Committed to taking care of our planet and being good stewards of the land
Since opening our doors in 1992, Post Ranch has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility and continues to be an industry leader when it comes to sustainability. It is our belief that what’s good for the planet can also be good for your guest experience.
Design & Architecture
Throughout the Ranch, our architecture emphasizes natural materials like glass, wood, stone, and passive solar heat. This intentional decision reflects our desire that guests feel immersed in nature, rather than mere observers.
- Efforts were made to avoid cutting trees when the property was developed.
- The earth-sheltered Ocean Houses with sod roofs blend into the landscape and reduce heat loss.
- The stilted 9 ft. Tree Houses were designed to protect the fragile root balls of nearby redwood and oak trees.
- Reclaimed wood, including old-growth redwood from old wine casks, adds a rich, deep red color to many guestroom walls.
- Trees that fall on the property are retrieved and made into benches along the pathways.
Natural Resources
Because we try to live our values, we’ve developed processes and systems that make the most of natural resources. While we know we aren’t perfect, our aim is always zero-to-minimal impact.
- Post Ranch Inn created the first commercial greywater system approved in Monterey County.
- All water used at Post Ranch Inn is sourced and treated via the seven wells located on property. That includes drinking water, water used in guestrooms, Sierra Mar, maintenance, laundry, etc.
- Usage is measured daily and quality is monitored and tested weekly. Post Ranch follows an extensive, property-wide recycling program for paper, newspaper, cardboard, cans, glass, aluminum, and compost from the restaurant. Also, to minimize waste and packaging, we use and produce recycled and recyclable materials.
- Water-efficient landscaping is used, focusing on native and drought-tolerant plants that are tended with organic fertilizer.
- Installed 990, 210-watt photovoltaic (light to electricity) solar panels that produce almost 350,000 kWh of pollution-free electricity per year.
Energy
In 2009, Post Ranch switched on a 990-panel solar installation, the largest hotel solar project in California. According to the EPA, the installation is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 600,000 pounds annually. That’s just one way the Post Ranch is working to conserve and practice clean-energy.
- The solar power generation consists of 990, 210-watt photovoltaic (light to electricity) solar panels that produce almost 350,000 kWh of pollution-free electricity per year.
- LED and low-voltage lighting are used throughout the property.
- South-facing windows in guest rooms have been tinted to lower energy use.
- A protective film has been placed on ocean-facing windows to reduce the sun's harmful effects, maintain room comfort, and save energy.
- Guests are transported in fuel-efficient Lexus hybrid vehicles. Guests' vehicles are parked away from the hotel rooms, avoiding traffic and emissions, and ensuring a serene environment.
Land & Wildlife
To preserve this pristine land and the wildlife that call it home, 90 of our 100 acres are maintained as a protected area, with the goal of zero impact and land preservation.
- The land is home to a number of indigenous species, including several that are rare, endangered, or threatened such as the Smith's blue butterfly (SBB), California red-legged frog (CRLF), California condor. To ensure these species continue to flourish, an extensive program of activities is in effect that includes conservation, site management, habitat protection and enhancement and guest education.
- An ongoing habitat conservation plan discourages invasive non-native flora and fauna.
- Forest management is an ongoing project designed to maintain healthy woodlands and protect flora and fauna.
- Post Ranch is active in the identification of Sudden Oak Death and fully participates in efforts to remove diseased trees, while planting a new oak tree for each that succumbs.
- Over 150 redwood and oak trees and other landscaping have been added, providing privacy, wind protection, shade, and beauty.
- Plant waste is chipped, mulched, and returned to the earth.
- No chemical pesticides or herbicides are used on the property.
Indoor Environment
Post Ranch has taken extra steps to provide a sustainable indoor experience for all guests, staff and visitors.
- Post Ranch Inn is designated as a non-smoking facility.
- Low and zero-VOC paints are used.
- The property implements an indoor air quality management plan to ensure guests' well-being, including maintenance and monitoring. In addition, Post Ranch has retained an indoor air quality expert, who advises Post Ranch on the many ways to maximize fresh air in the rooms and throughout all indoor public spaces.
- The inn uses low-emitting materials to reduce indoor air contaminants' amount, including adhesives, paints, coatings, and carpeting.
- The public property restrooms provide cotton hand towels.
- HEPA air filters are being used in all public spaces. Here’s a link to the current indoor air quality in the restaurant.
Guestrooms
Our guest rooms also reflect our commitment to the environment, all while maintaining a world-class experience.
- Water is conserved in guestrooms by low-flow showerheads, water faucets, and toilets.
- Laundry detergent is biodegradable and hypoallergenic, with botanicals and active herbal ingredients.
- Guests can assist in these conservation efforts by displaying an in-room magnetic sign on their door, indicating a change of linen is not necessary that day.
- Sheets and towels are made from 100% certified organic cotton, using no harmful chemicals or dyes. In addition, the sheets are custom made locally in Los Angeles.
- Guest soaps are flower-based, and other in-room guest amenities are earth-friendly. Purchase and promotion of these specialty products support small, regional businesses and cottage industries.
- Biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and lotions are provided in larger containers refillable and minimize waste.
- Lighting and heat are designed to maximize guests' comfort, including radiant heat on most guestrooms or bathroom floors.
- Post Ranch follows an extensive, property-wide recycling program for paper, newspaper, cardboard, cans, glass, aluminum, and compost from the restaurant. Also, to minimize waste and packaging, we use and produce recycled and recyclable materials. Each guestroom features a recycling bin.
- Single-use plastic bottles and Styrofoam are not used anywhere on the property. Guestrooms are stocked at turndown each evening with refillable glass bottles used in lieu of plastic. Also, in-room is stainless steel water bottles that guests can use at the inn or take home.
Food & Beverages
Post Ranch's award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar supports small producers and the regional economy by serving all-natural free-range beef and poultry and fresh, onsite, or locally-grown seasonal organic vegetables and fruit.
- The restaurant supports sustainable fishing practices and do not serve endangered or threatened fish. If possible, seafoods purchased from local fishermen and other foods from local producers or farmers' markets.
- Sierra Mar uses biodegradable containers made of corn starch.
- The Chef's garden provides fresh produce, vegetables, and herbs for our guests to enjoy.
- The resort uses fair-trade organic coffees and teas. Fresh organic fruits are juiced at the inn each day.
Spa
The full menu of spa treatments unites guests with nature elements, utilizing organic products, supporting local businesses, and recycling renewable energy. Certified organic linens and skincare products, eco-friendly detergent, and filtered laundry water for irrigation are examples of green standards.
- Medicinal plants and flowers from the Chef’s Garden are used in our signature spa products. The active ingredients' facial and skin care products contain natural fruit acids, medicinal herbs, flowers, vitamins, and minerals.
- Healing Big Sur Jade, collected from a local beach by a staff member, is used in the Hot Stone Therapy treatment.
- Smooth local Big Sur Jade distinguish the Jade Pool, each carefully placed by hand.
- The honey used in facials is collected locally and is pollinated from Post Ranch flowers.
- Additionally, we use eco-friendly detergent, organic sheets, and filter our laundry water for irrigation.
Education
If you’re curious to learn more about sustainability and the environmental philosophies that have shaped our approach, here are some of the ways we share this approach with guests.
- In-room compendium includes information on Post Ranch's endangered species and what is being done to protect them.
- Collateral material is printed on recycled paper, and an effort is made to use soy-based inks.
- Guests are encouraged to enjoy various complimentary activities, highlighting the ecological, community, and individual resources at Post Ranch or in the Big Sur area. These include guided walks with a naturalist, bird watching, hikes, yoga, whale watching, edible Chef’s Garden tours and more.
- The staff follows the Post Ranch Inn Environmental Principles in all aspects of business.
- Post Ranch Inn encourages employee education programs, especially in the area of environmental protection.
- Training programs and demonstrations share important knowledge and the inn's commitment to the environment and community with staff and others. These include the Benefits of Recycling, Fire Protection, CPR and AED and more.
- Subsidized housing is provided for 60 employees.
COMMUNITY
Local giving
We’re honored to support our local community through charitable giving, volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and by participating in our local Board of Directors.
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SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP
Beyond Green
Post Ranch is proud to be a founding member of Beyond Green, a global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability leadership. Guided by a collective passion to create a more purposeful way to explore the world where good guests meet good hosts, the progressive properties represented within the Beyond Green brand are committed to delivering on the three pillars of sustainable tourism - environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
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