The Certification for Sustainable Tourism is a process through which companies and organizations analyze their operations by evaluating efficiency, productivity, quality, environmental impacts and customer satisfaction.
It is a program that seeks to certify tourism companies according to a regulation established by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Its purpose is to measure the level of sustainability in their operations. To do this, four fundamental areas are evaluated, organized into three common areas and one specific area:
Evaluates aspects related to sustainability management, quality of service, safety topics, staff development, management of infrastructure and equipment, and the fulfillment of regulations, among other topics.
Evaluates criteria related to socio economic impact, support for community development, gender equity and the contribution to the development and promotion of local culture. It evaluates aspects related to the company’s internal systems and processes concerning waste management and the use of technologies that save electricity and water.
Evaluates the company’s management related to water use and effluent control, energy efficiency and use of clean energy, waste management, procurement policies and contribution to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, it evaluates mitigation of the carbon footprint and policies for climate change adaptation, as well as support for the management of adjacent ecosystems and reduction of pollution.
Evaluates all aspects specific to each provider category, subcategories and special operational characteristics.
The official responsibility of the program lies with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). However, the program is supported by a Technical Verification Commission for CST (CTV CST), formalized through Executive Decree N°41415 MINAE MCJ MEIC TUR, which includes participants from all sectors related to the topic. The academic sector is represented by the University of Costa Rica and INCAE, and the private sector is represented by the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). International participation is represented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The public sector includes the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National Institute of Biodiversity (INBIO) and the ICT, which is responsible for coordinating the execution and implementation of the program.
The national organization of the program is supported by a high level Technical Verification Commission made up of professionals from different disciplines. This commission is responsible for designing the parameters and indicators and establishing the corresponding methodological procedures to carry out the evaluations. Additionally, it is responsible for executing, supervising and auditing evaluations and proposing strategies to promote the program.
The team at Parador Nature Resort and Spa believes that both tourists and local residents benefit from the learning interaction that supports sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. Residents learn good practices, and international visitors may gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica by developing awareness of environmental, economic, cultural and conservation issues.
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Energy saving program throughout the hotel.
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Signage placed in different areas of the hotel indicating the commitment to saving energy, in order to raise awareness among our staff.
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Some laundry items are air dried in the sun. Clothes dryers run on gas and water heaters in guest rooms also run on gas. Kitchen equipment also uses the fossil fuel gas.
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Ninety five percent of light bulbs are low consumption (efficient lighting).
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We have lamps that operate on solar energy. These are placed in perimeter areas of the property such as the ramps near the maintenance department, the basement entrance, the Garden Plus room access corridor and parking areas. The goal of this purchase, aside from promoting the use of alternative energies, is to incorporate systems that allow us to be more environmentally friendly and obtain clean or renewable energy.
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Public restrooms have motion activated light sensors.
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Operational and administrative office staff follow protocols to turn off lights, computers, electrical equipment and air conditioners when not in use.
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The minibar service in rooms is provided upon guest request at check in. This prevents small refrigerators from running in all rooms 24 hours a day, reducing energy consumption in kilowatts.
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Most guest areas in the hotel are open air and rely on natural light. The use of artificial light is designated by area and usually begins with the last light of the day. Offices also take advantage of natural light.
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The Green Award issued by ICE recognizes the use of renewable electricity by companies operating in Costa Rica. It acknowledges that we use energy from the National Electric System (SEN), which is clean electricity.
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Our Information Technology and Maintenance departments improve equipment and acquire new devices each year that meet energy efficiency and energy saving standards.
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Water saving program throughout the hotel.
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Signage placed in different areas of the hotel indicating the commitment to saving water in order to raise awareness among our staff.
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Guestroom information encourages guests to reuse towels and linens and to save water and electricity. Messages use icons shaped like drops, leaves and light bulbs.
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Toilet tanks are adjusted to the minimum fill level.
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All hotel showers use a system that mixes air and water to allow pressure based flow changes.
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In the kitchen wash stations, hoses and pedals are used so water flows only when needed to wash utensils.
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The potable water system is monitored visually twice a day to detect possible leaks.
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Rainwater is collected and filtered, then used for hotel maintenance.
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There is a controlled constant water pressure system.
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Parador Resort protects 7 acres of primary and secondary forest, representing 50 percent of its property. This small reserve has trails for guest enjoyment.
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The recycling program includes aluminum, paper, glass, plastic, electronic equipment, plastic caps, EcoBlocks or EcoBricks and the donation of toilet paper cores to schools for crafts. We also participate in the ecolones or ecoins program. Part of the recycled material is delivered to the Quepos municipal plant and plastic caps are delivered to Donatapa to create accessible beach ramps for people with special needs.
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Annual recycling fair, ReciclaParador, created to develop participant skills using recycled material generated within hotel operations.
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Organic waste is used to produce natural fertilizer and insecticides for gardens.
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We have a compost area where organic waste from the kitchen is used to produce compost.
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All our cleaning products are 100 percent biodegradable.
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We use 100 percent biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap. The containers are returned to the factory for reuse.
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The hotel reintegrates materials or equipment into new processes once they have completed their primary function. Many of these items are donated to community groups.
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Parador Nature Resort and Spa provides annual financial donations through the We Share Program to organizations such as COPAZA, Paws, Fundación Pro Unidad de Cuidado Paliativo, Quepos FC Soccer School, Asociación Ignis Mundi, Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barú and Asociación Obras del Espíritu Santo.
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We participate in the Pack for a Purpose program, an initiative that allows guests to leave a positive impact on the communities they visit by donating supplies to schools and medical clinics in need.
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We also donate clothing, towels, bedding, food and more to the Senior Home, local schools, the Costa Rican Red Cross and others. The hotel encourages staff to participate in community programs and shares information internally through digital screens, email and other communication channels.
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The Parador Family participates in the community beach clean up program. We also support reforestation along the Naranjo River and other local areas, helping preserve the region as a biological corridor.
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We maintain quality water certification for human consumption, swimming pools and ice.
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We promote respect for not feeding wildlife and not removing flora.
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We offer a digital information space called the Green Wall located next to the Game Room. Through this display guests receive information about the area, our sustainable programs and the actions we take to protect the ecosystem.
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We participate in cultural, social and sports programs with the community.
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We use available transportation services to transport deliveries in order to reduce the use of our own truck.
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We have preventive maintenance programs for equipment to prevent deterioration that may cause fuel loss or excessive consumption.
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We conduct health campaigns and seasonal fairs so staff can meet routine needs at the workplace without having to travel to medical centers, stores or other locations.
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Staff are encouraged to use the transportation service provided by the hotel to reduce consumption of fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline.
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Responsible use of fossil fuels (diesel and gasoline) for tools and equipment used in daily work or personal routines.
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Staff are encouraged to practice carpooling.
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Wastewater is treated in an aerobic treatment plant. All wastewater from the rooms is channeled through a pipe system to the Wastewater Treatment Plant where it is treated before being reused for garden irrigation.
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Special waste, bio infectious or hazardous waste such as injectable syringes, expired medications, masks and gloves are handled by an outsourced company called MedicleanCR, which meets all legal requirements to provide this service.
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Special waste (electronic waste) is responsibly delivered to the authorized collector for proper processing.
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Food waste is delivered to a local micro entrepreneur who raises pigs.
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We work actively to encourage suppliers to be environmentally conscious. Suppliers are asked to collect and process materials, packaging and containers used to deliver products in a responsible manner.
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We report our carbon footprint, which is an environmental indicator that reflects the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the organization. Emission sources considered include fossil fuel consumption (gasoline, diesel and LPG), discharge of CO2 based fire extinguishers, air conditioner refrigerants and electricity consumption.
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Awareness is raised among internal and external audiences through emails, Facebook, the website, the Deam Book system and other channels. Information shared includes environmental and labor policies, global environmental dates, birthday and anniversary greetings and other special acknowledgements.
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Since Tuesday June 01, 2021 we offer a water dispenser with a purifier so staff and guests can refill reusable water bottles. This supports plastic reduction and responsible water consumption. This service is available in the main lobby, tour desk and gym.
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We have a service committee that meets bimonthly to analyze and evaluate comments received through TripAdvisor and surveys. This allows us to follow up and implement corrective actions when needed. Our final objective is to understand guest satisfaction levels.
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The company recognizes the effort and demands of different job positions. During service committee meetings, staff members who excel in service and customer interaction are acknowledged.
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We carry out the ADN Parador Activity which rewards staff for outstanding performance such as excellence in guest service, best smile, and most guest mentions, as well as recognizing birthdays and work anniversaries.
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The organization promotes personal and professional development of its staff. We encourage them to discover and develop their skills through continuous training. We work closely with the National Learning Institute to certify our personnel and provide training in Customer Service, environmental, cultural and social management, health and safety, motivation and more.
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We have an external professional who provides Occupational Health advisory services. This includes the preparation of the Occupational Health Committee, Emergency Brigades and training related to safety, health and emergency preparedness.
