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Minimize Waste & Conserve Resources

Protecting Our Environment

Rancho Bernardo Inn is deeply committed to preserving the environment through the “A Greener Inn” initiative. This program has been implemented company-wide to reduce our operational impact through resource conservation and sustainable best practices. By minimizing waste, conserving water and energy, making informed decisions, and continually refining our efforts, we strive to create an eco-friendly experience that preserves the natural beauty around us.

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Our Perspective, Our Planet

Nearly a decade before “environmentalism” became a trend, Rancho Bernardo Inn was founded with a deep connection to its lush surroundings. To minimize our impact on these lands, we are evolving our efforts to manage the two pounds of nightly guest waste, primarily from beverage and paper products—items that make up 65% of the waste in the hospitality industry.

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In the Kitchen

In cooperation with the City of San Diego, we installed a new Hydrologix treatment system that removes fat, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater, turning kitchen FOG into gray water and eliminating the need for grease removal and disposal.

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Around the Resort

We’ve installed an energy management system in the Aragon Ballroom, which provides “real-time use” of the ventilation system to control HVAC functions on a time and event schedule. We’ve also converted to LED lighting, which has reduced our carbon footprint per occupied room on a daily basis.

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On Our Course

We’re proud to operate a full fleet of electric golf carts. Unlike typical gas golf carts these allow us to conserve fossil fuel usage.

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In Our Rooms

By installing water-efficient fixtures, we save 4.5 million gallons annually, and our occupancy-sensing thermostats reduce energy use by 2030%. We've eliminated single-use plastic bottles, placed recycling bins in every room, and through our "Project Care," guests can choose reduced laundry services and participate in energy-saving programs.

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Crafting Our Menus

Our menus feature seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. In addition, we also have a Garden-to-Table/Glass program that is curated by our full-time gardener.

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Nonprofit Partnerships

We are aligned with San Diego Oasis, whose mission is to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and volunteer engagement. We also donate over 50 gift certificates per year for overnight stays, dining, and golf to our local non-profits, which are then auctioned to raise more than $100,000 for our local community.

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Vendor Partnerships

We make sure that our vendors are as committed to the environment as we are. Starbucks Coffee, utilized throughout the resort, is “Fair Trade Certified” and the largest North American buyer of fair trade coffee.