Five Environmentally Sustainable Hotels In The Philippines

Here are some environmentally sustainable hotels and resorts trying to make a difference.

If you have been sweating like a pig, or have been finding yourself wanting to shower more than the usual number of times in a day, you might as well get used to it. Climate change is real.

While some people proactively deny the occurrence of climate change (or global warming—however you want to call it), the numbers do not lie. Just recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that July of 2016 was the warmest July in the last 136 years, very likely due to the steady increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which causes the rise of temperature across the world.

Situated near the equator, the Philippines is far from immune from global warming. Luckily, many local businesses are already on the move to save the planet earth in the little ways they could. Here are some environmentally sustainable hotels and resorts trying to make a difference.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Being under its parent company, Accor Hotels, Sofitel Philippine Plaza is not an exemption to its commitments to sustainable development. Among their many initiatives, Sofitel has taken steps towards collaborating with 'clean farmers' to sustainably source the food they serve at the hotel.

Privato Hotel

Owned by Gab Perez, and a property under Green Asia Real Estate, Privato Hotel was built with sustainability in mind. Case in point: Privato used silicon resin paint, which requires repainting only every 15 to 20 years. Although its cost is relatively higher, it leans towards long-term expense reduction for the hotel.

They also try to involve their guests in their environmental sustainability initiatives in ways as simple as encouraging them to reuse their towels so as to conserve water.

Miniloc Island Resort

El Nido Resorts' Eco-Discovery island resort, Miniloc, offers guests a back-to-basics Filipino coastal village vibe with a rustic native design. Aside from its ambience, it prides itself in being one of El Nido's most sustainable resorts.

The island getaway has taken the initiative to install solar panels on their Deluxe Water Cottages. In 2015, Miniloc Island Resort was awarded for consistently following the Segregation at Source program of El Nido Resorts' Environment Department.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel

Cocoon Boutique Hotel distinguishes itself as an "urban green hotel," making it a pioneer in its niche. They advocate responsible luxury; sustainability being a priority from the beginning.

The wood used in the building is reclaimed, and with recycled materials. Architects and engineers made sure that everything meets the hotel's aim of being sustainable—from water pipes to organic toiletries. Looking into the future, they allocated provisions for energy renewal when they finish their energy conservation phase.

Hijo Resorts Davao

Hijo Resorts Davao has positioned itself as the country's first eco-agri tourism destination. Set in a lush banana and coconut plantation, it has put sustainability and conservation at the forefront.

The activities—from day tours, river and plantation tours—were designed to align with the resort's commitment to sustainability and conservation. Aside from the hotel's day-to-day operations, they decided to go the extra mile by helping out residents of Davao del Norte, providing housing four entrepreneurial ventures that use the property for their businesses like sustainable fish farming, meat processing, organic fertilizer production, and the manufacturing of chili powder from local chilies.