Going Green

At eXtreme Hotels Cabarete, we strive to be at one with the environment. We are working hard to become the first eco-hotel in Cabarete and the Dominican Republic.  It is not an easy feat to accomplish!

Anyone who has attempted to manage power or water consumption knows what a challenge it can be.  It is even harder to manage other people’s power and water consumption when they are on vacation.

The Dominican Republic also presents it’s own set of challenges:

• The power supply from the power company is of irregular consistency and quality.    Power outages are frequent and power surges devastate everything connected.  The cost of power is very expensive.
• A very humid and salty environment that eats away at all electronics.  Also, wind, sand, earthquakes, hurricanes, power surges, random accidents .. the list goes on.

Once we evaluated all the variables, or at least the ones we could identify, we came up with a balance in line with  our living at one with the environment philosophy.

A model of the hotel was put into a wind simulator to identify optimum venting and take advantage of the consistent winds  in  Cabarete.   Vents were installed in key locations, ensuring proper circulation and the result was an amazing  improvement in air circulation.  It worked so well then in the winter months some guests are requesting extra blankets.

The roof was sealed with a special material containing reflective particles, therefore, reducing heat.

All the hot water heaters were replaced with solar hot water heaters.

solar panels on the roof of eXtreme Cabarete

The key components (things you can never be without) were identified and put on an independent solar panel and battery system.  The internet connections (both), wireless routers, security cameras, hallway and bedroom lights, and fans are always on so you can get to your room,  surf the web and have a good night’s sleep without worrying about power loss.

A windmill was installed on the leading edge of the hotel to power the pool pumps – (currently not working, back to the drawing board).  Update – a solar pool pump for the pool was installed.

The wind turbine on the roof of eXtreme Cabarete

We hang dry the laundry and use environmentally conscious cleaning products.

Low wattage bulbs and low consumption fans were installed in the rooms.  Low flow water taps were installed in the bathrooms

It’s been an effort, but we are striving to use as little energy as possible while dealing with minimal discomfort.

Big thanks to Freddy of Freddy’s Multi Service in Sosua for his ongoing help in achieving our goals!