GRENADA (May 9, 2012) - Recognizing the resort's commitment to operating at the world's highest environmental standards, the luxurious 64-suite Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada has received the prestigious Green Globe Re-Certification Award.
"Green Globe Certification is not only a smart business decision for any hotel since it reduces costs, it also increases environmental awareness within the traveling community which makes it is extremely vital for any hospitality business in the Caribbean," said Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, chairman and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort. He added, "our appeal in the Caribbean is vastly dependant on our natural resources. It is imperative that the necessary safeguards be in place so that we can preserve our rich eco-systems in order to ensure our long-term profitability.
"At Spice we take pride in going above and beyond when it comes to minimizing our carbon footprint and promoting a harmonious natural lifestyle. We do it because it's the right thing to do, and the traveling public rewards us for it with frequent stays and positive reviews," said Sir Royston.
Spice Island Beach Resort was the first property on Grenada to become Green Globe Certified in 2004. In 2005, following a brief property closure as a result of Hurricane Ivan, the resort embarked on a massive $12 million rebuilding and renovation project and implemented a variety of green initiatives, including:
- Use of solar rooftop heaters for all hot water needs.
- Utilizing water from the sea (during the dry season) through an on-property desalinization plant (where seawater is desalinized into fresh water).
- Purification of the mainswimming pool and private pools in the Anthurium, Luxury Almond and Royal Collection Suites by the chemical-free Auto Pilot system, which uses salt instead of chlorine (the resort has converted 295,000-plus gallons of water).
- Composting and maintenance of a vegetable and herb garden that supplies the kitchen with fresh ingredients.
- Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally and organically.
- Incorporation of native plants into the landscaping, replanting of trees, placement of garbage containers on Grand Anse Beach, and clean-ups of reefs and the surrounding Mourne Rouge area.
- Use of energy-efficient, compact fluorescent bulbs throughout the property.
- Outside lights on timers.
- Turning off air conditioners when rooms aren't occupied and encouraging guests to conserve as well.
- Water and electricity meter readings are conducted daily and communicated at morning meetings.
- Use of recycled printer cartridges.
- Use of 100% post consumer paper for company letterheads and envelopes.
- 1.5 gpm aerators installed on all taps in the bathrooms and on some kitchen sinks.
- Reuse of office paper for internal printing and old towels as kitchen and housekeeping washcloths.
- Use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products (most cleaning products are food-based, non-toxic and phosphate-free).
- Purchase of energy-efficient electrical appliances and water conservation devices.
- Empowering each employee as an "Environmental Agent" by providing them with the necessary training and education on the resort's environmental practices, policies and objectives. The resort also has a Green Team comprised of staff supervisors and managers to oversee and implement the environmental program.
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Green Globe provides a certification system that responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet including the greenhouse effect, over-use of freshwater resources, destruction of biodiversity, production of solid and biological waste, and corporate social issues.
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