Our Sustainability
Social Responsibility
Carmel Valley remains a rustic, working valley that retains its symbiotic relationship with the land. It offers the best of country living with its casual sprawl of farms, ranches, golf courses and, of course, vineyards. Much of the region is still rugged wilderness, and the hills are alive with wildlife.
We believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to conserve these natural resources. With being a green hotel in Carmel Valley, we’re committed to reducing our overall carbon footprint while promoting sustainable choices and alternatives. We hope our beliefs will resonate with you and prompt you to think green.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
- Cultivation of native plants in order to reduce the water and fertilizer requirements
- Utilization of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation
- All showerheads, faucets, and toilets are low-flow with aerators
- Guest-optional towel and sheet reuse replacement program
- Compact T8 fluorescent lights
- Hot-water recirculation pumps
- High-efficiency heat pumps for guest room heating and air-conditioning
- Exterior lighting on photocell
- Triple insulation in walls and ceilings
- Gas, water and energy usage is posted monthly to encourage employee awareness and team goal setting
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- Natura® Water filtration system—on-site water filtration system provides delicious still and sparkling waters, which are then packaged in reusable glass bottles for the guest rooms and dining outlets
- All of our water is treated and reused for irrigation throughout the property, excluding fruit trees and vegetable plants.
- All cleaning supplies and detergents are non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Spa products used for facial, massage and body treatments feature all-natural ingredients
- Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels biweekly by a local company
- Biodegradable, corn-based beverage cups and silverware for to-go meals
- Biodegradable gift/amenity bags in our Spa Boutique and to-go bags in our dining outlets
- All-natural, handmade bath and body amenities in large, refillable containers minimize use of plastic and are gentle to the body and the environment
- Soy-based ink on letterhead and printed materials
- Natural gas fireplaces in guest rooms
- Reusable air filters
- Low VOC paints and stains
- Elimination of styrofoam and re-use of all packaging materials
BUY LOCAL
We support the local community foremost by supporting the economic vitality of the Salinas Valley and surrounding farmlands. By buying locally, this supports more than just local commerce, as these dollars are then reinvested into our schools, city infrastructure and community programs. Supporting local businesses is a sustainable practice that sets a positive example by reducing fuel consumption and the need for shipped goods.
- Relationships with local farmers and purveyors to purchase locally-sourced and organic meats and produce
- Bernardus Garden—A working, functional, custom garden to source our fresh seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables
- Vendors are encouraged to deliver using reusable plastic bins, crates and bottles. We save and return any boxes/bottles to vendors for re-use
- Our culinary team supports the sustainable seafood movement and builds menus around the products recommended by the National Seafood Guide and the Seafood Watch Program
PROPERTY-WIDE RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
- Recycling opportunities throughout both internal resort operations and public space
- Recycling program designed to capture and divert all plastic containers, bottles, glass, cardboard and paper
- Composting of our kitchen and landscaping scraps have resulted in over 7,000 cubic feet of organic matter per year, all of which is returned to the property and utilized back in the garden and landscaping
- Toxic waste program created to assure proper disposal of batteries, grease, oil, chemicals and other toxic waste materials
- Our continued participation in local events and fundraisers promotes local programs and spreads sustainable awareness and education. For example:
- Culinary Events — We offer monthly cooking classes that educate you on topics such as home gardening, sustainable cooking and organic farming.
- Monterey Wine Education Foundation — Chef Christian Ojeda is on the board of directors, which raises funds to provide scholarships for students pursuing studies in hospitality, enology and viticulture.
- Monterey County Hospitality Association
- Culinary Drummond Academy at Rancho Cielo
- Pebble Beach Food & Wine — Chef Christian Ojeda participates annually in Pebble Beach Food & Wine, which fundraises for the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Both are dedicated to the safety, well-being and best interests of local children.
Community Relations
Our Bernardus team members participate in a multitude of Carmel Valley and Monterey County organizations, including boards, events and fundraisers that promote local programs, spread sustainable awareness and foster education.
We support Carmel Valley community relations foremost by supporting the economic vitality of the Salinas Valley and surrounding farmlands. By buying locally, we boost more than just local commerce, as these dollars are then reinvested into our schools, city infrastructure and community programs. Supporting local businesses is a sustainable practice that sets a positive example by reducing fuel consumption and the need for shipped goods.
MONTEREY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Over the past 20 years, the MWEF has raised over $2 million to fund scholarships that support viticulture, enology and hospitality-industry students.
PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE, SUPPORTING CHEF
Pebble Beach Food & Wine fundraises for the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Both are dedicated to the safety, well-being and best interests of local children.
CULINARY EVENTS
We offer monthly cooking classes that educate you on topics such as home gardening, sustainable cooking and organic farming.
Community Impact Partnership
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a proud partner of Kind Traveler in furthering the well-being and sustainability of our surrounding community by supporting the important work of Rancho Cielo, a comprehensive learning and social services center that invests in young people facing challenges for success through diploma education, vocational training, counseling and life skills development.
Kind Traveler, a veteran-and-women-owned public benefit corporation, is the first socially conscious Give + Get travel platform empowering a new generation of responsible travelers to positively impact the communities they visit. We invite you to explore exclusive offers and an opportunity to give back to Rancho Cielo. 100% of donations go to charity. Learn more about this unique opportunity to give back while visiting us in Carmel Valley, California.