News article

Booking low-impact lodges via expedia for sustainable travel

More people are choosing sustainability conscious lodging. A 2022 study by Expedia Group shows 90% of consumers prefer sustainable options. This shift reflects a growing awareness of environmental impact. Expedia Group plays a key role in promoting sustainability. They use filters like Green Key and EarthCheck to highlight certified nature-conscious stays. This helps travelers make informed choices.

Partnerships, like the one with Accor, aim to reduce carbon emissions by 46% by 2030. Such efforts align with global standards and show a commitment to a more efficient future.

low-impact lodges for sustainable travel

Why choose low-impact lodges for sustainable travel?

Travelers are now choosing stays that are good for the planet. These places use less energy and cut down on carbon emissions. For example, Origins Lodge uses solar panels, and Rios Lodge gets its power from hydroelectric sources.

Many environmentally sustainable places also grow their own food. Rancho Margot grows its food, reducing transportation and packaging needs. Esquinas Rainforest Lodge has stopped using single-use plastics, lowering its impact even more. Big hotel brands are also getting involved. Accor has installed energy-saving systems in 5,500 hotels. These systems cut down on energy waste, helping to meet global carbon reduction goals.

Costa Rica is a great example of low-impact accomodations success. It gets 98% of its energy from renewable sources. This inspires other places to follow suit. Low-impact lodges also help protect wildlife. Lapa Rios Lodge, for example, protects scarlet macaws and their homes. This shows the positive impact of ecotourism on local communities and nature.

How expedia supports sustainable travel

Expedia Group is a leader in sustainable travel. They make it easy to find sustainable stays with their "Eco-Certified" filter. This feature highlights over 15 recognized sustainability certifications, like Green Key and EarthCheck.

Expedia Group works with GSTC-recognized certifications to ensure the quality of sustainable stays. This helps travelers trust the sustainability claims of listed properties. The "Eco-Certified" filter is great for 70% of users who find too many choices overwhelming.

Aditi Mohapatra, Expedia’s Vice President of Global Social Impact, is key to the company’s net-zero goal. This goal aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aiming for big emission cuts by 2030.

  • Accor’s 2030 targets include a 46% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions through renewable energy adoption.
  • Expedia Group Media Solutions promotes sustainable options to corporate clients, encouraging nature-conscious business travel.

These efforts show Expedia Group's commitment to social impact sustainability. By making sustainable choices easy, the platform helps travelers reduce their environmental footprint.

Top low-impact lodges in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a leader in ecotourism. Its lodges offer luxury and care for the environment. They provide unique experiences in the rainforest. Origins Lodge is a prime example. It has bamboo yoga studios and serves farm-to-table meals. The lodge plants 500 trees each year to help the environment.

Lapa Rios Lodge is also highly recommended. It's the first in the area to earn the CST 5-leaf certification. The lodge uses solar power and has a system to treat wastewater. Rios Lodge is special because of its hydroelectric cabins. You can only get there by raft. It's perfect for those who love adventure and care about the planet.

Nayara Tented Camp is a luxury low-impact lodge. It's near Arenal Volcano and runs on solar power. The lodge also helps protect sloths.

Selva Bananito Lodge focuses on reforestation. It uses wood from fallen trees and offers a peaceful place for nature lovers. These lodges show how tourism can be sustainable in Costa Rica.

Unique features of low-impact lodges

Low-impact lodges are changing the way we travel. They use new ways to reduce their impact on the environment. For example, Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge makes ethanol from sugarcane residue.

El Remanso Lodge uses gravity-fed water systems. This cuts down on energy use. These efforts help the environment and support local jobs.

Arenal Observatory Lodge cuts its electricity use by 40% with solar water heating. Rancho Margot turns organic waste into cooking gas. Rara Avis is the first low-impact lodge without grid electricity.

Nature Observatorio's treehouses are made from rainforest wood. Esquinas Rainforest Lodge grows most of its food. These lodges are leading the way in sustainable travel.

Unique features of nature-based lodges

Sustainability certifications to look for

Knowing about sustainability certifications helps travelers make better choices. These certifications show that certain hotels meet high standards for the environment and people. Expedia lists over 15, including Green Globe and Biosphere.

Here are a few certifications to look out for:

Green Key, a widely recognized certification, mandates energy audits and community engagement, and is adopted by over 3,900 hotels worldwide. EarthCheck, operating in more than 70 countries, provides a robust framework for tracking carbon emissions and water usage, supporting hotels in their sustainability efforts. Costa Rica’s CST certification employs a 5-leaf system to assess waste management, energy efficiency, and cultural impact, serving as a national standard for the country’s tourism sector. Travelife, with a global reach, emphasizes fair wages and conscientious supply chains, ensuring hotels prioritize social responsibility alongside environmental care. Additionally, Accor’s internal training program has achieved a notable milestone, with 99% of its general managers completing sustainability modules, enhancing their ability to meet certification requirements and uphold sustainable practices across properties. These certifications collectively foster a more responsible approach to hospitality, addressing diverse aspects of sustainability on a global scale.

These certifications mean places are working towards a better future. They help travelers find places that care about the planet. By choosing these places, travelers help make the world more natural.

How low-impact lodges reduce carbon footprint

Sustainable properties focus on cutting carbon emissions. They use new methods to lessen their environmental harm. This includes using renewable energy and reducing waste.

Accor hotels have cut emissions by 25% since 2019. They use LED lights and motion sensors to save energy. This cuts down on costs and helps the planet.

Rios Lodge uses hydroelectric power, avoiding fossil fuels. This clean energy makes the lodge sustainable. It shows how to effectively reduce carbon emissions.

AI helps Accor properties track food waste, cutting landfill waste by 30%. This tech helps kitchens waste less. It's a smart way to tackle a big problem.

Selva Bananito offers programs to offset carbon emissions. Guests help plant trees, balancing nature. It's a way to give back to the environment.

Arenal Observatory Lodge protects water by using natural sewage treatment. This sustainable method keeps water clean. It shows how to care for our resources.

La Leona Eco Lodge doesn't use AC, saving 50% of energy in the rainforest. Simple changes can make a big difference. It shows how to live lightly.

Ecologically Conscious Properties

Traveler preferences for sustainable options

More travelers want sustainable stays. A study found 70% are skeptical of environmentally neutral claims. They want real proof of sustainability.

Many are willing to pay more for places that protect the environment. For example, 57% choose SCP Corcovado for its turtle programs. This shows a growing desire for meaningful experiences.

Transparency is crucial. Over 80% of travelers check sustainable -certifications online. They want to trust the nature-aligned claims of their stays.

Travelers also value local guides. Places like Lapa Rios, with indigenous tours, are popular. They support local communities and enrich the travel experience.

The trend of "regenerative tourism" is rising. Guests at Rios Lodge help plant trees. This hands-on approach attracts sustainability-conscious travelers.

Booking low-impact lodges via expedia: a step-by-step guide

Finding sustainable places to stay is now easier with Expedia Group’s tools. The platform’s "sustainability-certified" filter shows over 8,000 properties worldwide. This makes booking simple and clear.

First, choose "Stays" and turn on the "low-impact Certified" option. This shows properties with Green Key and EarthCheck certifications. Make sure these match your nature-concious standards.

Then, compare carbon ratings. Look for CST 5-leaf or GSTC Silver/Gold. These ratings show a property’s sustainable impact. Use Expedia Rewards to earn points on your bookings, making your choices even more valuable.

Lastly, check traveler photos to see if the property is as natural as it seems. This step helps you make sure it meets your sustainability expectations. By following these steps, you can choose places that help the planet.

Why Costa Rica leads in sustainable tourism

Costa Rica is a top name in ecotourism, leading the way in protecting the environment. It gets 98% of its power from clean energy. This shows its strong commitment to being natural.

The country has set aside 26% of its land for nature. This move helps keep biodiversity and natural beauty alive. Since 1948, Costa Rica has focused on education and nature, not war.

The first low-impact lodge, Rara Avis, opened in 1983. Since then, the number of low-impact lodges has grown by 500%. Corcovado National Park is a gem, with 2.5% of the world's biodiversity.

Costa Rica wants to be carbon-neutral by 2025. It's working hard to achieve this goal, with a plan to have 60% of its land covered in forests.

Costa Rica wants to be carbon-neutral by 2025. It's working hard to achieve this goal, with a plan to have 60% of its land covered in forests.

Making your travel more sustainable

Travelers can make a big difference by changing small habits. For example, taking trains instead of planes can cut CO2 emissions by 75%. This is according to a study by Expedia Group.

Here are some easy ways to make your travel more efficient:

  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen, like for Costa Rica’s marine parks. It's a must at places like SCP Corcovado.
  • Use public transport when you can. In Costa Rica, 94% of nature-conscious lodges offer shuttle services to cut down on carbon.
  • Offset flights through platforms like MyClimate. This is an option in 80% of Expedia bookings.
  • Choose accommodations that report on their CSR efforts. For example, Lapa Rios publishes annual sustainability audits.
  • Travel during off-peak seasons. This reduces overcrowding and strain on resources, making it a more sustainable choice.

These practices not only help the environment but also make your trip better. By choosing wisely, you can help make the future Nature-aligned.

Sustainable Practice

Your next sustainable adventure awaits

The future of tourism is about making choices that help both people and the planet. Costa Rica has over 50 certified accommodations that show how to reduce environmental impact while offering amazing experiences.

Expedia Group is leading the way in sustainable travel. It aims to double its nature-certified listings by Q3 2024. This supports its goal of being net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

For your next trip, use Expedia’s Green Key filter to find places that care about the planet. As Aditi Mohapatra says, "Sustainable travel isn't just a trend - it's the new foundation of tourism." Choose options that protect our world for your next adventure.

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