Bosque del Cabo Lodge Sustainability
Renewable Energy
Solar panels are located on the hotel roofs, and micro-hydroelectric power is generated from a stream with a 300 ft drop-off. This combination of renewable energy supplies approximately 90% of the hotel’s power. It provides electricity for light, electrical appliances (including some refrigerators), the pool-cleaning pump, and the water heating system for a house.
Energy Conservation
ONLY LED and compact-fluorescent light bulbs are used
Most of the freezers are SunDazers, designed to work with the solar electric systems
At night only one pathway in the lodge is lit; solar powered flashlights are provided for guests to get to and from their cabins
The all-laptop office reduces energy consumption to 50% of what desktop computers would use
The hotel was built with open construction and high ceilings, eliminating the need for air conditioning and artificial light
Signs remind guests and employees to help conserve energy
Water Conservation
Bosque del Cabo’s grey water recycling system is an artificial wetland: grey waters go through a series of grease traps and finally into a gravel bed, where a garden of heliconias and gingers naturally filter the hotel’s biodegradable soap
Guests are provided a wooden cookie to put on their bed if they want to reuse sheets, and towels are not changed unless they are thrown on the floor
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (maximum of 1.6 gallons/flush (6.06 liters))
All sink faucets are naturally low-flow (rates as low as 1.75 gallons/minute); and a kitchen sink pedal has been installed to reduce wastewater
Only plants that need to be watered are given water (even during the dry season)
Guests and employees are encouraged to save water, and reminders are placed throughout the lodge
Land Conservation
Bosque del Cabo protects 750 acres of land, composing 98% of its property. Much of the land was composed of cattle ranching pastures when it was first purchased; however, now it has grown into secondary forest, and it is part of the Osa Wildlife Refuge. Guests at the hotel can take self-guided hikes on the trails.
Recycling Program
Bosque del Cabo’s recycling program includes glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, steel cans, tetrapack, and compost. Collection bins are located throughout the hotel property and in the kitchen and guest rooms. There is a small recycling center on the property that serves as the final waste separation facility. The hotel explains to each worker what materials can be recycled and where the materials go once they are separated.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Only durable and reusable drinking cups are provided
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
Bosque del Cabo also avoids detergents with phosphates
An ionization system is used to clean the swimming pool, which zaps algae and bacteria via copper ions in the water
Community Programs/Charity
Many times throughout the year, the lodge will make a monetary donation to a small local organization, such as the Puerto Jiménez celebration or the Asociación de Rescate de Valores. Every year the hotel hosts a “Jungle Golf Tournament” and gives 100% of the proceeds to Women of the Osa. In general, the hotel prefers to make tangible donations, such as purchasing camera traps for the wildcat conservation program or donating a three-night stay to a school’s teacher appreciation day. Additionally, Bosque del Cabo has "adopted" a stretch of beach to help sea turtle conservation projects patrol the area.
Additional Sustainability Steps
The hotel has hired a sustainability coordinator, who is in charge of motivating the staff to be a part of events that will benefit the community.
All the lodge’s construction wood came from its own teak plantation, which is currently being reforested with native hardwood trees. The architecture respects the traditional Costa Rican style, with suiita plam thatched roofs and tall ceilings.
Solar panels are located on the hotel roofs, and micro-hydroelectric power is generated from a stream with a 300 ft drop-off. This combination of renewable energy supplies approximately 90% of the hotel’s power. It provides electricity for light, electrical appliances (including some refrigerators), the pool-cleaning pump, and the water heating system for a house.
Energy Conservation
ONLY LED and compact-fluorescent light bulbs are used
Most of the freezers are SunDazers, designed to work with the solar electric systems
At night only one pathway in the lodge is lit; solar powered flashlights are provided for guests to get to and from their cabins
The all-laptop office reduces energy consumption to 50% of what desktop computers would use
The hotel was built with open construction and high ceilings, eliminating the need for air conditioning and artificial light
Signs remind guests and employees to help conserve energy
Water Conservation
Bosque del Cabo’s grey water recycling system is an artificial wetland: grey waters go through a series of grease traps and finally into a gravel bed, where a garden of heliconias and gingers naturally filter the hotel’s biodegradable soap
Guests are provided a wooden cookie to put on their bed if they want to reuse sheets, and towels are not changed unless they are thrown on the floor
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (maximum of 1.6 gallons/flush (6.06 liters))
All sink faucets are naturally low-flow (rates as low as 1.75 gallons/minute); and a kitchen sink pedal has been installed to reduce wastewater
Only plants that need to be watered are given water (even during the dry season)
Guests and employees are encouraged to save water, and reminders are placed throughout the lodge
Land Conservation
Bosque del Cabo protects 750 acres of land, composing 98% of its property. Much of the land was composed of cattle ranching pastures when it was first purchased; however, now it has grown into secondary forest, and it is part of the Osa Wildlife Refuge. Guests at the hotel can take self-guided hikes on the trails.
Recycling Program
Bosque del Cabo’s recycling program includes glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, steel cans, tetrapack, and compost. Collection bins are located throughout the hotel property and in the kitchen and guest rooms. There is a small recycling center on the property that serves as the final waste separation facility. The hotel explains to each worker what materials can be recycled and where the materials go once they are separated.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Only durable and reusable drinking cups are provided
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
Bosque del Cabo also avoids detergents with phosphates
An ionization system is used to clean the swimming pool, which zaps algae and bacteria via copper ions in the water
Community Programs/Charity
Many times throughout the year, the lodge will make a monetary donation to a small local organization, such as the Puerto Jiménez celebration or the Asociación de Rescate de Valores. Every year the hotel hosts a “Jungle Golf Tournament” and gives 100% of the proceeds to Women of the Osa. In general, the hotel prefers to make tangible donations, such as purchasing camera traps for the wildcat conservation program or donating a three-night stay to a school’s teacher appreciation day. Additionally, Bosque del Cabo has "adopted" a stretch of beach to help sea turtle conservation projects patrol the area.
Additional Sustainability Steps
The hotel has hired a sustainability coordinator, who is in charge of motivating the staff to be a part of events that will benefit the community.
All the lodge’s construction wood came from its own teak plantation, which is currently being reforested with native hardwood trees. The architecture respects the traditional Costa Rican style, with suiita plam thatched roofs and tall ceilings.
Hotel Sustainable Practices
Renewable Energy
Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Land Conservation
17 rooms
Recycling Program
Waste/Toxicity Reduction
Green Awards/Certificates
Community and Charity
Additional Steps
Bosque del Cabo Lodge
Read about our sustainable practices here
