• Do you have a written environmental or social sustainability policy?     YES/NO

If yes, please attach.

• Do you have a written environmental management system?                  YES/NO

If yes, please attach.

• Describe the property – aim, size, facilities, amount of land owned and leased  (150 words max)
  

Totoco is a three-tiered project which includes an Eco-lodge (profit making entity), organic permaculture farm (non-profit) and development centre for the local people (non profit). The Eco-lodge funded the start-up of the two non-profits and provides a location from where they can function free of charge. All entities have their own mission but a shared vision. Our vision is:
 To pioneer and share best practices in eco-tourism and stimulate
and support the sustainable development of the local community.

The Totoco property comprises 15 acres of land which is split as follows; bottom section of 5 acres houses our farm, the middle section of 5 acres is home to a 3rd generation forest which we are leaving untouched apart from a few walking paths with educational signs and a breath-taking top section of 5 acres where the Eco-lodge is primarily built.

The Eco-lodge offers the following;

• Private accommodation in one of four custom-designed and built lodges made from local materials and labour. We have plans to build three more lodges at the end of 2010.
• Shared accommodation in Totoco's 6-person dormitory
• Main lodge which houses an office & reception, bar, restaurant & kitchen and communal toilets
• (Under construction – expected completion Sep 2010) Natural infinity swimming pool with waterfalls and regeneration ponds. The swimming pool uses only rain water which is stored in a separate tank.

The entire property functions off-grid via numerous resilient solar energy systems. Moreover, over 90% of all water used is recycled via bio-filters to provide water for our gardens during the dry season. Up until now we have planted over 2000 trees on the property and waste is split into 7 categories.

• Describe the location, including distance to nearest town and size of town (100 words max)

Totoco is located on the island of Ometepe (totalling 276km2) in southern Nicaragua which was recently declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The island is highly distinguishable given it comprises two volcanoes, the dormant Maderas Volcano which is also home to one of Nicaragua's two cloud forests and the active Concepccion Volcano who is close to a picture-perfect cone. The island rises up out of Lake Nicaragua, the region's largest fresh water lake and the two volcanoes are linked via a sandy Isthmus.

Totoco is positioned at 200 meters elevation on the slopes of Maderas Volcano and as such offers spectacular views of both volcanoes, the lake and its islets. Behind the property begins the island's premier organic-shade grown coffee plantation and numerous walking trails not the least of which leads to a crater-lake at the top of the volcano.

The closest town to Totoco is the village of Balgue located 1.5 kms. Balgue is  home to almost 3000 residents the majority of whom are sustenance farmers. 

• Describe WHY you made the decision to develop an eco resort (100 word max)

There comes time when you have to walk the talk. It is best explained using the well-known saying 'you need to be the change you want to see in the world'.

Each of the three initiators wanted to create a business in a less-developed country that we could be proud of and that could serve as model for other businesses looking to start-up in countries like Nicaragua.

We believe that tourism can change lives especially in less-developed countries and Nicaragua is at its infancy in relation to its potential to attract and benefit from tourism. As such, it needs to attract investors to this sector who have a conscience who include other factors apart from 'pure profit' when analysing the business's success. We take into consideration our impact on the local community and the environment in everything we do.  

Introduction to the Butterfly Club’s Eco Rating

The Butterfly Club Eco Rating has five equally-weighted categories:

• Energy;
• Water;
• Recycling and waste;
• Land and nature conservation; and
• Community.

Each category has five levels, designated by one to five butterflies.  Through self assessment, resort operators completing this rating will determine their own levels within each category based on their responses to items listed below. 

Two categories – energy and water – have similar rating systems with Levels 1 and 2 addressing conservation of existing resources, and Levels 3, 4 and 5 addressing creation of renewable energy or capturing water. 

Level five in every category also requires written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record consumption; (2) test and apply additional conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific targets.   We require a copy of your policies if you achieve level 5 in any category.

This is Totoco's weak area. We are aware that we need to put our policies in writing and we will be working to do that over the coming months.

Energy

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

_X_  use natural air circulation and fans, not air conditioners
_X__  use natural light during the day
_X__  minimize use of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines and equipment
_X__  use “on demand” or solar heating for hot water
_X__  air dry clothes/linens
_X__  wash dishes by hand
_X__  use energy efficient appliances and electronics
_X__  use low wattage fluorescent light bulbs
_X __  change linens, tablecloths, napkins upon request
_X__  switch off lights when not used

Other energy conservation activities? Please list:
Every watt of energy used at Totoco comes via renewable sources. Each lodge, the two manager's houses and the main lodge all have independent solar systems. Most lodges use 'on-deman' hot water systems, but we have recently finished a successful experiment where-by we implemented a compost hot water system to heat the water for one of our cabins. We are in the process of planning the roll-out of this system to the other lodges.

Moreover, the design of our lodges maximize passive cooling techniques including cross-ventilation, hot air escapes, natural thatched roofs which breath, wooden Persian windows (I.e. no glass so the cabin breathes all day/night). We use LED technology throughout the eco-lodge
 
Level 1 = four or fewer energy conservation activities

Level 2 = five or more energy conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 - renewable energy: Indicate proportion (%) of energy from each source:

99%___  solar
___  wind
___  hydro
___  generator
___  public utility
Other energy sources? Please list:
1% composting system which heats water tubing as a consequence of the decomposition of organic matter.

100% TOTAL

How were these proportions developed?

We are entirely off grid and use only solar energy. We generate over 8 kilo watts of solar energy a day. Once in the rainy season our batteries in the main lodge got so low that we had to use the generator for 3 hours but apart from that we do not use the generator. Even our small freezer and washing machine is run off our solar system.

Level 3 = renewable energy is employed and is less than 1/3 of all energy

Level 4 = renewable energy constitutes 1/3 – 2/3 of all energy

Level 5 = renewable energy constitutes 2/3 or more of all energy.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record energy consumption; (2) test and apply additional energy conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific energy targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Energy Level 5 (required).

Your Energy Level (select 1 – 5) =  5

Water

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

__  low flow faucets and showerheads
_X_  NO water use toilets
_X_  change linens, towels, tablecloths, and napkins upon request
_X__use table mats that can be wiped and not laundered
_half_  use biodegradable laundry detergent, dish soap and hand soap (we provide organic soap and shampoo to our guests but the laundry detergent is still non-biodegradable because we can't buy that in Nicaragua!
_X_  treat swimming pool with chlorine-free processes
Other water conservation activities?  Please list.

Level 1 = three or fewer water conservation activities

Level 2 = four or more water conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 – capture and treat fresh water and manage waste water. Capture water: Indicate proportion (%) of water from each source:

_100%__  volcanic spring
___  river
___  rain
_90%__  reuse gray
___  public utility
Other water sources? Please list.

100% of the potable water used at Totoco comes from the cloud forest and nearly all of our grey water is recycled via bio-filters and then captured in tanks and used to water our plants in the dry season.

100% TOTAL

Fresh water treatment: how is captured fresh water treated?
_X__  naturally.  Indicate method: charcoal, ultraviolet light, other? List:
clay filter with silver filaments to remove bacteria. In general the water coming from the volcano is VERY clean and delicious.                                  
___  chemically.  List chemicals used:

Waste water management:
___  septic tanks
___  cesspools
_X__  other? List methods: We only use waterless compost toilets. All toilets have a urine separator and a part for faeces. We dilute urine with water and apply this to our plants given that the next most plentiful component in urine is nitrogen and many plants LOVE nitrogen. The faeces is taken to a composting area where it is maintained for a year (turned and moistened at times to speed up the decomposition process) and then with time it becomes rich fertile soil and is applied to our trees and plants as compost. Nothing is wasted! Our guests learn about our composting process.

Level 3: Water is captured (from springs, rivers, rain or prior use) and constitutes less than 1/3 of water from all sources.  Water is treated chemically.  Water disposal does not minimize damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 4:  Captured water constitutes 1/3 to 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 5:  Captured water constitutes more than 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests.   In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record water consumption; (2) test and apply additional water conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific water targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Water Level 5 (required).

Your Water Level (select 1 – 5): 4

Recycling and waste

Check all that apply:

_X__   use durable service items, e.g. cups, glasses, dishes, tableware, storage items
_X__   buy fresh and local to reduce packaging and emissions from transportation
_X__   purchase in bulk to reduce packaging
_X_   recycle paper, glass, plastic, aluminum
_X__   minimize emissions from fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines & equipment      
_X__   zero waste in the kitchen
_X__   serve local water, not bottled water (we do serve both as some guests refuse to try the volcanic spring water)
___   cleaning products are biodegradable (we are moving towards this but as yet it is not happening on a regular basis. Stay tuned because we are in experimentation phase and trying out vinegar, lemon and lemon grass (as a fragrant)
_X__   compost organic matter
Other methods to recycle waste? Please list.

Level 1 = four or fewer recycling activities

Level 2 = five recycling activities

Level 3 = six recycling activities

Level 4 = seven recycling activities

Level 5 = eight or more recycling activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record recycling and waste; (2) test and apply additional recycling and waste conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific recycling and waste targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Recycling and Waste Level 5 (required).

Your Recycling and Waste Level (select 1 – 5): 5

Land and nature conservation

Check all that apply:

_X__   minimize tree removal when building
_X__   use only botanical (plant-based) herbicides & pesticides in garden & grounds
_X__   maintain organic gardens as food source for resort
___   use biodegradable cleaning products
_X__   minimize external illumination
_X__   take additional specific actions to preserve the local habitat. 
_X__   Landscaping with native plants
Please list actions
and projects:

We have planted over 2000 trees to date and are reforesting both the top and bottom platforms of our land. The middle section is a forest which we are not touching other than to add natural walking paths in order to educate our guests and visitors about the flora and fauna in our region.
 
Level 1: one or two land and nature conservation activities

Level 2: three land and nature conservation activities

Level 3: four land and nature conservation activities

Level 4: five land and nature conservation activities

Level 5: six or more land and nature conservation activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record land and nature conservation activities; (2) test and apply additional land and nature conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific land and nature conservation targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Land and Nature Conservation Level 5 (required).

Your Land and Nature Conservation Level (select 1 – 5): 4

Community

This category addresses policies and activities regarding staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the community. 

Check all activities that apply:

_X__  hire staff residing near the resort   
_X__  use local suppliers                          
___  re-invest resort income locally            ___% income re-invested locally
_X__  pay above local prevailing wage
_X__  pay into local social security
__X_  provide health insurance or coverage
_X__  use regular staff meetings to educate staff about sustainable processes throughout the resort, in the garden, with waste disposal, etc
_X__  provide educational awareness programs for staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the local community
___  provide sustainable transport to work for staff
_X__  take additional specific actions to support the local community. Please list actions and projects.
___  Have enrolled your staff in any personal green training/certification schemes such as ecohelpline.com green leaf certification.

Level 1: one or two community activities

Level 2: three to five community activities

Level 3: six to seven community activities

Level 4: eight to nine community activities

Level 5: ten or more community activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record community activities; (2) test and apply additional methods to support the community; and (3) work towards specific community targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Community Level 5 (required).

Your Community Level (select 1 – 5):  4

YOUR OVERALL ECO SCORE (add your level for each category and divide by 5and enter the result with the decimal point, e.g. 3.6):   4.4

We have three final questions which are not part of the eco rating: 

1. Please describe your single most important eco achievement:

We are not sure if it is the fact that we only use renewable energy sources, or the fact that we have employed over 120 local people so far in the construction and operations of Totoco or if it is the reforestation program of 10 acres of land using organic permaculture principles!

2. Indicate additional sustainable practices that you plan to institute within the next 6 months.

Experimenting at the moment with natural cleaning products and plan to transition to these assuming they still show themselves to be able to kill bacteria and germs. In this case we will employ a local person to make our own vinegar using the large number of plantain and banana trees we have on our property. The cost savings associated from not have to buy detergent will go a long way towards paying for this persons job thus giving employment and teaching them a new and important skill.

3. Is there anything else you would like to add to this eco rating?

a) How do the hotels get their guests to their resorts? Is it outsourced to locals? Do they use low emission vehicles?
b) carbon offsetting programs?