W Costa Rica

The W´s efforts to make a positive impact on the natural environment and its communities include the separation of waste and daily collection, transforming organic waste into compost, processing wastewater for use in irrigation of green areas, and the installation of 1300+ solar panels to generate energy. Internal vehicles are powered by electricity and solar panels, plastic bags are replaced with cloth, and water dispensers are available to promote refilling bottles. The property is the first in Costa Rica to implement a seawater desalination plant in order to have an alternative source of water for use in resort operations. The W has been awarded ELITE level in costa Rica´s Certification of Tourism Sustainability, an Ecological Blue Flag Program certificate in multiple categories, and is the first Carbon Positive all-inclusive hotel in Latin America, offsetting 20% more than emissions generated on property. An automatic charge of one dollar per room per night can be accepted or rejected by guests... with funds used to support social projects such as the donation of equipment to health centers and sponsoring English language programs for children in vulnerable communities. The hotel provides environmental education programs that include training for associates and suppliers, plus guided tours in the on-site, 98-acre wildlife refuge for didactic and experimental learning for children. Additionally, the W´s youth training project allows people from neighboring communities to learn disciplines within the tourism sector.