SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN

LODGE MISSION:
To pioneer a new and remote destination with a sustainable luxury eco-lodge which sets a standard and serves as a model for development in the area while generating a profit for investors, protecting the local environment, improving the well being of local villagers and introducing its guests to a luxuriant host environment and the need for it’s conservation.   

LODGE VALUES: 
We aren’t trying to save the world, just doing our best to enjoy and protect a small beautiful piece of it.  We want our guest to learn by example that luxury and conservation are not mutually exclusive.  We have a profound grasp of the obvious; protecting the environment makes great business sense.

LODGE RULES: 
“Don’t take anything but photos, don’t kill anything but time and don’t leave anything but your imperceptible foot prints” (unknown author).

ENVIORMENTAL GUIDE LINES:
INTRODUCTION:          
The main purpose of this section is to assure our guests that their stay at Coral Lodge will help leave a long term positive impact on the area so they can relax and enjoy themselves.  Given our remote location and the lack of environmentally safe products on the local market, a few of these measures will be implemented over time.   

GENERAL MEASURES:

• Approved Category II Environmental Impact Study for the project by the ANAM.
• Used architectural designs that are consistent with local styles and traditions when possible
• Used environmentally friendly and/or renewable building materials in the construction.
• Established building site locations to minimize the cutting of trees.
• No live trees were cut for the construction.
• Located water columns in a way to avoid any contact any with live coral.
• Purchased additional land around the resort of no economic value to create a protected buffer zone.
• Offered a 1 day course to construction workers on environmental practices.
• Offered a 3 day course to the community of Santa Isabel and prospective lodge employees on environmental practices and sustainable development.
• Promote the community’s participation in the lodge’s environmental efforts especially that of keeping the local beaches and mangroves trash free.
• No caged animals or clipped birds.
• Invitation of research groups and scientists for rain forest study.
• Use extreme care and proper equipment in transporting diesel fuel for the generator.

LANDSCAPING, LAUNDRY AND MAINTENANCE

• Installed a state of the art 3 stage system for treating waste water which includes hi-rate bio media, aeration and catalytic oxidation with ozone and UV radiation all of which are totally environmentally safe. 
• Installed an ozone generator which eliminates the use of all laundry detergents and bleach.
• Use of ozone (RO) instead of chlorine to purify the drinking water and the swimming pool.  
• Compost organic waste from the kitchen and garden.
• Eliminate toxic chemicals in the gardens and use botanical controls to treat problems.
• Use native plant species in garden design and plant fruit trees that will attract fauna.
• Grow herbs and flowers for use in kitchen and hotel.
• Dispose of toxic waste such as motor oil, antifreeze, etc., in environmentally safe ways. 
• Initiated an aggressive reforestation and landscaping project.
• Use environmentally safe pesticides.

RESTAURANT  AND HOUSEKEEPING

• Eliminate the use of any and all disposable food containers and service items in all stages of food preparation and service including all outdoor excursions.
• Use table cloths and cloth napkins in the restaurants.
• Use biodegradable soap, shampoo and rinse in the bungalows.
• Use no products tested on animals.
• Offer guests option of not having their sheets and towels changed every day.
• Use dispensers instead of disposable bottles when possible.
• Eliminate the use of aerosol spray products in the kitchen and housekeeping.
• Eliminate use of plastic trash can liners and use recycled liners when needed.
• Use non-toxic cleaning materials in the kitchen and housekeeping.
• Compost organic kitchen wastes for use as soil amendment in gardens.
• Re-use appropriate leftover food for bird-feeding program or compost.
• Donate former guest room bedspreads, sheets and curtains to the community.
• Donate items left by clients to the community.
• Installed Biosorb grease traps in kitchens.

ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGS

• Use energy saving low wattage light bulbs.
• Keep detailed records of water and energy consumption to detect problems.
• Educate local staff in ways to save electricity and water
• Maintain air conditioner filter clean and use control limits on units.
• Use of solar energy in next expansion project.
• Use water saving shower heads.
• Use treated grey water for watering gardens.
• Water gardens at night.
• Use sun filters on windows to reduce heat and air conditioning costs.
• Use light sensor switches in low traffic areas.
• Installed electric circuits to maximize energy savings.
• Installed water saving toilets.
• Maintain toilets and faucets in optimal conditions.
• request that guests report any malfunctions immediately.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND PURCHASING/RECYCLING DEPARTMENTS

• Reduce waste through careful buying in bulk to eliminate excessive packaging.  
• Buy items made from recycled materials when possible.
• Support the community by purchasing as much local produce as possible.
• Minimize the use of paper and buy recycled paper products for office use, newsletters, and promotional materials when possible.
• Recycle soda cans, food cans, newspapers, glass, and plastics.

GIFT SHOP

• Re-use packing material from merchandise shipping.
• Do not merchandize any items made from endangered species or coral.
• Emphasize local and environmental education products.
• Specialize in items made from recycled materials.
• Provide products made from natural ingredients with no animal testing.

SCUBA DIVING AND FISHING GUIDELINES

• Remind guests that we are visitors in one of the world’s most luxuriant host environments.
• Never touch marine life or collect “souvenirs”
• Do not use gloves to avoid contact with marine life and corals.
• Never position ones self between marine life and their offspring.
• Never position one’s self in the trajectory of marine life.
• Never encircle marine life, always provide an exit for them.
• Do not chase marine life for that “amazing photo op”.
• Never contaminate and collect any trash while diving.
• Never try to assist a marine animal that appears to be in difficulty.
• Use buoys to mark dive site entrance and exit positions.  Do not use anchors.
• All fishing is “Catch n’ Release” with the exception of more common species for the guest’s consumption that day.