Building a Green Ecolodge By Karen Lewis The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) frequently receives requests from ecolodge

and sustainable hospitality developers regarding what are proven green building practices and sustainable products. Having built and operated Lapa Rios, a successful ecolodge in Costa Rica, I accepted the challenge to begin this outline. With input from colleague Glenn Jampol, co-owner of Costa Ricas Finca Rosa Blanca, I list below those construction principles and products that provided a sustainable foundation for Lapa Rios. The outline only offers directives, as solutions must be tailored to individual sites. Finding specific products and methods will require independent research. The websites listed in this section are a good place to start. A bit of background: John Lewis and I began the development of Lapa Rios, a 14-bungalow ecolodge located in the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, in 1990. We designed and built our conservation project using 1990s standards with the assistance of David Andersen, a Minneapolis architect. There was no blueprint for green construction or handbook for finding green products. In addition, our site was remote. It lacked a municipal infrastructure, but did have a dirt road that was accessible in the dry season. This remote region had a shortage of trained laborers and it was expensive to bring in conventional building materials. We viewed these challenges as opportunities to find solutions and to balance those solutions with the impact our lodge project would have on the surrounding 1,060-acre Pacific coastal rain forest we had purchased and were committed to protect. Community involvement, locally-found building materials, and time-tested practical solutions to these challenges proved essential to our success. First, we enrolled community members in the on-going preservation of the regions rain forest by suggesting and then demonstrating over time that ecological preservation efforts assured their (and our) economic future. Second, we located locally renewable building materials (wood, grasses, leaves) to use in constructing our lodge and we encouraged nearby agriculturalists to become our suppliers. While this fit the particular realities of our project, we believe that these attributes are foundational to all environmental-based tourism. Even though our project began with sound design, products, and practices, we came to realize that ongoing thorough self-criticism was (and is) essential to sustainable tourism. In 1999, Lapa Rios signed up to take part in the Costa Rican governments new green certification program, Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). Although we viewed ourselves at the forefront of sustainable tourism, we quickly found that we could improve our methods and practices through the discipline inherent to certification. For example, the CST promoted the practice of using difficult-to-locate biodegradable products and organic foods. Our own selfexamination efforts, coupled with this external review through third party certification, helped us to create a valuable list of products and practices. Certification provides a reliable internal auditing system. The following outline contains our best practices, including some having no cost other than persistence. The list includes suggested products to consider and/or research, as well as materials to build, maintain and/or improve an environmentally friendly and socially responsible 1

hospitality business. Our design originated in a tropical climate yet the outline incorporates colder climate suggestions. In putting together this outline, I have used the baseline criteria that have been created by the Rainforest Alliance as part of its certification project in the Americas. This standard, published in July 2004, is aimed at helping to ensure that all certification programs cover the same areas. It includes the following environmental components: Baseline Criteria for Certification in the Americas: Products and Practices Recommended by Rainforest Alliance, July 2004 Environmental: 1. Design and Construction (from Economic) 2. Water conservation 3. Liquid waste management 4. Solid waste management 5. Energy production and conservation 6. Natural areas and conservation 7. Lawn and gardens 8. Protection of flora and fauna 9. Contamination of air, water and soil 10. Environmental education 11. Quality standards (from Economic) In my outline below, I have rearranged these standards to better answer the question: How do you green a tourism business?

Sustainable Tourism Design Construction

Natural Areas and Gardens

Energy Production, Products, and Conservation

Water Supply, Treatment and Conservation

Waste Management

Sustainable Tourism Design Construction A. Practices and Standards 1. Organizations and associations resources: a. Non-governmental and private industry b. Governmental and United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) c. Private sector architects, engineers and technical support teams 2. Publication sources outlining basic construction standards and principles: a. Printed materials, pamphlets, community handouts b. Websites; directories 3. Research and development: a. Certification programs; regional and locally based b. Environmental experts and consultants 2

i. Internships ii. Laboratories and training facilities 4. Educational programs: conferences and training services a. University degrees b. NGO and private industry courses c. Secondary responsibility: teaching sustainable practices to communities i. Materials and community-based sustainable resource instructors ii. Sustainable/renewable materials cutting practices and re-planting principles iii. Online training courses and programs 5. Travel destination development: a. Feasibility planners b. Architects and engineers: i. Environmental benchmarks for site planning; design/drawings and development c. General and sub-contractors with current knowledge of and support for: i. Locally available (renewable) building materials; ii. Minimal impact transportation mechanisms to building site iii. On site, short or long term project construction experts iv. Alternative energy product(s) management d. Financial planning: i. Funders supporting environmental and community sustainability e. Operations management and staff building: i. Staff training and development ii. Management companies working with ecotourism and remote destinations travel; on site short or long term sustainable management

B. Building Materials, Supplies and Operations 1. Structural and roofing materials: a. Renewably grown framing and covering materials: i. interior-quality: canes, bamboo, woven matts ii. exterior-quality materials like bamboo, tree branch trimmings b. Certifiable Renewable Materials (including licensed haulers) products: leaves, bamboo, cane, second harvest or fallen tree lumber c. Recycled plastic building materials: i. Decking and substructure ii. Thatch-style roofing leaves iii. Roof laminate sheets, roof tiles and trusses iv. Step treads and hand rails for trails d. Formaldehyde-free products e. Trim and carpentry finishing: i. Renewable, locally grown product ideas: bamboo, cane, woven natural materials, fabrics 2. Outbuildings and storage sheds: a. Prefabricated temporary shelters; building kits, tents, domes, yurts b. Reusable tarps 3. Insulation and isolation products: a. Inner wall, ceiling and window insulation materials: 3

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i. Direct install foil/foam boards; fiberglass batts ii. Machine blown insulation foam iii. Window glass shading film; heat-shrunk plastic window coating iv. Caulking and re-glazing supplies b. Wind isolation materials: i. Expandable foam sprays; wind- and water-resistant woven sheeting (Tyvek); weather stripping ii. Window quilts; thermal window curtains Door and window designs: thermal standards and products a. Double or triple glazed thermal products b. Insulated doors; self-construction building plans c. Air lock door entry; design and benefits d. Screen and mesh fabrics Finishing products: a. Lead-free and no- or low-VOC paint; stain; lacquer and varnish b. Adhesives: locally produced animal based or chemical c. Preservatives for wood, bamboo and renewable products Construction ideas using Second-Use materials: a. Aggregate made from old concrete b. Fibrolit wall board made with cement and rice hulls and wheat board from discarded wheat shafts Construction clean up, waste removal and dumping principles: a. Pre-construction sort site designs; recyclable products bins b. Receiver donation sites accepting re-useable building materials and products c. Burying toxic wastes: practices and design principles Tourism operations: Equipment and resources a. Green Innovations and Best Practices, TIES website forum: share new product information or sustainable practices ideas, ongoing maintenance suggestions and case studies, remote location recipes, even rate a new item: www.ecotourism.org b. Renewable products using local designs: i. Indigenous furniture, construction and ongoing maintenance 1. Bamboo window shades, place mats, tables and chairs, lamps, table accessories ii. Woven products from locally produced fibers: organic hemp, cotton, wool, etc. 1. Bed linenssheets, blankets, pillows, insect nets 2. Towels for guests, restaurant and kitchen; rags 3. Table cloths, place mats and napkins; 4. Fabric or woven shades; hammocks; restaurant and room accessories: quilts and bedspreads, rugs and mats iii. Locally produced recycled fiber products: 1. Mats, rugs, table mats and woven art 2. Rope iv. Accessories made from cane, woven grasses and bamboo 1. Towel bars, hooks, lamps, trays, glass holders, etc. v. Earthen pottery: 1. Dishes, serving utensils, pots vi. Cleaning and washing products from local materials 4

vii. Alternative medical products and treatment viii. Locally found insect repellents; clay scrubs; and body lotions c. Alternative energy production: i. Product catalogues and equipment maintenance ii. Philanthropic community ventures promoting sustainable practices with organic and/or biodegradable products iii. Sustainable Practices guest offerings: refillable water carriers, rechargeable batteries and flashlights, washable rubber boots, walking sticks and rain capes d. Search for and use biodegradable products e. Search for organic fruits and vegetables; fish; chicken and meat f. Office management: practices and products i. Stationery products of 100% post consumer recycled paper ii. Organic toner with refillable tanks iii. Solar- or light-powered calculators iv. Communicate via email; use the internet as a brochure communication; and store and send information via CD-ROMS g. Communication services in remote locations: i. Satellite or cell phones; internet and broad band service; marine or VHS radio equipment ii. Hand held radios and walkie talkies; GPS systems h. Emergency preparedness i. First aid medical kits, litters, canes and crutches ii. Fire extinguishers iii. Water pumps (for rural locations) 9. Minimum impact signage display: visibly appealing, using esthetic yet renewable products

Natural Areas and Gardens: Conserve and Protect Endemic Flora and Fauna by Sustaining the Air, Water and Soil A. Conservation of Air, Water and Soil 1. Clean air principles and guidelines: a. Properly store and lock toxic chemicals (paint, varnish, solvents, bleach) b. Routinely clean exhaust fans, air conditioner, humidifier and other air filters, kitchen grease fan filters c. Enforce No Smoking and No Running of Standing Vehicles signs d. Design using cross ventilation techniques (aids natural lighting) e. Avoid air fresheners by locating and eliminating any bad odor f. Reduce air pollution, plant: use indoor plants to reduce toxicity, plant endemic trees each year g. Use natural materials for rugs and carpeting, curtains, bed covers 2. Air purification systems: a. Filter particle removal and collection; chemical, gases and smoke removal; odor elimination; b. Filterless ozonation purification technology: 5

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i. Data and designs for Photochemistry; Photoplasma and ultraviolet light; Photoelectric effect systems ii. Generators and components Sustainable transportation means cleaner air: a. Multi-purpose Vehicle Use guidelines; chart daily trips, combine guests and employees with supplies; create employee carpools b. Low impact transport: i. Animal pulled carts, bicycles, canoes, sailboats and rowboats, kayaks, etc. c. Low fuel-based vehicles: solar, LPG, bio-gas, ethanol/methane, fuel cells or biodiesel i. Electric/gas hybrid systems 1. Solar scooters, golf carts and bicycles ii. Four-stroke boat motors Water and soil erosion control principles: a. Design and build permanent drainage ditches near buildings, along path and walkways, below roof runoff, etc. b. Keep water ditches open and free moving; plant hillsides and banks with deeprooted plants c. Maintain monthly clean out/check routines with charts d. Rain water storage: i. Cisterns, rain barrels e. Rain water distribution products: i. Down spouts and gutters, gutter guards, splash pads, irrigation hoses/clamps/valves; cisterns and sump pumps Soil conservation: guidelines and principles a. Rid area of exotic species by planting endemic species only; mulch freely with naturally occurring organic materials b. Practice safe disposal techniques for toxic products: batteries, cell phones, computers and printers; paint, solvent, bleach, etc. c. Donate partially used containers of toxic products like paint, varnish, etc. d. Seed low creeping plants instead of grass that needs mowing Sustainable native species practices a. Feed no birds or animals, instead plant flowering and fruiting endemic plants and trees b. Use no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers to attract greater numbers of species c. Provide fresh water (bath) for local critters d. Leave dead trees standing e. Keep no caged animal, bird, reptile or insect f. Help clean pollutants from beaches and rivers periodically

B. Gardens and Greenhouses 1. Technical construction designs for organic gardens and greenhouses: a. Professional service offerings; organic growers organizations b. Educational publications, handouts and design materials c. Equipment and tool supplies: i. Greenhouse roof and/or wall supplies: plastic films or screen mesh ii. Misc. supplies, soil test kits and hand tools (avoid tools with gas engines) iii. Netting, mesh coverings and composting supplies iv. Irrigation systems: designs, products and tools 6

v. Designs and materials lists for above ground planting tables, in-ground or hydroponics boxes vi. Seeds, root stock and seedling sources d. Organic plant foods and fertilizers; herbicides; rodent and pest controls 2. Sustaining endemic plants: a. Identifying regional endemic plants: catalogues, professional guidelines b. Identify, propagate and plant endemic both flowering and fruiting plants and trees most favored by local insects, birds and animals c. Plant wisely: low creeping plants instead of grass that needs mowing; sustain banks of soil with deep-rooted plants; rid the area of exotic species by planting endemic only d. Plant deciduous endemic trees on summer sun side of buildings, plan native coniferous trees on north side of buildings e. Nursery building/construction design for endemic plant propagation i. Nursery bags, soil sifters (screen type), rooting hormones C. Organic Composting 3. Compost-to-humus production: a. Principles behind and designs of compost facilities b. Bacteria and aerobic culture additives c. Moisture retention principles and methods: recommended endemic-supplied root coverings d. Principles and standards for organic humus/fertilizers, herbicides, pest and insect controls e. Bacteria and aerobic culture additives f. Worm farm composting: i. Technical designs and method: tools and components; locating worm sources D. Low Impact, Biodegradable Cleaning and Personal Products 1. Research and promote only certified products: a. Locate education materials, books and magazines, research data from organic and biodegradable companies; market these principles to tourism consumers b. Develop time-tested homemade (recipes) for cleaning and personal products as alternatives to purchased supplies 2. Source hotel/restaurant suppliesconcentrated cleaning products: a. Non-phosphate laundry detergents; disinfectants; spot and rust removers b. Non-chlorine bleaches c. Kitchen non-phosphate detergents and degreasers d. Chlorine-free/biodegradable (hospitality size roll) toilet paper and kitchen towels e. Chlorine-free natural sponges 3. Source hotel/restaurant suppliesPersonal products: a. Hand soap; shampoo and conditioner; body lotions b. Chlorine free/biodegradable facial tissue and hand towels 4. Miscellaneous products, distribution equipment and dispensers with re-useable components: a. Dispensers for shampoo, conditioners, soaps and lotions b. Dispensers for cleaning products, paper towels and toilet paper c. Recycled plastic containers for storage use: small to large covered containers; 7

transfer food crates; coolers

Energy Production, Products and Conservation A. Heat and Cooling 1. Solar powered (radiant) heat exchange: project design and product catalogues, professional services a. Roof integrated solar heated hot water panels; tube insulation materials b. Pool water heating with solar pumping; tube insulation materials c. Solar furnaces d. Solar and/or radiant heat exchange: i. Thermal floor collection techniques; heat pumps ii. Trombe wall designs iii. Copper tubing lined thermal floor collectors iv. Online thermostat controlled fans v. Convection air flow-heat dump (clerestory window) design vi. Window/door quilt insulation vii. Cooking systems: 1. Solar oven designs and components 2. Food driers and components e. Diverted hot water/heat transfer designs: i. Air conditioner chiller water loops ii. Electric generator building wrapped with water pipes in convection loop iii. Wood burning stoves fitted with convection looped water heaters 2. Wood or other burners, with water boiler exchange options: a. Combustion technology and consultants b. Wood or manure burning stoves; convection looped water heaters c. Central heating systems and recovery boilers designs d. Bio-gas (composting) recovery to heat space or water e. Geo-thermal heat recovery systems f. On-demand, spark-ignited gas water heaters (wall mount) 3. Absorbent Cooling and Refrigeration a. Propane and photo voltaic refrigerators b. Air conditioning systems and vapor generators c. Desiccant cooling systems d. Evaporative-Photo Voltaic cooling e. Heat engine/Vapor compression (Rankine-cycle heat exchange) f. Alternatives to refrigerants: i. Insulated cool rooms for fresh produce storage ii. Ice boxes and insulated coolers to transport perishable food B. Electricity Production, Alternative Energy Products 4. Photo voltaic power generation: a. Solar panels and charges b. Solar kits 5. Wind Power and alternative designs: a. Wind towers and turbines; tower kits 8

b. Mechanical roof-mount dumping turbines 6. Hydro-, tidal- or wave-powered designs a. Turbines and pumps; Pelton wheels; tubing b. Micro/macro hydro systems: Ram pumps, and components 7. Bio-gas (bi-product of composting) steam driven turbines 8. Electrical supplies, alternative products: a. Inverter and fly wheels, battery banks and components b. Electrical systems12V, 120V with components; separate branch design from PV panel to breaker and switches; transformers; c. Indoor and outdoor lighting systems and new technology with low watt fluorescent lighting d. Water pumping windmills and components e. Miscellaneous technology: solar battery charges for vehicles; PV-powered appliances and fences; portable PV systems; thermostats and well pumps; timers and switches; meters, log books & related components; animal or human generated electricity C. Energy Conservation 9. Energy saving concepts: a. Education materials, consultants, data and case studies b. Organizations funding, teaching and promoting energy conservation c. Solar energy architectural designs using natural light; low watt and fluorescent bulbs; shade trees and convection cooling d. Alternative refrigerants; roof integrated heating and cooling systems e. Published suggestions for changing energy use habits: i. Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use; ii. Hang laundry to dry, etc.

Water Supply, Treatment and Conservation A. Water Supply and Storage 1. Water is Not Renewable: organizations researching and promoting this concept 2. Conservation techniques, case studies and data: a. Manuals, training devices, promotional materials b. Global water loss graphs, by regions 3. Water sourcing designs & equipment a. Spring box design; small reservoirs and dams b. Collection systems: cisterns, rain barrels and tanks 4. Water monitoring devices: a. Meters b. Data logs c. Sampling test kits 5. Drilling equipment: a. Aquifer protection equipment b. Barrier and spill protection devices c. Hydrologic measuring equipment 6. Water distribution: 9

a. Designs for gravity fed systems: PVC vs. 90-mt. extruded pipe with clamps (case study) b. Pumps and pump stations, hydrolic lifts: i. RAM, PV solar powered, off electrical grid, windmills ii. Monitors and controls c. Irrigation systems; tubing, pumps, valves B. Water Filtration and Processing 2. Processors and micro strainers a. Sand filters with carbon absorption b. Fine filtration mediums and strainers 3. Desalination systems 4. Carbon removal/absorption systems 5. Ion exchange systems: a. Swimming and spa pools purification systems 6. Iron removal and softening systems 7. Ozonation purification technology: a. Data and designs; generators and components 8. Chemical additives of iodine or chlorine C. Water Saving Devices and Conservation 1. Water-saving devices: a. Find and use water saving faucets, showerheads and toilets d. Minimize toilet tank water levels 2. Alternatives to water-use systems: a. Composting toilets; waterless toilets b. Waterless soaps 3. Locate conservation suggestion; employ water saving practices a. Eliminate leaking toilets, faucets and pipes b. Measure water use and change habits i. Turn off unnecessary running water ii. Re-use water: irrigate gardens and plants with bath/shower water, kitchen or laundry water iii. Wash t/owels and bed linens less frequently iv. Save clean soapy laundry water and return to reuse in washer

Waste Management A. Liquid Waste Management 1. Black water (bacteria-laden human or animal waste) containment and treatment: a. Professional design services; construction and maintenance support teams; and education materials and case studies b. Septic tanks (handmade or fabricated) and drain fields: i. Tank designs and materials lists ii. Tank cleaning tools or companies; licensed local dump sights iii. Grease trap designs; filters 10

iv. Monitoring tools; video scopes, augers, sample testing kits and log books; sample taking kits; and sludge separations c. Sediment tanks: mixers, aerators, screens and components d. Reed bed systems: designs and case studies e. Biological microbe additives; odor control products f. Remediation treatment: enzymes, polymers, oxidation ponds; odor control with biodegradable, anaerobic compounds g. Treatment plants: expansion of septic treatment systems 2. Gray water discharge; containment and re-use: a. Professional design services; construction and maintenance support teams; and educational materials and supporting case studies b. Rock-filled drain systems with clean out methods c. Irrigation systems (for gardening) i. Filters and screens; biodegradable soil clean up compounds (hydrogen peroxide, bacterial aerobic compounds, etc.) 3. Toxic and chemical spill containment and burial: a. Toxic chemical clean up principles and standards: professional services; educational materials for best practices and prevention b. Emergency containment supplies: plastic berm overlays; spray foams; flexible bladders and tank containment; absorbent spill pads and pellets; drums; leak control and repair systems (for pipes) B. Solid Waste Management 1. Solid Waste: Reduction a. Minimizing Waste consultants; case studies, with examples and data; and community hand outs and cooperation techniques b. Programs promoting Reduce/Reuse/Recycle c. Teaching materials and guides; community handouts d. Working case studies with practical reduction examples and hints 2. Solid Waste: Reuse options a. Community organizations to collect/redistribute reusable building products, accessories, appliances, containers 3. Solid Waste: Recycle a. Techniques to share the storage of and transport to recycled products to city centers; case studies b. Refuse containers and sorting techniques: i. Drums, tanks, cans, barrels, magnetic screens and components 4. Solid Waste: Incineration a. Consultants; investment costs; and safe techniques b. Waste-to-energy plants 5. Solid Waste: Non-polluting, safe disposal techniques (lacking dump sites): a. Consulting companies; case studies; and educational materials b. Long term storage (prior to off site safe disposal): i. Encapsulated concrete block/metal lined toxic materials storage ii. Impervious membranes, liners and weather-resistant barriers 6. Solid organic waste: recycle and compost a. Principles, designs and suggested technical designs b. Fertilizers: bi-product production and components c. Principles and standards for organic fertilizers 11

d. Bacteria and culture additives; aerobic decomposition principles e. Worm farm technology i. Technical designs and guidelines; chopping tools/components f. Manure and composting toilet processing g. Manure-produced bio-gas from food peelings and table scraps i. Technical designs and components ii. Supply components for bio-gas production

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