accurate assessment of emissions through the calculation of the carbon footprint of the operation,
Incentive to reduce carbon travel,
Heating and electricity production decarbonization projects,
Reasonable limitation of heating during unoccupied periods,
Ongoing awareness among guests about controlling energy consumption.