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.

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OUR SUSTAINABLEinitiatives

Bucuti–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."

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.

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

THE CARIBBEAN’S FIRST & ONLY CARBON NEUTRAL RESORT

A Glowing Example

OUR SUSTAINABLEinitiatives

What We Do

What You Can Do