by DistinctiveHotels.com Costa Rica on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 10:42pm
Hotel Florblanca, one of Santa Teresa’s most exclusive hotels and a member of the hotel group Small Distinctive Hotels, officially received the result of its Sustainable Tourism Certification by the responsible committee of the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT). Florblanca Resort is now certified with 4 out of the 5 maximum possible leaves.
According to Cody Dillon, general manager of the hotel:
“It has been an intensive 3-year process, thanks to the passion of our entire staff. Our decision to be a sustainable hotel has enabled us to share with the community, raise awareness among our clients, and develop projects which minimize our impact on the environment. Today we have managed to become the first hotel in the extreme South of the Nicoya Peninsula to obtain a certification of 4 leaves.”
In order to achieve this certification, a balanced development needs to take place in these four areas: the interaction of the hotel with its physical environment, the dispersion of information to raise awareness among guests, as well as the socio-economic involvement in the community and efficiency of its facilities.
Several of the best practices developed at Hotel Florblanca include:
Recycling Program and Waste Management: Florblanca organizes beach clean-ups and runs a complete recycling program that includes re-using of materials and recycling organic waste products by means of composting. They also practice responsible water management with the installation of various water filters; presenting guests with biodegradable drinking bottles; a bio-filter to treat the residual waters from the kitchen; and using biodegradable cleaning products and packaging.
Conservation of Resources: The villas and restaurant maximize natural light by means of the infrastructure and tube technology. Guests and staff are educated about use of electricity, including lights and air conditioning, and reducing the daily change of linen and towels. Electric cars are used throughout the resort.
Interaction with the Community: Florblanca actively participates in the local community at every level and organizes events with themes such as sports, recycling and community security. The children of the public schools have received various benefits from the hotel, ranging from volunteers and donation of books and materials. The hotel also contributes to the community by means of trainings for staff as well as the community. Nectar restaurant purchases products primarily from local merchants.
Visit Florblanca Sustainability for a complete overview of our efforts and activities.
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