Sustainability

 

Arenas del Mar seeks to demonstrate that the combination of a world class resort in terms of quality of facilities and services can be successfully combined with the highest levels of sustainability using the Costa Rican Certification for Sustainable Tourism as a model. This combination of quality and sustainability can be seen in Costa Rica at Lapa Rios and Finca Rosa Blanca, the only two hotels in Costa Rica that have achieved the highest possible five levels from the CST. The president of Arenas del Mar is the owner and manager of Finca Rosa Blanca and the Administrators of Arenas del Mar are also the management team for Lapa Rios.

Arenas del Mar is more than one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. It is the manifestation of the first 100% sustainable development project in Costa Rica, utilizing all the concepts and requirements of the CST manual (Certification for Sustainable Tourism).

The hotel uses solar heating panels coupled with super efficient energy saving auxiliary water heaters, underground electrical system, copper–silver ionization systems to clean the pool water, energy efficient bulbs, and a complex but efficient recycling program including the use of waste water treatment plant which require no leech lines, solar drying areas and low wattage high efficiency lighting to protect the fauna and the use of fossil fuels. Only electric cars will permitted on the property to avoid noise contamination. The roof tiles are actually recycled plastic that are made from discarded plastic bags from the banana industry. For more information on our efforts to create a low impact project, please write and we will send you a list of our achievements in construction.

The total construction (footprint) covers less than 25% of the land and the remaining part, which is secondary forest, will become a private nature reserve. This will act as an ecological corridor for the species of mammals that travel through this jungle. Arenas del Mar will be planting over 7000 native species of trees and thousands of native plants in the next years. Furthermore, the involvement of the local community is an essential part of the lodging concept. Employees will be recruited primarily from the Quepos and Parrita area and purchases made locally whenever possible.

A sample list of some of the details of this effort are the following:

1] Solar water heating coupled with high efficiency gas back up systems

2] All electrical systems are subterranean to protect wildlife from electrocution

3] Waste water treatment plant which recycles the waste water for use in irrigation

4] Rooms for the physically challenged

5] Interpretative signs for identifying the flora and in Braille for the blind.

6] Metering of the gas, electricity and water to keep strict control over the efficient use of these non replaceable resources.

7] An on premises nursery and vermicompost (worm composting) facility from where more than 5000 native trees will be planted. Over 2000 have been planted thus far.

8] All plants that are added to the landscaping are native species and native to the area.

9] All vehicles used within the project are electric, eliminating air and sound pollution.

10] A solar drying room will be built to minimize the use of fossil fuels for drying sheets and clothing.

11] There is a full time occupational safety and environmental supervisor on premises.

12] There are regular scheduled doctor visits to the site for employees to consult with.

13] All employees are trained about sustainable tourism and must be committed to maintain the goals of sustainable tourism.

14] All sheets and towels will be made from 100% natural bamboo fibers, a renewable resource (and of exquisite quality).

15] The beds will be non allergenic and anti bacterial.

16] Over 70% of the property is rainforest and it will be protected and nurtured as an ecological corridor.

17] There is already a functioning recycling center which will be expanded during operations. All waste products will be recycled in house or locally.

18] The roof tiles are made from plastic recycled from the discarded bags used in the banana industry. All of the furniture will be made from farmed wood or recycled components.

19] The project has been built without using tractors or heavy equipment and by placing the buildings in non forested areas.