Hidden among the hills of Western Liguria, Cà del Buio is more than just an accommodation: it is a philosophy, an experience, and a model of green hospitality. Winner of the Ecobnb Awards, it embodies the essence of responsible tourism, combining respect for the environment with authenticity.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Paolo, co-founder of the project alongside Rosa, to explore the vision and values that have made this place a benchmark for eco-tourism.
What was the spark that ignited your passion for environmental sustainability?
Rosa and I followed very different paths in this regard, but both of us eventually converged in our shared interest in this topic, which has always been central to our discussions, debates, and choices.
Rosa graduated in Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Oceanography, and during that journey, she was able to put names and faces to the environmental concerns that had been present for her since she was a young girl. Her studies allowed her to understand the mechanisms and cycles that govern the biosphere, as well as the negative human impacts and their consequences.
As for me, much more pragmatically, I developed a strong sensitivity toward environmental sustainability during my entrepreneurial journey, which allowed me to experience firsthand the distortions of an economic system based on indiscriminate consumption and the mantra of growth.
Cà del Buio is a green hospitality built on the attempt to experiment with a different lifestyle, one that is simpler and more sustainable, and on the further attempt to share that experience with others.
What aspects do you consider fundamental in your journey toward eco-sustainability?
That said, we too are immersed in a system that tends toward standardization, and the question contains a key word: “journey.”
Once we become aware of the superfluous and how it negatively impacts our lives and the planet, the first exercise we will try to focus on is optimizing the available resources.
We start by asking ourselves whether a product or action is truly necessary, and if it is, what the least impactful method is to fulfill that need.
Once we understand that environmental sustainability can only be achieved by experiencing the limits, all that’s left is to try and apply it in every aspect of our lives. It’s very difficult, considering the culture in which we were raised and the fact that we have a small child at home…
But we are on the path, starting with the decision to give new life to an abandoned building, not only recovering an existing structure without eroding new soil but also reusing every single material from the house.
From there, we moved on to managing the B&B and the message we try to convey to our guests, explaining the importance of small choices, like the absence of courtesy kits in the rooms, plastic bottles, or single, serving items at breakfast, in favor of refillable containers with an infinite lifespan and fresh, bulk products.
How would you describe your ideal “eco-traveler” guest?
I would say there are at least two types: the first is the conscious traveler, who intentionally chooses to travel seeking solutions with a lower impact and a deeper connection to nature. Once they arrive at the accommodation, they prefer to explore the area on foot or by bike.
Then there is the less aware traveler, who is less structured but very curious, open to listening and perceiving the possibility of being part of different choices. This latter type is perhaps the most rewarding, as it gives us the sense that we can be “contaminators” of positive change.
Many of these guests express themselves as ideal eco-travelers through concrete actions, such as carefully keeping their towel sets clean and organized when they don’t need them. It’s a very practical and simple way to align with the environment and contribute to the overall sustainability of the place.
What is the most meaningful review you’ve received, and what made it special?
Our experience is still too short to have a large collection of reviews. However, we could mention the ones from people with whom we’ve built a relationship that turns into friendship, where the conversation becomes personal. They may not write reviews on websites, but they communicate their satisfaction by becoming “part of the family.” If we had to choose one among those that were never published but were sent to us by guests after they had already left, via WhatsApp, it would be from Mario and Bruna, who dedicated to us the poem “Conosco delle Barche” by Jacques Brel, performed and recited by Mario himself.
Let’s debunk the myth that eco-sustainability is necessarily more expensive. Do you think “Ecological” can also be “Economical”? What advice would you give to other establishments to prove this?
Ecology, more than anything else, should help clarify the concept of value. When a product or service is created with environmental and social considerations in mind,factors that are typically externalized and placed onto others or the environment in mass-market offerings, it may appear more expensive than average. However, to compete on price, you need to play the same game. That being said, a truly sustainable approach to any human activity, and thus any business, inevitably leads to savings, which in turn provides advantages in terms of competitiveness.
For example, self-produced energy is a saving; energy efficiency in buildings leads to savings; rationalizing water use saves money; creative reuse and recycling lead to savings; eliminating mini sizes and single-portion products in guest amenities and food avoids waste, reduces trash production, and results in savings. And this could go on… This is the logic behind the Cà del Buio Eco B&B concept.
Which green initiatives have brought you the most satisfaction? Which ones have been most appreciated by your guests?
So far, I would dare to say that the most satisfying result has been the renovation of the building, with the successful combination of architectural preservation and energy efficiency. When guests enter the B&B in August and discover that the pleasant indoor climate is not the result of forced air conditioning or heat pumps, but rather the techniques and materials used for energy efficiency, they are pleasantly surprised!
How do the values and projects of Ecobnb resonate with those of your establishment?
Even before opening our tourism accommodation, we had identified Ecobnb as the most coherent channel for promoting our vision of hospitality. We liked the idea behind Ecobnb, its role in promoting environmentally virtuous structures, as well as in fostering “contamination.” This latter aspect is directed not only at potential guests who have trusted (or are discovering for the first time) Ecobnb to organize their vacations, but also at the establishments that aspire to embark on a sustainability journey. The fact that there are baseline conditions for becoming part of the Ecobnb network, along with the encouragement to follow a path of improvement, is one of the elements that gives value to the Ecobnb project and ultimately convinced us to join.
Cà del Buio: A Beacon of Sustainability
Cà del Buio is not just a beautiful story of green hospitality; it’s a tangible example of how an accommodation can become a catalyst for change. Its sustainable philosophy shines through in every detail: from eco-friendly renovations to energy efficiency, from locally sourced breakfasts to meaningful communication with guests.
Its distinction as the first Casa Clima Welcome-certified property in Liguria highlights a profound commitment to hospitality that not only minimizes environmental impact but also honors local traditions and creates lasting value.
Through these actions, Cà del Buio stands as a beacon of sustainability, proving that a more environmentally respectful and conscious form of tourism is not only possible but can also inspire guests and positively impact the entire region. Thank you for being part of Ecobnb!
