The word “sustainable” has become a popular marketing term. But for Océano Patagonia: Wild Coast Residence, the word sustainable really means something.

Sustainable development balances care for the environment with community economic development. The goal of Océano Patagonia’s developers was to build the best boutique accommodation in the area, in terms of design and reduced environmental impact, while having a positive impact on the local economy. To this end, they prioritized the use of resources available in the region by using local suppliers and local construction materials, and they emphasized the use of technology developed or available in Argentina. Now, this work is being recognized by the hotel industry with Océano Patagonia’s nomination as one of the finalists in the  “Responsible Hotel” Category awarded by the Sustainable Hotel competition.

“When our two families decided to build here, in the heart of one of the most incredible places in Patagonia,” explains Marcelo Battilana, one of Océano Patagonia’s developers, “We stood on the beach admiring this amazing bay of crystal clear, blue water and incredible wildlife… and we committed to reduce our environmental impact as much as possible and to share the values of sustainable development with our guests.”

Océano Patagonia’s eco-suites are located on the beach in the heart of Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a sanctuary for many species that live here throughout the year, and for others who come here for several months to reproduce and give birth to their young.

Sharilyn Amy, Océano Patagonia’s other founder, continues: “There really is no other place in the world like the Peninsula. We wanted to do all that we possibly could to take decisions that protect this oasis and address the principal environmental problems of the area: energy and water.”

To support their commitment to the guiding principles of sustainability, the founders invested in technology to address the existing environmental challenges of the zone, installing:

• Geothermal which provides heating, air conditioning and hot water using only 5% of the energy of other systems;
• A grey water system, reducing the consumption of water and sewer by 50%;
• LED lamps, reducing electricity consumption to 20%;
• Retak masonry to improve thermal insulation;
• DVH A30 New windows with a thermal bridge rupture that improves insulation;
• Recycled wood for furnishings, manufactured by an artisanal carpenter, in order to support the work of small-scale Argentine producers; and
• Shortly, photovoltaic panels in order to contribute to energy generation that offsets the building’s already reduced consumption.

In addition, they have a strong commitment to support the local economy. Their policy was and is to work with local and Argentine suppliers: 90% of their materials were purchased in the province. Now, they purchase all of the food and body care products used at Océano Patagonia from local suppliers.

“The truth is, the challenge of sourcing local suppliers has opened up many new relationships across the country, ” Amy explains.” And it helped us initiate a broader conversation about our shared responsibility to the environment.”

The founders invested their own money and time to make these commitments, and continue to do so with every operational decision they make.

Battilana explains, “We are just two families, and we made these commitments using our own money because we wanted to provide an example for our kids: that it is possible to create business responsibly. These decisions cost us at least 30% more than traditional construction, but we felt that it was our obligation. Our work is an example for others: that the decisions of each person or company can have a positive impact and, well, when I think of my girls… it’s all worth it.”

The result: Océano Patagonia is one of the most environmentally-friendly buildings in Argentina… and one of its kind in the province of Chubut.