Sustainable Features Water conservation Waste water reclamation plant and site-wide reclaimed water distribution system; rain water capture; runoff capture; golf course uses minimal water, and each sprinkler head individually controlled; guests encouraged to reuse linens. Landscaping Extensive use of drought-tolerant plans; all irrigation with reclaimed water. Energy Conservation Facility thermostats set at 74 degrees; conversion of fleet of carts to electric; thermostats turned off in unoccupied rooms; “green” light bulbs with little or no mercury. Non-toxic Non-toxic “green” cleaners used throughout facility (Green Seal GS-47 or better); UV system to disinfect reclaimed water; integrated pest management instead of insecticides; low VOC furnishings and finishes. Recycling and Waste Waste from water reclamation used for fertilizer; all resort and staff waste recycled. Minimized Site Impact Golf course follows natural terrain. Daylighting Solatubes used for natural lighting in offices; dual-pane low-E windows in guest rooms.

I would bet that when you think of “resort” and “casino,” the ideas ”water conservation” and ”sustainable development” don't come to mind. When you tour the Barona Valley Ranch Resort, that will change. What the're up to is nothng less than making the resort a showplace for these “green” principals.

It‘s the water

    The big story of Barona is water (but not the only story; see below). Lakeside is dry, and all their water comes from wells – with finite capacity. And, a resort – with a golf course – needs a lot of water.

    What Barona decided to do is recycle their water: every drop. They built a state-of-the-art water recycling plant with a capacity of 750,000 gallons per day, more than three times their average daily use. Not only is all the waste water from the buildings processed, they have collection systems to gather rain water. They even collect the moisture that drips from cooling towers. The collect water anywhere they can.

    The water recycling progess involves constant water quality testing, and produces water that is clean enough to drink, even though it is only used for irrigation and certain other jobs like washing the roads and sidewalks. An on-site EPA staff member, paid for by an EPA grant, monitors and verifies the treatment process.

    The end result is that all of Barona‘s irrigation needs are met with recycled water, reducing their need for fresh water by more than half.

    There are a few concessions. Recycled water contains more salt than fresh water, so the landscaping choices must be tolerant. And during the summer months the golf course is a little browner than many, as they manage their water budget carefully. But to my eye the difference was neglegable, and the site looks great.

But wait, there's more...

So, water is the big story, but it's not the only story about Barona “going green.” Here are a few more.

    When you recycle that much waste water (i.e., sewage), you have a lot of… “stuff” left over. These waste solids are trucked to Northern California where they are composted and used for fertilizer.

    Although the buildings were built in the 1980's, before a LEED Certification even existed, they are going through the process of getting them certified. They have a LEED Accredited Professional on staff to oversee this demanding process.

    Energy efficiency also features prominently. The public spaces in the resort and casino are maintained at a comfortable 74 degrees, not the usual low-60s one often finds in similar facitities. They also have a lot of golf and utility carts for moving people and materials around the site. Although these have traditionally been gasoline-powered, they have an aggressive program of replacing these with electric carts.

The golf course follows the natural terrain. The pond is part of the water collection and storage system. Every sprinkler head on the course is individually controlled.

    Generally, constructing a golf course starts with bulldozing the entire site and planting water-hungry turf. At Barona, the natural terrain – including 100-year-old oak trees – was left undisturbed. In fact, special barriers were constructed to ensure that turf watering does not disturb the oaks. The turf was selected to be drought-tolerant. Every sprinkler head is separately controlled, to optimize water usage. You'll also see several ponds; there are part of the water collection and storage system, and home to migrating water fowl. In fact, the golf club has been a certified Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary since 2002.

    Lastly, there are the people. Over the years I’ve talked with lots of people doing sustainable development. A few do it because they have to; some because it’s "their job”; but most because they believe in it – more of a mission than a job – and they love their work. The senior staff I met at Barona – the people who will lead your tour – are in this last category. They are leading-edge professionals, and their enthusiasm and pride in what they have been able to accomplish is palpable.

  The Barona Tribe is a soverign nation; they don't have to do any of this. The tribal council’s decision to make the resort a showplace for sustainable development is a testament to their good stewardship of their tribal lands.