Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Arenal, Costa Rica, has become only the second hospitality property in the world to achieve the Luxury Eco Certification Standard (LECS), a program developed by the Leading Hotels of the World in partnership with Sustainable Travel International. The designation recognizes energy and water conservation, recycling, and community.
Tabacón, which was certified 100 percent carbon neutral in 2009, scored top grades in water and electricity use, waste management, staff training and involvement, community programs, and environmental protection. The resort’s existing green program is supplemented by a guest participation program to plant trees to offset CO2 releases. In addition, more than half of the 872 acres on which the resort is situated is under protection as a primary or secondary rainforest.
Other sustainable initiatives include two naturally heated underground reservoirs that provide the entirety of the resort’s water, low-flow plumbing fixtures, its own wastewater treatment plant, compact fluorescent lighting, photovoltatic cells in gardens and paths, lighting timers, and eco-friendly products.
