Meet Siscu: Guardian of Our Environmental Management System

If you’re searching for a holiday that feels good and does good, you’ll want to meet the person steering our sustainability day to day. Meet Siscu: Guardian of Our Environmental Management System — the friendly face you may have seen touring Camping Les Medes with a tablet in hand, making sure our commitment to nature turns into real, measurable action.

In this profile, you’ll discover who Siscu is, what an Environmental Management System actually does, and how our long-term solar goals and certifications guide the way. You’ll also find simple tips to support our efforts during your stay in L’Estartit, Girona, on the Costa Brava.

Quick answer: What is an Environmental Management System?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured framework that helps an organisation identify its environmental impacts, set goals to reduce them, monitor progress, and continually improve. In practice, an EMS keeps everyone aligned on the same environmental objectives and processes, from policy to daily operations.

Who is Siscu?

Joan Francesc Recio, known as “Siscu,” has overseen the operation of our Environmental Management System since 2000. Many guests already know him by sight, as he regularly moves around the campsite with his tablet, checking that the system runs as intended and that we keep improving.

His work connects our sustainability vision with the practical, daily routines that make a difference — from verifying processes to supporting the continuous-improvement culture that defines Camping Les Medes.

Our EMS at a glance

• Established commitment: We implemented an Environmental Management System in 1999 to care for, control, and minimise our environmental impact.
• Experienced leadership: Since 2000, Siscu has ensured the system operates effectively.
• International standards: We achieved the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard in 2000, and later certified our ISO 9001 quality management system in 2003. We also obtained the Government of Catalonia’s Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem.
• Sustainable destination work: Since 2018, we’ve been part of the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism (ECST), a EUROPARC project, collaborating locally to strengthen our area’s sustainability.
• Recognition over time: We are a EUROTOP campsite (ANWB) since 2012 and a SUPERPLATZ campsite (ADAC) since 2013.

For a broader look at how we’ve grown while prioritising sustainability and quality, explore our timeline in our History.

Our solar energy roadmap

Reducing our carbon footprint is a long-term journey with clear milestones:

• January 2023 project: Installation of 270 photovoltaic panels was planned, with an expected annual production of around 130,000 kWh — estimated to represent 25–30% of the campsite’s total electricity consumption.
• 2030 goal: Produce 50% of our required energy through photovoltaic solar panels.
• 2050 goal: Ensure the total energy we use is produced by photovoltaic solar panels.

Why solar? Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity, helping reduce reliance on fossil-based energy. Over time, this improves resilience and lowers emissions associated with our operations — key objectives for any robust EMS.

How an EMS improves your stay

While an EMS focuses on policies, procedures, and continuous improvement, you’ll often notice its benefits in the feel of the place and the consistency of service. At Camping Les Medes, that commitment shows up in ways such as:

• Consistency and care: Our sustained improvements over decades — from facilities to services — are guided by clear objectives and checks.
• Clarity and coordination: With standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, teams share common processes that keep quality and sustainability aligned.
• A culture of improvement: The EMS encourages regular reviews and updates, so progress doesn’t stop with one project or one season.

If you see Siscu strolling by with his tablet, that’s the on-the-ground presence of this framework at work.

Caring for a remarkable environment

We’re privileged to call L’Estartit home — a gateway to the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. If you’re curious about what makes the area special, dive into our guide: All the secrets of the Medes Islands.

Within our campsite, Aquàtica — a long-standing local diving centre active since 1996 — has been based here since 2017, offering trips and courses for exploring the Medes’ celebrated marine life. It’s one more way guests can connect responsibly with the natural surroundings.

Stewardship beyond our gates

Environmental responsibility often extends into public dialogue and community cooperation. With that spirit, we have actively participated in the Stopmacroparceòlic Association, which has raised concerns about a proposed macro wind farm in the Gulf of Roses, close to the Medes Islands and nearby natural parks. If you wish to learn more or support the manifesto, visit: www.stopmacroparceolic.org.

How to support our Environmental Management System as a guest

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Small, mindful choices add up:

1. Travel light on energy. Turn off lights and devices when you leave your accommodation.
2. Be water-wise. Keep showers short and report any dripping taps.
3. Respect the natural park. Follow marked trails and local guidelines when visiting protected areas.
4. Choose gentle mobility. Whenever feasible, walk or cycle for short trips to reduce emissions.
5. Buy thoughtfully. Opt for durable, reusable items over single-use alternatives.
6. Share feedback. If you spot opportunities for improvement, let our team know — continuous improvement is core to an EMS.

Featured Q&A

Who is Siscu at Camping Les Medes?

Siscu is Joan Francesc Recio, the person who has taken care of our Environmental Management System’s operation since 2000.

When did Camping Les Medes implement its Environmental Management System?

We implemented our Environmental Management System in 1999.

What are the campsite’s solar energy goals?

Planned installation of 270 photovoltaic panels in January 2023 was expected to produce around 130,000 kWh per year (about 25–30% of electricity use). Our roadmap aims for 50% solar by 2030, and for 100% of our energy to be produced by photovoltaic solar panels by 2050.

Why this matters

A campsite’s environmental promises are only as strong as the systems behind them. An EMS provides the structure to set clear goals, act consistently, check progress, and improve year after year. With Siscu guiding this work and clear solar milestones ahead, Camping Les Medes ties everyday operations to a long-term vision — so your holiday can be both enjoyable and responsible.

Plan your eco-conscious stay

Ready to experience our sustainability journey firsthand in L’Estartit, Girona, Costa Brava? We’re open all year.

• Stay in a Bungalow Park – 4 persons
• Try a Bungalow Shop – 4 persons
• Get cozy in a Bungalow 2 persons
• Or book one of our Pitches

Questions? Call +34 972 75 18 05 or email info@campinglesmedes.com.

We look forward to welcoming you — and if you see Siscu with his tablet, feel free to say hello.