Sandals Grenada has been recognised as a leader in environmental practices, achieving Silver Certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry.
EarthCheck is the world’s foremost scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. It provides a framework for organisations to achieve the desired outcomes for sustainable tourism as set out in the final report of the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
This achievement is a major milestone which marks continued integration of sustainability measures and advancements for the luxury resort. According to Larissa Mark, Environmental Health and Safety Manager for the resort; ‘EarthCheck has evaluated key benchmarking areas such as our Greenhouse gas emissions, Water Resource Management and Ecosystem Protection. I am proud to say that they were especially impressed with our Aqua Recycling Programme and energy efficiency in our Laundry Operations; as well as our Waste Water Treatment plant used to irrigate our world famous gardens and green areas throughout the property. Additionally, Energy Management, Chemical Control and very importantly our Food Safety program were also under the spotlight.’
EarthCheck also commended initiatives undertaken in partnership with the Sandals Foundation throughout the island including coastal cleanups, tree planting and mangrove restoration.
While proud of the achievement, Mark says Sandals will keep improving; ‘Recycling for the island is a major issue we need to tackle more urgently. To this end, we are in very encouraging talks with local and regional partners, and we hope to be part of that igniting force for viable recycling options that will benefit everyone.’
Similarly, the resort’s General Manager Peter Fraser acknowledged; ‘Tourism is a $1.4 trillion industry which directly affects the destinations it operates within. The very environmental values and cultural assets that attract visitors to destinations need to be protected and responsibly managed. The tourism industry and its operators are key to creating this change.’
Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck, said that Sandals Grenada had taken a significant leadership position in sustainability. ‘I would like to congratulate the team at Sandals Grenada on their achievement. Sandals Resorts International is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference.’
By working with EarthCheck, Sandals Grenada and the other Sandals resorts stand united with other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet. This marks the third consecutive year of certification for the local resort as it moves toward Gold level certification.
Sandals Grenada