Awarded at the Ecobnb Awards, Cascina Rodiani is a leader in Sustainable Tourism in the Spina Verde Park of Como.
Immersed in the lush greenery of the Spina Verde Park, between the pre-Alpine hills that embrace Lake Como and Lake Lugano, Cascina Rodiani stands as a model of sustainable hospitality. This award-winning accommodation, recognized at the Ecobnb Awards, offers a unique experience where environmental awareness blends with warm and authentic hospitality.
We interviewed Samuel, the heart and soul of Cascina, to learn how this vision of green tourism came to life and evolved.
What was the spark that ignited your passion for environmental sustainability?
In 2011, when I was unboxing the tables I had ordered from a company that only uses reclaimed wood, I realized that all the furniture, both inside and outside Cascina Rodiani, was made from reclaimed wood either purchased or sourced from leftover wood from the renovation.
That’s when I realized that what we had done was sustainable, and that we were on a path that would increasingly become a topic of conversation.
The Sustainability Journey of Cascina Rodiani
What aspects do you consider fundamental in your journey towards eco-sustainability?
I would divide it into two main areas:
One aspect is external, where collaboration with partners (service providers or producers) who are sensitive to environmental and social issues is essential. The other aspect is internal, focusing on reuse, repurposing, and low-tech sustainability.
How would you describe your ideal “eco-traveler” guest?
They are an engaged, involved, and conscious person who understands that their daily choices can be a driving force for change.
What is the most meaningful review you’ve received, and what made it special?
The first review, from over 13 years ago, still holds a special place in our hearts (even though Google deleted it when Google Plus was launched). The guest appreciated the balance between the old and the new, rustic and refined, and noticed details that we hadn’t even highlighted ourselves. It’s truly rewarding when a guest is able to see beyond what we’ve presented to them.
Let’s bust the myths: Can eco-friendly also be economical?
Absolutely, but it’s a medium-to long-term vision. For example, composting allows us to reduce waste management costs (TARI), while installing solar light tubes lowers electricity consumption. The sustainable solutions we adopted 15 years ago are still cutting-edge and have positioned us as pioneers in sustainable tourism.
Which green initiatives have brought you the most satisfaction? Which ones have been the most appreciated by your guests?
The greywater phytodepuration system, where we treat wastewater from showers and sinks to reuse it for toilet flushing, as well as for irrigation and other needs, has been particularly satisfying. Also, our focus on a regenerative approach to managing green spaces, such as lawns, vegetable gardens, trees, and the overall landscape, has been greatly appreciated by our guests.
Guests really love the natural pond and the outdoor sauna, of course!
How do the values and projects of Ecobnb resonate with those of your property?
In a deep way, because both of us want a world that is not indifferent to the impact of human activity and we promote changing our relationship with the ecosystem. Moreover, for us, who take pride in being independent and managing without relying on large industrial OTAs, it is essential to collaborate with a business partner that is committed to building a network in sustainable tourism through credible actions.
Thank you, Samuel, for the interview! With the launch of the La Gerla Shop project, an e-commerce platform for local and organic products, the installation of photovoltaic panels, and charging stations for electric vehicles, Samuel and Cascina Rodiani continue to shape the future of sustainability.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, immersed in the beauty and silence of a timeless landscape, Cascina Rodiani is waiting to show you that living green is not only possible, but truly extraordinary.
Cascina Rodiani - Green Hospitality – Green Bed & Breakfast in Colverde, fraz. Drezzo, Como, Lombardia, IT 
