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MENDOZA, ARGENTINA—SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites in Mendoza has been awarded Silver Certification by the Hoteles Más Verdes program, a rigorous certification initiative from the Asociación de Hoteles de Turismo de la República Argentina (AHT) that recognizes hotels and tourism accommodations that demonstrate superior environmental performance and sustainable practices. Inspired by global sustainable tourism certification programs, the certification for the Hoteles Más Verdes award involves a comprehensive evaluation of a hotel’s management practices, environmental policies, and overall contribution to cultural and natural heritage preservation. This achievement underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, excellent design, and community wellbeing.
Building onto her four-decade legacy in the international wine industry, Susana Balbo and her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo, created SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites to be deeply rooted in the culture and wine heritage of Argentina. In its quest to mitigate the impacts of climate change, the bespoke estate places one of its main focuses on energy efficiency. It uses photocell illumination in outdoor areas and bioethanol, a sustainable energy source from cellulose-rich plants that works to significantly minimize harmful emissions, to fuel stokers.
Culinary practices at the hotel also reflect a deep respect for the environment, with a focus on growing aromatic herbs on-site, waste separation, and repurposing used oil into soap, candles, and biofuel. Additionally, the hotel collaborates with local suppliers wherever possible, offers bicycles for eco-friendly exploration, and ensures that all spa amenities are cruelty-free. A robust recycling program includes the donation of used batteries, proper disposal of coffee capsules, and the donation of recyclable plastic, glass, and cardboard directly to the local recycling plant.
The utilization of recycled materials to construct the property’s perimeter fence was also implemented. Water conservation is another key aspect, with the hotel employing automated and seasonally adjusted drip irrigation for its gardens and efficient laundry practices that minimize water usage.
