PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—The “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit have been named among Mexico’s most eco-conscious hotels, receiving the Distintivo “S” recognition from the Mexico Tourism Board. The Distintivo “S” award is based on a global criteria of sustainability by EarthCheck and the Rainforest Alliance and is promoted by the World Tourism Organization and The Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The AAA Five Diamond resorts received the award for their best practices involving environmental programs, eco-practices and self-sustainability.
With an elite water treatment process and rigorous protection of its current environment, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the most eco-friendly places in Latin America. The resort does not depend on any oil-based source of fuel. Solar panels installed on the roof of the resort in an area of 7,513 square feet generate over 191 million kilocalories per year, equivalent to 222 million+ kilowatt hours. In addition, co-generation electricity plants reduce dependency on local and countrywide energy sources, and a state of the art air-conditioning system reduces contaminating emissions and minimizes the consumption of energy. The resort also possesses its own water treatment facility to recycle water for gray-use irrigation and features a coolant-free air-conditioning system, which emits zero atmosphere-threatening toxins. These are just a few of the environmental actions Grand Velas has adopted for its social and environmental initiatives.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has also implemented internal standards for environmental conservation. Garbage separation, generation of compost, use of solar panels, taking care of green areas in public spaces, use of biodegradable products and beach cleaning are among some of its initiatives.
