Solar, thermal… Spain’s historic hotels go green

State-run chain of heritage properties converts to sustainable energy to set wider example to country

Spain's state-owned chain of paradores, the grand hotels often housed in ancient castles and monasteries, has announced that all 97 of its establishments will use only electricity from renewable sources from the start of the new year.

The 90-year-old chain said the decision to switch to green electricity had been made for both environmental and symbolic reasons. "Paradores is a company that supports sustainable tourism in every sense of the word," said its chair, iscar Lopez igueda. "What's more, as a public company, we also want to set an example when it comes to investments that encourage energy saving and responsible consumption."