What we do to protect the environment

Spa:
Energy saving light bulbs
Replaced plastic cups with glass
Security turns off lights & equipment (6 pm to 10 am)
Towels are old pool towels that have been converted
No A/C in common areas
Floor covering is acquired from green label factories
Environmental Policy posted
Recycling bins for aluminum, green glass and paper
Turning off all pumps at 10 PM

Cafeteria employees:
Lights turned off at 7pm by security when securing the area
“Green / Quality Corner” to display environmental & quality items
Display showing our community involvement
Energy saving light bulbs
No disposable items used (forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups etc.)
Environmental Policy posted
Water saving faucet HAACP approved
No A/C

Associate Restrooms:
Bulk shampoo/soap/lotion dispenser in shower; locally made products
Energy saving bulbs
Lights on motion sensor
Water saving toilets
Water saving showerheads
Soap in a dispenser not individually packaged
Save water signage
Water saving faucet HACCP approved
Toilet paper, small portion on rolls, reused from guest rooms
Hallway To Back of the House
Energy saving bulbs

Housekeeping & F&B Office:
Energy saving bulbs
A/C in offices and liquor storeroom on 7 am to 7 pm and food storeroom no A/C
Environmental policy and Purchasing policy posted and adhered to
Bulk purchasing when available
Transfer items from cardboard to plastic bins; recycle cardboard
Purchases in returnable containers

Maintenance:
Energy consumption tracked and information shared on daily basis
Incentive Programs based on savings of energy
Batteries, light bulbs, and paint are separated from refuse
Freon R-12 recycled and most equipment is using R-22 and R-134a
All internal correspondence is paperless
Annual testing for Legionella; water circulation monitored weekly so that water does not stand for more than 10 days.
Cold and hot pool water from natural spring
Turning off all pumps and lights at 10 PM
Contractors agreement in place to ensure adherence to our Environmental Policy while working
Equipment energy star rating checked prior to purchase -Dumpster Area
Recycle bins for carton, green glass, aluminum, paper, and vegetable oil
Meters on gas tank to monitor usage
Daily monitoring of electric usage
Daily monitoring of gas usage
Compost made of kitchen fat
Pool cooling systems with cold spring water

Laundry:
Non-heated water
Convert stained and damaged linens i.e. bath towels to wash cloths or hand towels, sheets to pillowcases etc.
Reuse stained and damaged linens as rags if unable to convert
Load the machines (dryer & washer) to maximum capacity
Using environmentally friendly laundry detergents.
No A/C

Administration Offices:
Energy saving copy machine
Reuse paper for notes
Website gives information without the use of paper
Track consumption of copy paper and printer cartridges
Maintain Training Records and all documentation on environmental issues
Majority of internal correspondence is paperless via e-mail
Reservations offers a green package focusing on local activities, flora and fauna
Environmental policy and Purchasing policy posted and adhered to
Maintains training records on Emergency procedures and schedules CPR, First Aid, Fire and
HACCP training annually
Maintain records on all departmental training and follows ups on annual training plans
Newly hired associates are issued their own re-useable durable plastic glass
Electronic presentation for orientation

Public Restrooms:
Energy saving bulbs
Water saving toilets
Save water signage
Water saving faucet HACCP approved
Soap dispensers
GFCI outlet protected

Lobby:
Energy saving bulbs; lights not turned on until necessary
Recycle paper
Reuse keycards
Recycling bins
Inform guests of environmental programs; encourage their participation (reuse of linens & recycling)
Guests shown location of Environmental policy
Maintain electronic logbook via internal network
Monitors Emergency Procedures
Paperless correspondence
Trophy case featuring environmental and service awards
Double sided folios
Do not use color printing if not necessary

Concierge:
Recommend cultural events, Eco Tours and Historical Tours/Bird Watching, Plant Tour
Discourage activities that are harmful to the environment

Parking Area:
Use high pressure sodium and energy efficient bulbs
Lights on timer and sensor

Garden:
Spring water is used for irrigation in most areas
There is a three-chamber water tank set up to hold the gray water as well as an old sewage line that has been capped for use as a storage tank.
Lawn clippings composted
Chipper used to make mulch from tree trimmings
Walkway bollards use energy efficient bulbs and are set on timer
Grow additional plants for existing gardens

Guestroom Building, Corridors and Stairs:
Mostly used energy efficient bulbs
No A/C or fans in stairways
Water saving showerheads (60% savings)
Water saving toilets
Soap, shampoo and lotion in bio recyclable packing
Recycle paper, aluminum, newspaper, soap, candles, and green glass
Changing of bed linens only on Wednesday and Saturday and on request or check out
Towels changed only if found on floor or in tub and at check out
Room Attendants and House Attendants use LEED approved cleaning products
Use cloth laundry bags made out of discarded sheets not plastic
Signage for guest awareness for water and energy conservation
Dehumidifiers in rooms and water gathered used in gray water system

Emperador Restaurant:
Energy efficient bulbs
Durable cups at the bar replaced disposable cups
Water saving faucet HACCP approved
Recycle paper, aluminum, newspaper, oil, and green glass
When purchasing equipment review energy saving information such as done when acquiring new ice machine
Biodegradable plastic cups for to-go drinks made from corn husk
Water recycled for garden
Portion control items practically eliminated through continual investigation
Weekly internal HACCP inspections with management and bi-annual external inspections
HACCP colored cutting boards
HACCP temperature controls of food and coolers to maintain safety
Restaurant and kitchen staff continually trained on HACCP standards
Grease trap installed and maintained
Reuse breads from breakfast to make croutons and bread pudding
Juice bought in bulk containers

Pool Area:
1/10 of the water used, as no back washing is required
Pool deck lights on timer
Pool not treated with chemicals, washed every day
Weekly safety inspection

Miscellaneous:
Cardboard, green glass, soap, oil, batteries, and aluminum are recycled
Business paper and newspaper recycled
All offices recycle
Copies are double sided whenever possible and single sided sheet reused for scratch paper
When paper can no longer be recycled internally it is shredded and given to recycling company
Environmental section on website Environmental tag line on outgoing emails from offices and on all welcome letters
Environmental questions asked on guest comment cards
ISO used on all paper goods where appropriate
Iguanas breed on the resort
Ongoing training with associates & the community on environmental issues
Conduct annual Guest Focus Group on environmental issues
Green Team in place
All Managers required to prepare a Green Action Plan in addition to their Strategic Plans which are reviewed each month
Documentation of ongoing training with all associates
Sponsor environmental posters and commercials asking for assistance in protecting our environment
Emergency procedures manual located throughout the resort and updated annually; associates continually trained on procedures
Discarded linens and furniture donated to the home for the elderly
Associates trained to report leaks and turn off lights when not in use
Prevention week

Drug free working environment
Unclaimed lost and found items donated to children’s home
Donate to Animal Rights Costa Rica
Donate to Posada Belen, for young mothers with children