Over the course of our trip to Costa Rica, my understanding of renewable energy and green infrastructure has expanded far beyond what I could have learned in a classroom. As a finance and business analytics major with a minor in economics, I came into this experience thinking mostly about the financial side of sustainability-costs, investments, and long-term profitability. After spending time seeing how Costa Rica integrates sustainability into daily life, tourism, agriculture, and energy production, I now better understand how environmental responsibility can also create economic growth and social value. This trip showed me that renewable energy is not just a technical issue, but a business strategy and a national commitment that affects nearly every industry.
One of the most impactful experiences related to our project theme was visiting the wind farm near Lake Arenal. Seeing the massive turbines operating in person helped me understand the scale and infrastructure required to support renewable energy systems. I was especially interested in learning how Costa Rica has invested heavily in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while still supporting economic development and tourism. From a finance perspective, I started thinking about the long-term investment decisions behind projects like this, including government aid, infrastructure costs, and energy demand. From a business analytics perspective, I also recognized how important data must be in determining turbine placement, monitoring energy production, and improving efficiency over time. This experience made renewable energy feel practical and achievable rather than theoretical.
Another experience that expanded my understanding of sustainability was our visit to the hanging bridges in the rainforest. While I loved this activity personally and it initially seemed more tourism-focused, I realized it represented an example of green infrastructure and sustainable ecotourism. The design of the walkways allowed visitors to experience the rainforest while minimizing environmental disruption. I was impressed by how Costa Rica has turned environmental preservation into an economic advantages by creating tourism experiences that depend on protecting natural ecosystems rather than exploiting them. This made me think differently about the relationship between conservation and business. Sustainable tourism creates jobs, attracts visitors, and generates revenue while still preserving natural resources for future generations. As someone interested in business, it was valuable to see how sustainability can become part of a successful economic model.
The Sibo Chocolate tour also gave me a deeper appreciation for ethical sourcing and sustainable business operations. Learning about the cacao production process and the company’s commitment to high quality local ingredients and responsible farming practices showed me how sustainability applies even at the small-business level. I found it interesting how businesses can differentiate themselves by emphasizing transparency, quality, and environmental responsibility. In finance and economics, we often discuss supply chains and market demand in abstract terms, but this experience showed me the human side of those concepts. Consumers are increasingly willing to support companies that align with their values, and businesses that prioritize sustainability can build stronger customer loyalty and long-term success. This experience helped me better understand how environmental and social responsibility can directly connect to profitability and branding.
Another memorable example was dining at the farm-to-table restaurant, Riverside, where nearly all the food was locally sourced (mostly their own backyard) and produced sustainably. This experience highlighted how green infrastructure and sustainability are not limited to energy production but also apply to food systems and local economies. By sourcing ingredients locally, the restaurant reduced transportation emissions and contributed to a more self-sustaining community. I began thinking about how businesses can improve efficiency and reduce waste through localized supply chains. This also connected strongly to economics because it demonstrated how money can circulate within local communities instead of depending heavily on imports. Seeing these ideas applied in a real business setting helped me recognize how sustainability can be integrated into everyday operations in ways that are environmentally and economically beneficial and taste really good.
Overall, this trip to Costa Rica will have a lasting impact on both my personal perspective and my future career in business. The experiences at the wind farm, hanging bridges, Sibo Chocolate tour, farm-to-table restaurant, Lake Arenal, and more all showed me different ways sustainability can drive innovation, economic growth, and responsible business practices. Whether I eventually work for a nonprofit organization or a larger corporation, it’s evident that sustainability and profitability do not have to compete with each other. Instead, businesses that invest in renewable energy, ethical operations, and long-term environmental responsibility are often better positioned for future success. This trip taught me that business decision can create meaningful impacts beyond financial returns, and that is something I will carry with me throughout my career
