The International Finance Corporation study, “Ecolodges: Exploring Opportunities for Sustainable Business,” provides a comprehensive framework for developing and operating an ecolodge, based on the triple bottom line–ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability. The framework considers three phases of ecolodge development–pre-construction, construction, and operation–in its analysis. The framework published below is based on the IFC study, but modified to better reflect conditions in the U.S.
Pre-Construction Phase

Ecological Sustainability:

• Analyze the characteristics of the proposed site, including soils, geology, hydrology, vegetation and wildlife.
• Analyze climate factors, including sunlight, temperature, winds, precipitation and humidity.
• Evaluate existing infrastructure and future needs to determine if site is appropriate.
• Establish an “Environmental Impact Assessment” that summarizes the findings and identifies mitigation options to minimize detrimental impacts.

Soclo-cultural Sustainability:

• Analyze social and cultural factors that may influence whether the local community will accept the new development, including the significance of the site.
• Evaluate the local labor market, and opportunities to partner with educational and training programs in the area.
• Review relevant government regulations regarding land use and building codes, environmental protection, and the interface of private and public lands.

Economic Sustainability

• Develop a comprehensive business plan, including mission, vision, products and services; timetables and milestones for the project; financial projections, three to five years out.
• Analyze the market, including the competition, business opportunities, and primary risks facing the project.
• Analyze the local business environment to identify potential alliances, local sourcing opportunities, and economic trends in the area.
• Develop plan to minimize solid waste through purchasing policies, reuse of materials, and recycling.
• Develop marketing plan and systems for monitoring visitor satisfaction.

Construction Phase

• Develop ecolodge design based on locally-sourced building materials, visual and noise impacts of lodge, and construction methods that minimize waste.
• Use the environmental impact assessment to site lodge in such a way to minimize impact on land, plants and wildlife; and to take advantage of the site’s characteristics and micro-climates.
• Develop the lodge’s systems and infrastructure, including passive and active solar; heating and cooling; water collection, use, reuse, and reclamation; access to the site; and links to external infrastructure.
• Develop a plan to minimize impact on landscape and wildlife during construction; and a post-construction restoration and landscaping plan.

Operational Phase

• Implement comprehensive monitoring program to gauge the effectiveness of various systems: lighting and energy use; heating and cooling; water usage, stormwater, and wastewater; tweak systems improve performance and correct problems.
• Assess and mitigate unintended impacts of noise, lighting, water usage on landscape and wildlife.
• Assess use of natural areas on and adjacent to property, and the interaction between staff and visitors and the area’s flora and fauna.
• Assess and develop training programs to improve skills and knowledge of staff with regard to conservation, the environment, and the region’s natural and cultural history.
• Implement community benefit plan to ensure that local economy and local residents profit from business.
• Develop strategic alliances with local businesses, destinations and activities to enhance the experience of lodge visitors.
• Assess and expand marketing plan and materials, emphasizing principles of eco tourism and regional assets; and incorporating first-person testimonials and online “social networks.”

More on Ecolodges:

[1] The Business of Ecolodges, where you can download the IFC study of ecolodges.

[2] Business Essentials for Ecolodges