Inside Our Annual EMAS Audit: How Camping Les Medes Measures Environmental Progress

If you’ve ever wondered how a campsite proves its sustainability claims, this deep dive is for you. At Camping Les Medes, we operate an Environmental Management System and use an annual EMAS audit–aligned review to check, verify and improve what we do—so our progress is measured, not just promised.

What is an EMAS audit?

An EMAS audit is a systematic, annual evaluation of an organisation’s environmental performance under the EU’s Eco‑Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). It typically combines a rigorous internal review with independent verification and a public, plain‑language summary of results. Even if an organisation follows ISO 14001, aligning its yearly internal audit with EMAS principles helps strengthen transparency, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.

• In practice, this means defining scope, checking legal compliance, validating data, assessing impacts, and setting clear, time‑bound improvement actions.
• On our site, the Aquàtica diving centre displays ISO, EMAS and EUROPARC logos, underscoring a shared commitment to recognised environmental standards across our activities.

Our Environmental Management System at a glance

Our approach is built on a certified management framework and decades of continuous improvement.

• ISO 14001 Environmental Management System: Implemented in 1999 and certified to ISO 14001:2004 in 2000.
• System oversight: Since 2000, our EMS has been run by Joan Francesc Recio ("Siscu"), who monitors and improves sustainability measures.
• Quality and sustainability credentials: Certified to ISO 9001:2000 and awarded the Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem of the Government of Catalonia.
• Destination‑level commitment: Since 2018, we participate in the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism (EUROPARC).
• Energy transition in action: In January 2023 we installed 270 photovoltaic panels expected to generate about 130,000 kWh/year, covering roughly 25–30% of our electricity needs, with goals to reach 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050 through solar power.
• Low‑impact infrastructure: An on‑site electric vehicle charging point supports lower‑emission travel. We also built a traditional dry‑stone wall in April 2019 using a UNESCO‑listed technique—durable, local, and landscape‑friendly.

Key milestones (selected)

Inside our annual EMAS audit–aligned cycle

We align our yearly internal review with EMAS principles while operating under ISO 14001. Here’s how the cycle works—and how it turns goals into measured outcomes.

1. Define scope and aspects

   • We map the activities and facilities that can interact with the environment—from energy use across accommodations and shared spaces to mobility services like our EV charging point.

2. Check legal and other requirements

   • We review applicable environmental obligations and voluntary commitments tied to our certifications and participation in sustainability initiatives.

3. Collect data you can verify

   • We track electricity consumption alongside solar production from our 270 photovoltaic panels to quantify the share of demand covered on site. These figures inform our 2030 and 2050 solar targets.

4. Walk‑through inspections

   • We conduct site inspections to validate data and spot improvement opportunities across operations (e.g., energy efficiency in shared facilities, equipment upkeep, and good‑practice signage).

5. Engage people

   • Team input and guest feedback inform priorities. For example, services that enable lower‑impact choices—like on‑site EV charging or cycling support—are reinforced when we see they’re valued and used.

6. Set actions and owners

   • Each improvement gets a clear objective, deadline and owner. Solar expansion milestones (25–30% today, 50% by 2030, 100% by 2050) are examples of measurable, time‑bound commitments.

7. Verify and report

   • Under ISO 14001, we welcome independent audits. Aligning with EMAS principles helps us structure our internal review so performance, corrections and next steps are easy to understand and follow over time.

Fast answers for search and snippets

• What is an EMAS audit? A structured, annual review of environmental performance under the EU’s EMAS, including verification and transparent reporting.
• How often is an EMAS audit performed? Typically every year as part of a continuous improvement cycle.
• Do you need EMAS registration to use EMAS audit principles? No. Organisations can align audits to EMAS principles to strengthen transparency and performance management alongside standards like ISO 14001.

How we measure progress year on year

To keep our audit useful—and honest—we focus on clear indicators tied to real actions.

• Share of electricity supplied by on‑site solar: We compare annual photovoltaic generation against total consumption to quantify progress toward 2030 and 2050 goals.
• Completion of planned actions: From maintenance to new installations, we log and close corrective and preventive actions so improvements are traceable.
• Uptake of lower‑impact mobility: The availability of an EV charging point and cycling support services helps guests choose cleaner transport while staying with us.

These indicators keep our EMS focused on what matters: measurable reductions in environmental impact and better experiences for guests.

Case in point: our solar pathway

Our energy transition plan shows how we turn strategy into evidence.

• Today’s baseline: 270 photovoltaic panels installed in January 2023 are expected to produce about 130,000 kWh per year—around 25–30% of our electricity needs.
• 2030 target: Cover 50% of electricity consumption with solar power.
• 2050 target: Cover 100% of electricity consumption with solar power.

By tracking production versus demand each year, our audit confirms whether we’re on schedule and where to accelerate improvements.

Beyond the campsite: Aquàtica’s environmental commitments

Located inside the campsite since 2017, Aquàtica offers diving trips, courses and guided snorkelling in the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. Its facilities display ISO, EMAS and EUROPARC logos, reflecting adherence to recognised environmental and quality‑management standards. Aquàtica deliberately limits dive group sizes for comfort and safety, and provides training spaces—including a classroom equipped with SSI materials and a dedicated pool for first in‑water practice—to build capable, environmentally aware divers.

• Contact Aquàtica: +34 972 750 656 or +34 609 311 133 | info@aquatica.cat

Practical takeaways: how you can support our EMAS audit goals

Small choices add up. Here’s how guests can help move the needle during a stay at Camping Les Medes.

1. Charge cleaner

   • If you drive an electric vehicle, use our on‑site EV charging point to reduce local emissions.

2. Choose low‑impact adventures

   • Dive or snorkel with Aquàtica, which follows recognised environmental standards and keeps groups small.

3. Go by bike

   • Planning the Ter River cycling route? We can take you and your bike to the starting point and forward your luggage along the itinerary.

4. Pick nearby, car‑light day trips

   • Explore villages within easy reach: Peratallada (12 km), Pals (15 km), Ullastret (15 km), Sant Martí d’Empúries (21 km), La Bisbal d’Empordà (23 km), Girona (40 km) and Figueres (42 km).

5. Learn from the landscape

   • Spot our dry‑stone wall (built in 2019 using a UNESCO‑listed technique) and discover how traditional methods protect biodiversity and reduce visual impact.

6. Stay informed on site

   • Check our campsite map for facilities and ask reception about current sustainability actions and how to support them during your stay.

Conclusion: measured progress, shared purpose

An annual EMAS audit–aligned review, guided by our ISO 14001 system, ensures that sustainability at Camping Les Medes is concrete and accountable—from solar power that already supplies a significant share of our electricity to long‑term goals that keep us honest about where we’re heading. With on‑site initiatives like EV charging and cycling support—and Aquàtica’s environmentally responsible diving—your holiday can be part of a measurable improvement story.

Ready to see sustainability in action? Book your stay at Camping Les Medes, browse the campsite map to plan your visit, or contact Aquàtica for a marine adventure that respects the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park.