Want to live sustainably, and take unforgettable vacations at the same time?
You just might need a vacation home. Owning a second home that is in the right place has actually become a way that many families are achieving their eco-conscious goals.
Look:
Achieving a more sustainable lifestyle is about more than just reducing your carbon footprint at home. It’s also about your travel habits and consumption choices and supporting the communities your family invests in.
Vacation property is part of that picture.
Here’s why vacation property is a great tool for living sustainably:
Key takeaways:
- Owning a vacation property is actually an excellent choice for those looking to invest in sustainable living.
- Sustainability is about making smart choices all year-round, and Cabo San Lucas provides an ideal climate and location.
- Vacation properties like Cabo San Lucas real estate can become more sustainable as demand for green living increases.
- Features like solar energy systems, water conservation systems, smart home technology, and sustainable building materials move the needle on green living.
- Sustainability doesn’t come at a premium but it does require some research.
Vacation Properties Support Sustainability
The travel world is evolving in a big way.
The travel consumer survey by Vrbo has shown that as of 2024, 90% of respondents look for sustainable options when planning a getaway.
That is a massive number. It means that the vast majority of families are interested in being more sustainable about their vacation choices. The days of heading to the same chain hotel on the same destination every year are going, going, gone.
But a snag:
Vacation rentals like hotels and resorts often have a lower level of sustainability than families want. That’s because you don’t have control over factors like energy efficiency, water use, and waste. In hotels, you just take what you are given.
Vacation property is different. When families own vacation homes in Cabo San Lucas, they have control over every factor that goes into living sustainably.
The family can make choices like:
- Installing solar panels.
- Selecting energy and water efficient appliances.
- Designing a property that reflects their eco-conscious values.
Families in the market for real estate for sale in Cabo San Lucas have a lot of luxury properties with these kinds of upgrades.
Kind of cool, isn’t it?
Cabo San Lucas is a Sweet Spot for Sustainable Vacation Property
Ok, so why Cabo San Lucas as a good option for sustainable vacation property investment?
The reason comes down to two things: Geography and infrastructure.
Mexico has high solar exposure, with about 5 to 6 kWh/m² of solar radiation every day in most of the country. This makes it one of the best locations globally for residential solar energy. Baja California Sur has over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Cabo San Lucas has excellent solar energy potential. This means lower costs and a smaller carbon footprint for vacation homeowners.
Solar power is the basis for creating a sustainable vacation property in Cabo San Lucas.
Mexico’s solar policy supports distributed generation, or rooftop solar, which means homeowners can generate their power, and excess energy flows back into the grid.
Sustainable vacation home development is growing as builders and developers take advantage of the natural solar power in Cabo San Lucas.
Many sustainable features such as:
- Solar water heating
- Rainwater harvesting
- Energy efficient building materials
- Native landscaping
Are becoming more common in new builds. These options are better for the environment and save on operating costs in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Features Families Should Look For
Buying sustainable vacation property means having a good understanding of what really matters for green living. Not all “green” features are created equal.
Marketing is full of terms like “eco-friendly” or “green” that don’t necessarily make a difference to your carbon footprint.
Look for these things instead:
Solar Energy Systems
Solar panels are a home run for sustainable vacation properties in Cabo San Lucas. Homes that have solar energy systems can save big on electricity bills and reduce fossil fuel consumption.
When shopping for vacation property, look for homes that have solar infrastructure installed or adequate roof space for a future installation.
Water Conservation Systems
Water is precious in Baja California Sur. The best sustainable properties include things like:
- Low flow fixtures throughout the home
- Greywater recycling systems
- Native, drought resistant landscaping
- Rainwater collection systems
All of these help sustainable vacation homeowners use 40-60% less water than traditional properties.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home automation systems are more than just a luxury in a vacation home. They use technology to manage energy consumption by:
- Adjusting HVAC based on occupancy
- Optimizing lighting use
- Monitoring energy use in real time
- Alerting homeowners to inefficiencies
Smart home technology helps the home run more efficiently, even when the family isn’t there.
Sustainable Building Materials
Building a property from the ground up with sustainable materials gives the home lower environmental impact. Sustainable vacation homes that have features like bamboo flooring, recycled materials, and locally sourced stone.
Sustainable building materials tend to last longer and need less maintenance over time.
Green Living Can Be A Sound Investment
Vacation property that supports a sustainable lifestyle isn’t just good for the planet.
Vacation property is increasingly a smart investment decision.
The global ecotourism market reached $279 billion in 2025, which is a 13%+ increase over the prior year. The demand for sustainable travel is only going to grow.
What does that mean for vacation property owners?
Higher Rental Income Potential: Properties that have documented sustainable features can earn premium rental income from eco-conscious vacationers. This helps families offset ownership costs by renting their property when not in use.
Lower Operating Expenses: Features such as solar energy, water conservation and smart technology dramatically lower utility costs. This savings can compound over decades of ownership.
Future Proofing the Investment: As environmental regulations are strengthened around the world, properties that already meet or exceed sustainability requirements will hold their value much better than conventional properties.
A sustainable vacation property can offer the following:
- A guilt-free getaway for the family
- A source of income to offset costs during the off-season
- A way to have a positive impact on the environment
- A legacy investment for future generations
How a Family Can Integrate It Into a Sustainable Lifestyle
Every family’s path towards sustainability is different.
Some families start with a vacation home that has some green features already. Others buy a standard home and then green it up with renovations and additions. Both are good options.
The important part is starting with a location that provides the tools to live sustainably.
A vacation property in Cabo San Lucas offers:
- Infrastructure that can be enhanced with solar power and water conservation
- A mild climate that makes it practical for green living
- A community of like-minded property owners who are already building sustainable living
If families are committed to green living, vacation property in Cabo San Lucas is a great place to start, or add on, to an overall plan. Families can start by considering these factors.
Budget for Green Upgrades: If the vacation property you want to buy doesn’t have all the sustainable features you are looking for, budget to add them later. Solar installation has become much more affordable over time.
Research Local Regulations: Every country is different with energy and green building. Families that do research into Mexico’s energy policies will get the most benefit from solar power and other green technology.
Connect With Like-Minded Communities: Sustainable living is trending and many Cabo San Lucas communities are focused on it. These communities can provide resources and support.
Green Living Vacation Wrap Up
Vacation property can be a big part of families trying to live more sustainably.
Vacation properties in Cabo San Lucas give owners control over their energy use, water use, and waste. Solar power is abundant in Baja California Sur and makes green living practical.
Living a sustainable life has benefits that go beyond just helping the environment:
- Lower operating costs in the long run due to energy efficiency
- Higher rental income due to demand for sustainable vacation homes
- A family legacy investment that can align with your values
Sustainable vacation property is an option for families that don’t mean you sacrifice the good things in life.
The opportunity is out there. The question is whether your family is willing to act on it.