Our Environment
Environmental health is human health.
As a hospitality focused organization, we are fully aware of our reliance on valuable natural resources, and the impact we can have, both positive and negative, on our ecosystem. With this understanding, we have embraced cleaner, more efficient technologies that enable us to utilize resources more responsibly in all our businesses. We fully comply with Costa Rica’s environmental legislation and regulations, and each Harmony Projects business develops specific plans and guidelines to comply with the nationally recognized standards. By adopting sustainable and regenerative practices, we strive to connect with and enhance our surrounding ecosystem while providing exceptional experiences to our guests and clients.
Water
Mindful water use is essential in our region. All of our fixtures are low flow and we promote wise-water use for our team and guests, especially during Nosara’s dry season. Just as important, our goal is to have zero leaks in our piping system. (It is one of the main causes of wasted water in CR, and we encourage everyone to use meters to check for leaks on their own properties!) We constantly measure and monitor the use of potable water, and find and address issues immediately. Learn more about our experience with water leaks here.
Waste
We maintain rigorous separation protocols, and monitor the amount of waste generated in order to reduce, reuse, and recycle most of what we produce. Our goal is to compost and recycle 85% of our waste stream. We have eliminated single use plastics in our operations, and compost organic waste in our own facility. We are active supporters and volunteers in the organizations that manage the solid waste of our community. Learn more about our composting process here.
Energy
Our overarching objective is to reduce and mitigate our carbon footprint. We incorporate technologies like energy efficient fixtures and bulbs, motion sensor switches, and solar hot water heaters. We measure and monitor our use of energy and fossil fuels monthly so we can make adjustments and find opportunities for improvement.
Wastewater
We use cutting-edge technology to treat our wastewater on-site, and much of what we treat is reused in our garden irrigation. We are aware of how stormwater can contribute to localized flooding, and have built swales on our properties to help slow down runoff so that it has more time to sink into the ground before it reaches the sea.
Biodiversity
We regenerate the natural landscape and enhance biodiversity through the use of native plants in our gardens. These plants have evolved to survive in our local climate, require less maintenance, and provide food and shelter for animals. We avoid the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and use the compost we create to regenerate our soil.
Construction methods
We reuse and renovate existing structures whenever possible, and incorporate efficient building systems such as passive ventilation and natural lighting. We strive to use materials that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly.