Our Commitment
At Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, we are committed to preserving and regenerating the environment and leaving a positive, enduring impact on our local community. Below are some of the sustainability initiatives we have implemented at our property. Click here to learn more about global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts at Four Seasons.
our initiatives
Energy Efficiency:
- Energy sourced from renewable sources
- Energy-saving guest room controls and building systems
- Water-efficient landscaping
- Option for guests to easily offset carbon emissions from travel in ways that can positively impact local families by increasing forest cover in Costa Rica, protecting and restoring nature and preserving a sense of place for future generations
Emissions Reduction:
- Carbon footprint calculated and net-zero program in place
- Green mobility promotion by offering E/V chargers and hydrogen-powered cars for airport transfers
- Land and water bicycles available for guest use
- Option for guests to easily offset carbon emissions from travel in ways that can positively impact local families by increasing forest cover in Costa Rica, protecting and restoring nature and preserving a sense of place for future generations.
Water Stewardship:
- Water footprint calculated for the entire Resort; 13% reduction in 2022 in comparison to the baseline year 2019
- 100% of water is treated and reused for irrigation
- Linens and towels are replaced every third day, unless otherwise requested
- Elimination of Single-Use Plastics:
- Replacement of all single-use plastics in the guest experience with sustainable alternatives such as large-bulk amenities, bamboo straws and cutlery, cardboard cups, and reusable fabric laundry bags
- Reusable water bottles are complimentary for all golf players
- Drinking water bottling program that eliminates 292,000 plastic bottles annually
- Water-refilling stations available throughout the Resort
Recycling and Composting Program in Place:- 515 tons of organic waste composted at Peninsula Papagayo
- Successful recycling partnership with local administration and suppliers to ensure proper recycling and disposal of valuables such as aluminum, metal, plastic, used kitchen oils, batteries or glass
- Beach clean-ups are conducted on a regular basis on our two beaches to raise awareness among our staff and clean the plastic washed up on the shore
- Local, sustainable and seasonal menu items available
- Vegan and vegetarian menus available
- Organic waste diversion program in place thanks to scale equipped with artificial intelligence; 30% reduction of food waste accomplished by the end of 2022
- Food excess donated to the Food Bank of Costa Rica
- Different hands-on experiences available for our guests to join and support our coral restoration project including coral snorkeling, coral gardening and coral planting
- Four different research projects underway at Peninsula Papagayo: coral reef restoration, wildlife monitoring, mangroves and seagrass restoration
- Flora and fauna inventory updated annually, with 268 species of terrestrial fauna and 68 species of marine faune identified within the destination
- Ongoing awareness-raising campaigns and training, including "Do not feed me" and 40km/h speed limit within the property
- All security staff is trained in turtle nesting response
- Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf course set amid 25 tree species and other wildlife
Promotion of Guanacaste Economy, Culture and Traditions:
- 68% of suppliers are local
- Guests can engage in our Cultural Roadtrip to learn more about cultural sites, the local community and support traditional businesses
- Local artists and artisans featured throughout our Resort, including in-room beach bags crafted by indigenous Costa Rican artisans, allowing them to showcase their skill and helping to keep their ancient cultural traditions alive
Ongoing Partnership with Creciendo Juntos, Peninsula Papagayo’s Charitable Organization:
- Linen, furniture and equipment donated
- Guest donation and volunteering opportunities available
- "Books 4 All" annual fundraising program benefiting 1,300 children from 13 schools in our circle of influence
- Community-based volunteering is an essential part of the embark process for new employees
- Active promotion of community engagement through school visits, local internship opportunities and inclusion of local community in initiatives such as Women of Papagayo
Employees:
- Complete training program for all our employees including Ethics and Code of Conduct, Occupation Safety, Designated Trainer, Embark, English, etc.
- Wellness program and company doctor available for all our staff
- Monthly environmental and social volunteering program organized for the staff
- Diversity, Equity and Equality program in place, including awareness raising workshops on gender equality, inclusion, LGTBIQ+, Pride Month celebration, etc.
- 56% of leadership positions are held by women
- Sustainable Purchasing Code
- Eco-certified cleaning products used
- On-property boutique featuring local products, including handcrafted items by indigenous artists
- Including vendors and third-party suppliers in our Environment and Social Sustainability Policy and actively engaging them to prioritize eco-friendly packaging solutions and locally sourced, fair-trade and environmentally friendly products and reduce their carbon footprint