The growing global trend for many developers is a more "green" approach to building, maintenance and lifestyles that will ultimately have positive affects on our environment. According to some Roatan developers, going green is a natural for the Islands.
One such development taking advantage of the recent popularity of going "green" is the Sandy Bay hillside project La Selva, inspired by Father/Son team of Mike and Tim Overfield. Bringing years of building experience to the table, the Overfields have decided that their La Selva project, will be the hallmark for others to follow in the preservation and protection of Roatan's rainforests and fragile environment. What does "going green" mean? Their website claims that one of the ways "will be the use of "green roofs," or "green walls." Why? According to Overfield, green roofs and walls "Reduces the temperature of the surrounding air, reducing the Urban Heat Island effect." and "Reduces storm water runoff.... If your roof was absorbing it’s share of that water instead of redirecting it down the drain spout and into the sewer, there’s a significantly lower chance for overflow and backing-up," and finally, "You can breathe easier with a green roof around because plants = oxygen."
Overfield calls his La Selva project, "an ecologically-sensitive community" and has more things planned like reducing waste and recycling programs for residents.
Hoteliers are also committing to a greener environment. Bananarama Beach and Dive Resort is Eco-Friendly and "we are committed to accomplishing our eco-friendly and sustainable use goals. We started our path down the eco-friendly road more than three years ago when we followed our dream to the beautiful island of Roatan in the Caribbean and still have many goals before us," says Partner and Consultant, Louis St. Louis.
"We want our resort and its environment as it is today to be here for the generations of the future. Outside of preparation, the number one thing we give our guests is the opportunity to chose to be eco-friendly. Being Eco-Friendly to us goes beyond the simple things like laundry detergent, not using disposable plastics, septic treatment and tankless water heaters. Eco-Friendly to us is not just a choice, but a way of life. As a result of our philosophy our guests here at Bananarama Beach and Dive Resort have the opportunity to chose when they want their linens, bath towels and rooms cleaned. They can choose to A/C when it gets hot or to use ceiling fans," St. Louis adds. "One of the greatest challenges that we have faced is not how to build an Eco-Resort, but how to transform our already existing resort to become eco-friendly. Through planning, hard work and lots of guests input we are able to continue pursuing our "green" goals."
For more information on how to be more environmentally friendly, go to www.BuildingGreen.com
Bananarama's website is www.RoatanEcoResort.com
