Sustainability
Responsible 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Water-efficient landscaping is used, focusing on native and drought-tolerant plants that are tended with organic fertilizer.
- Single-use plastic bottles and styrofoam are not used anywhere on the property.
- 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.
Energy
In 2009, Post Ranch switched on a 945-panel solar installation. 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 945, 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 guestrooms 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.
- 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.
Indoor Environment
Post Ranch has taken extra steps to provide a healthier and sustainable indoor experience for all guests, staff and visitors.
- Post Ranch Inn is a non-smoking facility.
- 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.
- Post Ranch uses low-emitting adhesives, paints, coatings, carpeting, and other materials that align with California’s stringent indoor air quality standards, helping to reduce indoor air contaminants.
- The public restrooms provide cotton hand towels.
- HEPA air filters are used in all public spaces.
Guestrooms
Our guestrooms also reflect our commitment to the environment, all while maintaining a world-class experience.
- Sheets and towels are custom-made, using no harmful chemicals or dyes.
- Biodegradable bath amenity products, that prioritize organic ingredients, are provided in larger refillable containers.
- Water is conserved in guestrooms by low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Refillable glass water bottles are used in lieu of plastic.
- Reusable stainless steel water bottles are provided for use while visiting and to take home.
- Lighting and heat are designed to maximize comfort, including radiant heat on most guestroom or bathroom floors.
- Each guestroom features a recycling bin.
- Guests can assist in these conservation efforts by by opting out of a daily change of linens.
Food & Beverage
Post Ranch’s award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar supports small producers and the regional economy by sourcing all-natural free-range beef and poultry, fresh locally-grown produce, and prioritizing organic, seasonal vegetables and fruit whenever possible.
- The restaurant supports sustainable fishing practices and does not serve endangered or threatened fish. If possible, seafood purchased from local fishermen and other foods from local producers or farmers’ markets.
- The on-site Chefs’ Garden provides fresh produce, vegetables, and herbs for our guests to enjoy.
- Fair-trade organic coffees and teas are offered in Sierra Mar. Fresh organic fruits are juiced at the inn each day.
- A robust recycling and composting program is carried out daily.
Spa
The full menu of spa treatments unites guests with natural elements and utilizing products with clean ingredients and an emphasis on organic.
- The active ingredients in our 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 some treatments.
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.
- Our digital compendium includes information on all of our sustainability practices.
- Guests are encouraged to enjoy various activities, highlighting the ecological, community, and individual resources at Post Ranch or in the Big Sur area. These include falconry, forest meditation, yoga, seasonal whale watching, stargazing, edible Chefs’ Garden tours, Big Sur jade carving workshops featuring locally-sourced jade, and more
- ● Training programs and demonstrations share important knowledge and the inn’s commitment to the environment and community with staff and others. These include the Fire Protection and Low Risk Firefighting, CPR and AED and more.
Community
We’re only as strong as the community around us. Post Ranch has always made a strong effort to support the local Big Sur community both socially and economically.
- Post Ranch and caring guests generously contribute to The Post Ranch Inn Big Sur Community Fund, which was established to support local charitable organizations. Virtually 100% of the funds are used for charitable purposes and beneficiaries.
- Post Ranch Inn selected one critical issue, affordable health care in Big Sur, to create positive change for the local community. Beginning in 1997, Post Ranch recruited all local businesses to donate $2 per employee, per month for the creation, management, and maintenance of a non-profit health center. This commitment to the community has increased the success of being awarded grants from foundations to further the local health care cause.
- Subsidized housing is provided for many employees.
Sustainability Partnerships
Sierra Mar and Post Ranch Inn are thrilled to be members of Zero Foodprint (ZFP). We donate 1% of our food revenue to their cause. ZFP is on a mission to combat climate change by rallying the food and beverage industry in support of regenerative agriculture. Through small donations, ZFP is able to fund farm projects that draw carbon straight from the atmosphere and store it underground, creating nutrient-rich soil while sequestering greenhouse gases. Their efforts have already paved the way for a reduction of over 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e), the equivalent to the climate benefit of not burning 4.6 million gallons of gasoline!
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. We encourage guests to visit Beyond Green hotels throughout the world.
Post Ranch Inn is a proud partner of Kind Traveler in furthering the well-being and sustainability of our surrounding community, by supporting the important work of Rancho Cielo, a comprehensive learning and social services center that invests in young people facing challenges for success through diploma education, vocational training, counseling, and life skills development. Kind Traveler, a veteran-and-women-owned public benefit corporation, is the first socially conscious Give + Get travel platform empowering a new generation of responsible travelers to positively impact the communities they visit. 100% of donations go to charity.