Eco Friendly - Carbon Neutral

The resort has been called "a glowing example for all Caribbean hoteliers." Among our many environmental initiatives are:

• Switching to greener, eco-friendly types of paper for its resort marketing materials, by which Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has been able to save 82 trees, as well as reduce waste water by 37,617 gallons, solid waste by 2,315 lb and greenhouse gases by 7,936 lb.
• Ensuring we have the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba. (Source: Central Bank of Aruba study by Deloitte)
• Reducing our carbon footprint by sourcing local suppliers and products made on Aruba.
• Solar panels heating water for guest rooms and the laundry.
• Water reducers, which cut down water flow by 60% in all showers and faucets, and low-flow toilets.
• Sink and shower water treated and reused in the gardens.
• Bulk purchasing and use of in-room dispensers delivering genuine Aruba Aloe freshly made shampoos, conditioners and lotions instead of individual packages in plastic containers.
• Using biodegradable and environmentally friendly detergents.
• Subsidize thousands of spay & neuter surgeries to reduce the problem with overpopulation and abandoned dogs and cats on island.

Environmental awareness has always been a major focus of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, and long before phrases like “eco-tourism” and “eco-resorts” moved into the mainstream, Bucuti was winning awards such as the Caribbean Hotel Association Environmental Stewardship Award. Since then we’ve gone on to earn numerous environmental awards and certifications.

In addition to our own environmental work at the resort, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort supports community eco-efforts, including:

• Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, a volunteer-run foundation that takes in sick and injured animals
• Turtugaruba, a local foundation that protects giant sea turtles
• Animal Rights Aruba, which aims to protect all fauna, flora and marine life on and around the island of Aruba
• Member of AHATA Environmental Committee
• Support introduction of law to ban plastic bags on island.
• Support Dog Law to reduce problem of stray dogs.
• Recycling contest – artworks made of recycled materials - annually
• Carbon offset program offered on our website

At Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, luxury and an eco-friendly business model aren’t mutually exclusive – they go hand-in-hand. Want to know more about our green practices? Download our Environmental Best Practices brochure or see below to find out how you can get involved.

ECO CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Certified CarbonNeutral®
• ISO 14001
• Green Globe Platinum
• Travelife Gold
• LEED Gold

 ENERGY SAVING

• LED bulbs across the property
• Solar Panels producing 20% of energy
• Motion sensor lights in public areas
• Timers on lights in office and some public areas
• Eco sensors in rooms to increase temperature when room is empty
• VRF energy saving cooling technology in rooms, fitness center and Elements
• Load Dryers to full capacity before use
• Solar heated water
• Energy saving equipment and appliances
• Track consumption of electricity
• Insulated windows

REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE

• Water canteens and water coolers for guests to discourage the purchase of plastic bottles. 290,000 water bottles saved per year
• Electronic signature at check-in instead of paper
• Recycling bins for aluminum and green glass
• Left-over food donated to local farmers
• Old furniture is reused or sold for refurbishment
• Purchase products in bulk
• Dispensers for toiletries rather than individual packaging
• Welcome signs made of used boxes
• Print paper on both sides
• Paperless communication and record keeping
• Floor covering in Fitness Center is made of recycled tires
• Fitness Center towels made out of old beach towels
• Laundry bags made of old sheets
• Reuse keycards
• Reuse breads from breakfast to make croutons and bread pudding
• No disposable items used (forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups etc.)
• Newspapers on request only
• Lawn clippings are composted and used in gardening
• No disposable paper fliers to describe island activities at concierge desks or in rooms (electronic signs or laminated/reusable signs only).  

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Locally made toiletries (Aruba Aloe)
• Local artwork
• Do not offer all-inclusive program, encouraging guests to experience local restaurants
• Subsidize Spay & Neuter surgeries for dogs and cats on island to reduce population growth
• Donate to several local non-profits, including Animal Rights Aruba, Donkey Sanctuary, and Imeldahof orphanage.

WATER SAVING

• Load washing machines to full capacity before use
• Water saving faucets
• Water saving toilets
• Grey water used for irrigation in garden
• Changing of bed linens only on Wednesday and Saturday and on request or check out
• Sprinklers are on timers which are adjusted depending on amount of rainfall. We also collect rain water and use it for irrigation.
• Towels changed only if found on floor or in tub and at check out
• Use of paper filters for pool filtration - 1/10 of the water used with back washing
• Track water use

NATURE PRESERVATION

• Monthly Beach Clean Ups with guests and employees
• Farmed wood
• Outdoor deck made of recycled materials
• Use of eco-friendly cleaning products
• Discourage guest activities that are harmful to the environment
• Turtle nesting areas on the beach marked with appropriate signage (when necessary)
• Reduce lights at night during turtle nesting season

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Water Safety devices
• Grease traps to avoid contaminating grey water supply
• Food safety practices (HACCP)
• Berson Inline UV lights installed on all water supply lines which combine a wide spectrum of useful UV wave lengths with a very high energy output.  This combination causes total and permanent deactivation of micro-organism, avoiding photo reactivation.
• UV system for grey water system
• Air Purifier and Dehumidifier in rooms
• HACCP colored cutting boards,
• HACCP temperature controls of food and coolers to maintain safety
• Annual testing for Legionella; water circulation monitored weekly so that water does not stand for more than 10 days.
• Use eco-friendly cleaning products
• Use of least harmful coolant gas possible
• Outside Contractors agreements ensure their adherence to our Environmental and Safety Policy while working
• All F&B staff are HACCP compliant and have government health certificate

EDUCATION:

• Eco tours on property for schools.  
• Presentations at regional conferences about best practices
• Eco tours for employees
• Green Team with each department represented
• Sponsor environmental Public Service Announcements.
• Green channel on in-room TV featuring our green practices