At the core of Donna Carmela’s success is its unwavering commitment to the local community. The resort employs 100% of its staff from nearby towns, offering stable, well-paying jobs with benefits, career development opportunities, and a safe, inclusive work environment. Through transparent pay structures, regular salary reviews, and a strong gender equality policy, all employees enjoy equal opportunities for growth—supported by mentorship, leadership training, and professional development tailored especially for women.

Beyond employment, the resort also creates economic opportunities for the broader community. Since 2020, Donna Carmela has developed a robust network of 20 local organic food producers, now sourcing 90% of its ingredients from nearby farms. This initiative has not only reduced the carbon footprint of its supply chain by 25%, but also stimulated regional agriculture and artisan industries, from handmade Sicilian ceramics to local wines.

Education and youth empowerment are also central to Donna Carmela’s impact. The resort partners with local high schools and offers job training and apprenticeship programmes in hospitality, sustainability, and eco-tourism, helping young adults gain valuable, hands-on experience. Scholarships support students pursuing tourism and environmental studies, ensuring long-term community enrichment.

The resort’s own foundation, Fondazione Radicepura, established by the Faro family in 2017, plays a pivotal role in local development. It supports environmental conservation, cultural promotion, and scientific research while organising community-based activities to foster social inclusion and ecological awareness.

Inclusivity and fair labour practices are deeply embedded in the resort's operations. Anti-discrimination policies, cultural sensitivity training, and gender-neutral amenities ensure that both guests and staff feel welcomed and respected. Supplier partnerships are also held to ethical standards, ensuring fair labour practices across the value chain.

Donna Carmela’s eco-tourism model not only boosts the regional economy by attracting international visitors but does so responsibly—supporting conservation efforts, reducing environmental impact, and promoting cultural heritage.

One of the resort’s cornerstone achievements is its strong partnership with local producers. Since 2020, Donna Carmela has built a robust network of organic farmers and food artisans, enabling the restaurant to source 90% of its ingredients locally. This initiative not only slashes the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport by 25%, but also supports 20 local farms and ensures fresh, seasonal, and sustainable meals for guests.

In addition to sourcing responsibly, Donna Carmela has made considerable strides in reducing food waste. The kitchen team carefully plans menus and portion sizes, while seasonal changes to buffet service help minimise overproduction. In low-occupancy periods, the resort switches from buffet to à la carte service, a strategy appreciated by guests for its intimacy and sustainability. Any surplus food is donated to local food banks and charities, including a collaboration with a group in Acireale that provides daily meals to homeless individuals—reflecting the resort's ongoing commitment to community welfare.

Water conservation is another critical aspect of the resort's operations. Between 2020 and 2023, a wastewater treatment and reuse system was introduced, saving 500,000 litres of water annually and cutting carbon emissions by 5,000 kg. These efforts are supported by efficient water fixtures, eco-friendly landscaping, and water quality monitoring systems to ensure health and safety.

Education and awareness are also central to Donna Carmela’s mission. The resort organises cooking classes focused on sustainable ingredients, offers materials on food waste reduction, and holds discussions with guests about responsible consumption. Brochures, books, and guided cultural experiences further immerse guests in Sicily’s rich traditions while promoting a deeper appreciation for sustainability.

Sustainable practices extend to energy and resource use as well. The resort uses solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, smart thermostats, and low-energy appliances. It promotes recycling, composting, and has nearly eliminated single-use plastics. Transport on-site is electric, with e-bike rentals and EV charging stations provided for guests.

By integrating eco-conscious decision-making at every level of operation—whether through sustainable food systems, water conservation, energy efficiency, or community outreach—Donna Carmela demonstrates how responsible tourism can become a model for responsible living.

Since 2019, Donna Carmela has taken significant strides in renewable energy by installing solar panels across the resort. This ongoing initiative has already enabled the property to generate 38% of its energy needs from renewable sources, resulting in a reduction of approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. This transition not only lessens the resort’s carbon footprint but also sets a powerful example for sustainable tourism in the region.

In addition to renewable energy, Donna Carmela has focused heavily on energy efficiency. Through the use of energy-saving technologies, such as smart thermostats, low-energy appliances, and LED lighting, the resort ensures that every watt consumed serves a purpose. 

Guests are also encouraged to join in these efforts, with incentives like discounts for eco-conscious choices, including opting out of daily linen changes or using sustainable transport options like e-bikes and electric vehicles provided on-site.

One of the resort’s most impactful initiatives was the implementation of a wastewater treatment and reuse system for irrigation, introduced in 2020 and completed by 2023. This system saves 500,000 litres of potable water annually, significantly reducing both water consumption and the energy required for water supply. The environmental benefit is clear: this single measure has helped cut CO₂ emissions by 5,000 kilograms each year.

Yet Donna Carmela’s climate action extends beyond its own operations. Through its foundation, Fondazione Radicepura, the resort invests in environmental conservation, education, and scientific research — fostering a culture of sustainability across the region. 

The foundation partners with local schools, runs apprenticeship programmes in eco-tourism, and supports young people pursuing careers in sustainability and hospitality. By nurturing future environmental stewards, Donna Carmela ensures that its commitment to climate action has a lasting impact.

From the fresh vegetables grown in its own garden to partnerships with local artisans and farmers, the resort champions low-impact, circular practices that not only cut emissions but also invigorate the local economy.