Ecology

 Solar Power System

All the electrical needs of the hotel are provided for by the sun’s rays with a solar electric or “Photovoltaic” System. This system powers all lights, ceiling fans, refrigerator, well pumps, swimming pool pump, stereo, computers, communications equipment, washer/dryer and power outlets. The photovoltaic or “PV” system consists of 2400 Watts of Isofoton solar panels, 24 Trojan L-16 deep cycle batteries, and at the heart of the system 2 SMA Sunny Island 4200 Watt power inverters providing 240 Volts of AC power. We also have a 12kW Onan propane generator for emergency back up power.

Energy & Resource Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key element to every comprehensive renewable energy system package. As a result, CocoCabañas uses only energy saving compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s), an energy star approved refrigerator, ultra efficient Grundfos well pumps, and power strips that turn of “phantom loads” for devices that constantly draw power even when not in use.

Water consumption has been reduced at CocoCabanas with the installation of low volume toilets and showerheads (However, due to the strengh of our energy effecient variable motor water pump, overall water pressure is much higher than the average hotel!). This is important not only in that less of our precious fresh water resource is wasted, but also because we will be using less electricity to pump water and less propane to heat the unused water.

Water is heated for sinks, showers and laundry with the use of “on demand” or “tankless” propane water heaters. Instead of constantly heating water with conventional boilers and storage tank, we have installed 4 smaller on demand boilers which only ignite when hot water is used, thus saving over 75% on propane use and costs. Additionally, our guests never run out of hot water because the water is heated as needed! (Note: Because of the project layout and hot water distribution requirements, we were unable to effectively use solar hot water systems at this time.)     

Energy & Water Use Awareness

Though we don’t expect that our guests will all be as energy and water conscious as we are, we kindly ask the following:

• Please turn off all lights, ceiling fans and unplug any electronic devices before leaving the cabañas

• Please do not run water in showers, sinks and toilets when not necessary.

• Please let us know when you would like fresh towels and to have sheets changed as less laundry means using less solar energy and less of our precious fresh water resource.

• For those of you who would like to know more about the solar electric system and other ecological aspects, we would be happy to give you a tour and explain in greater detail how it functions when you arrive.

 Building and Construction

Local Natural Building Materials...

     About 90% of all of the building materials used in the construction of CocoCabañas came from within a 100 mile radius of the site. This means that the money spent went to and stayed in local communities and that great amounts of energy were not expended in transporting materials across the country or internationally.

 Cabana Construction...

     The Cabanas are constructed in a traditional, regional technique know as “Bajareque” (Ba-ha-ray-kay). The structures have posts and palm beams with walls made of woven wooden branches covered with three layers of an adobe like earthen mixture.

     The “Palapa” (Pah-lah-pah) roofs are another traditional technique made of interwoven, overlapping palm fronds. Our palapas were crafted by a local artisan “Trino” and his crew using the highest quality “Palma Real” leaves and skilled workmanship. No, the palapas do not leak during the rainy season and their expected life is around 15 years.

     The doors, window and many other finish carpentry details were made from a local material known as “Otate” (Oh-tah-tey). “Otate” is very similar and often easily confused with bamboo, but is actually a bit heavier, thicker, and stronger than its close cousin.

     The colorful paintings on the outside and inside of the cabanas are made from various natural earth-clay soils mixed with water

           The constructed Wetland is an additional filtration step for effluent which reduces underground contamination and helps keep the area's water source clean.  After waste is filtered by the septic system, the residual effluent flows into the wetland's concrete tank, which is filled with gravel and thriving reed plants, whose roots act as a biological filter before the water is released back into the ground.  The effect is a pleasant green odorless landscape feature that helps avoid water contamination!

     0-scaping... CocoCabañas lies directly on an open ocean that receives substantial wind and sun.  We have integrated our landscape into the natural context while creating a stunning compliment to the ocean, rocks, hills, and vegetation that form the remarkable surrounding environment. Rather than combat the elements, and due to our energy system, we maintain native plant species such as cacti and agave which naturally thrive in these rugged conditions and which require little water and energy.

Ø      Local Artisans

o       Supporting Local Communities

o       Living Wage

o       Purchasing produce from local vendors

Ø      Endangered Sea Turtle Protection

o       Tortuga Negra Turtle Camp