THE CARIBBEAN’S FIRST & ONLY CARBON NEUTRAL RESORT

A Glowing Example

As the Caribbean’s first and only certified CarbonNeutral® resort, Bucuti & Tara is proud to reflect an unwavering commitment to sustainability and the preservation of our natural environment. For nearly 40 years, Bucuti has been one of worlds greenest hotels, and we actively maintain certifications with Green Globe (Platinum), Travelife Gold, and LEED Gold.

Read here our sustainability report

OUR SUSTAINABLEinitiatives

  • Bucuti Tara–GMC Nature Preserve: Donated 30 acres (12 hectares) for reforestation, serving as a carbon sink—where carbon is extracted from the atmosphere—and protecting natural habitats. Click here to learn more about the preserve!
  • Energy Efficiency: Aruba’s lowest per-room electricity usage, temperature-regulating coatings, efficient HVAC systems, and LED lighting.
  • Renewable Energy: Solar panels heat water for guest rooms, laundry, and the whirlpool.
  • Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures, water recycling for gardens, ozone laundry xsystems, saltwater chlorination, and UVC-treated safe water.
  • Paperless Operations: 96% paperless systems and eco-powered fitness machines that generate electricity.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Local products, biodegradable detergents, and bulk amenities with reusable dispensers.
  • Waste Reduction: Guest water canteens replacing plastic bottles and “Healthy Portions” to prevent food waste.
  • Advanced Sanitation: UVC disinfection technology and HACCP-certified food safety.
Sustainable Initiatives and Accomplishments

The resort has been called "a glowing example for all Caribbean hoteliers."

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Enviromental Awareness

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.

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What We Do

Eco Certifications
  • Certified CarbonNeutral®
  • Green Globe Platinum
  • Travelife Gold
  • LEED Gold
Energy Saving
  • LED lighting across the property
  • Solar panels generating 20% of energy
  • Motion-sensor lights in public areas
  • Timers on lights in offices and some public areas
  • Eco sensors in rooms to regulate temperature when unoccupied
  • VRF energy-saving cooling technology in rooms, fitness center, and Elements restaurant
  • Load dryers and washing machines to full capacity before use
  • Solar water heaters (upgraded in 2022)
  • Energy-saving equipment and appliances
  • Consumption tracking of electricity use
  • Insulated windows
Recycling
  • Guest water canteens and refill stations, eliminating 290,000 plastic bottles annually
  • Electronic signature check-in (paperless process)
  • Recycling bins for aluminum and green glass
  • Leftover food donated to local farmers
  • Furniture reused or sold for refurbishment
  • Bulk purchasing to reduce packaging waste
  • In-room toiletry dispensers instead of individual packaging
  • Welcome signs made from recycled materials
  • Double-sided printing and paperless communication/record-keeping
  • Fitness center equipment generates power for the grid
  • Recycled tire flooring in fitness center and towels made from repurposed beach towels
  • Laundry bags made from old sheets
  • Reuse of keycards
  • Portion control to reduce food waste; reuse of breads for croutons and bread pudding
  • No disposable cutlery, plates, or cups
  • Newspapers available upon request only
  • Lawn clippings composted for gardening
Community Support
  • Prioritize local businesses and locally made toiletries (Aruba Aloe) purchased in bulk
  • Showcase local artwork
  • No all-inclusive program, encouraging guests to support local restaurants
  • Subsidize spay & neuter surgeries for island dogs and cats
  • Donations to local non-profits including Animal Rights Aruba, Donkey Sanctuary, and Imeldahof Orphanage
Water Saving
  • Full-capacity loads for laundry machines
  • Water-saving faucets and toilets
  • Grey water reused for garden irrigation
  • Bed linens changed only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, upon request, or at checkout
  • Timed sprinklers adjusted for rainfall; rainwater collected for irrigation
  • Towels replaced only if left on the floor or in the tub, and at checkout
  • Paper pool filters using 1/10 of the water of traditional backwashing
  • Ongoing tracking of water use
Nature Preservation
  • Monthly beach cleanups with guests and employees
  • Use of farmed wood and recycled materials for projects, including the outdoor deck
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Discourage guest activities harmful to the environment
  • Turtle nesting areas marked with signage when necessary
  • Reduced outdoor lighting during turtle nesting season
Health & Safety
  • Water safety devices and grease traps to avoid contaminating grey water supply
  • HACCP-certified food safety practices, including color-coded cutting boards and temperature controls of food and coolers
  • Berson inline UV lights on water supply lines to deactivate microorganisms and avoid photo reactivation
  • UV system for grey water treatment
  • Air purifiers and dehumidifiers in rooms
  • Annual Legionella testing and weekly water circulation monitoring
  • Use of eco-friendly cleaning products and low-impact coolant gases
  • Environmental and safety compliance required of all outside contractors
  • All food & beverage staff HACCP certified and holding government health certificates
Education
  • Eco-tours of our facilities for schoolchildren and employees to learn how to live sustainably
  • Presentations at regional conferences on sustainable best practices
  • Green Team with representation from every department
  • Sponsorship of environmental public service announcements
  • Green Channel featuring our sustainability practices on in-room TVs for guests to discover and continue at home

What You Can Do