Top 10
Ecolodge
in the World

Black Sheep Inn
Carbon Offset Program

Alternative Energy - Solar & Wind Power

Building Raft
for Solar Direct Pump

Black Sheep Inn has WON !!
Ecotourism Awards in 2005, 2006 & 2008

Black Sheep Inn has researched and designed the following hybrid solar/wind electric system, which we can now partially finance with the prize money from winning the 2005 Sustainable Tourism Award in the Conservation Category.  We want to thank everybody who voted for us and for your continued support in ecological and conservation efforts! 

After having monitored electrical use over the last few years and currently Black Sheep Inn uses an average of 13 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day.   All light bulbs on the property are compact fluorescents.  Most light switches are labeled advising guests to conserve energy.  On average there are 20 people (including guests) living at the Black Sheep Inn fulltime.

Currently all cooking and heating of  water for showers is done with propane.  Additionally there are plans to add solar hot water heaters and bio-gas digesters to offset propane consumption.

7 to 8 kWh can be saved daily by replacing three 110-volt electric refrigerators with more efficient propane powered refrigerators.  We have already replaced desk top computers for laptops and coffee makers to stove top perculators.

This leaves us with approximately 5 kWh per day!!!  Although this is LOW,  we are going to design our hybrid solar/wind system for 6 kWh per day... this will compensate for power tool use and the expansion of electric installations.

	Items to Purchase	Cost	Total
	4 propane refrigerators	$1300	$5200
	3 Laptop Computers	$800	$2400
	12  110-watt panels	$700	$8400
	Wind Generator		$1200
	2 - 12 volt Battery banks	$2600	$5200
	Inverter/Charger 4000 watt		$4300
	Additional wiring, mounts, fusing		$1000
	Labor		$1000
	Shipping		$6000
Wiring		TOTAL	$32,300	Solar Panels, Sheep & Raft

Black Sheep Inn has been recognized for it's excellence in conservation, ecological practices, community work and sustainability.  Innovative designs for construction and business practices have made the Black Sheep Inn a leader in ecotourism. 

Black Sheep Inn's ECO-Definition. 

GOALS

The Black Sheep Inn’s goal is to become self-sufficient in energy, water and food production.  We have made significant steps in this direction, such as researching and designing for alternative energy installations, expanding gardens, and improving water collection.  The Black Sheep Inn will never be a ‘finished project’.  Change, efficiency and improvements are a part of Black Sheep Inn’s everyday process.  Using permaculture ideas, we have been connecting existing features and buildings on our property for a more efficient use and re-use of resources.  Another goal is for environmental education in the area, including a community-recycling program, enhanced protection for the Iliniza Ecological Reserve, and also more participation in ecotourism conferences to share successes and best practices. 

Visiting the Black Sheep Inn is both enjoyable and educational.
Your visit supports the continuing process of nurturing the land.

*

Ecological Definition

*  Details about Composting Toilets  *

Andres Hammerman & Michelle Kirby
The Black Sheep Inn
** Eco Certified by Ministry of Tourism **
An Ecologically Friendly Hotel
P.O. Box 05-01-240
Chugchilan, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
South America
Telf : (593) 3  281-4587
Contact Us at Black Sheep Inn