A combination of rooftop solar panels, solar hot water systems, and battery storage installed by Poderco meet nearly 30% of the hotel’s annual energy demand with renewable energy. Energy efficient appliances, HVAC system, Big Ass Fans®, and a combination of CFL and LED lighting along with timers for outdoor lights and motion sensors for the guest suites and bathrooms further minimize grid-energy use. This, along with an energy monitoring and HVAC control system, makes Olas Verdes 40% more efficient than the baseline building performance rating based on the ASHRAE standard, which is the highest level of energy efficiency for the LEED v3 requirements. That said, Olas Verdes has purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) through 3Degrees to offset any other potential grid emissions for the next three years since Costa Rica’s grid is primarily powered by renewables (nearly 100% for the last three years).