Our Green Initiative

We recognised the problem:

In simple words, sustainability means that natural ecosystems can continue to support life and provide resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations.

Evidently, the hotel sector puts increased pressure on the environment and is demanding on the natural resources.

Let’s break it down. The Tourism sector sadly contributes to around 8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a result of: aviation (40%), transportation (30%) and the consumption of goods and services (30%) including food and accommodation (Lenzen et al., 2018).03 Mar 2020

Hotels and other types of accommodation contribute 2% of the 5% of global CO2 emissions by the tourism sector. It has been estimated that 75% of hotels’ environmental impacts can be directly related to excessive consumption of resources and it creates unnecessary operational costs. Ironically, the tourism and hospitality industry also contributes to the degradation of the environment, including the depletion of natural resources. The industry contributes to the depletion of natural resources such as water, energy and forests, while at the same time generates wastes and pollutes the environment.

 

At Sacred Mountain we have committed to turning this around:

 

• We have installed a 100% renewable energy Solar-powered system, installed solar geysers, use only energy-saving lighting, as well as ensured our appliances, heating and cooling systems used within our buildings have become more energy-efficient.  This also provides our customers with uninterrupted power supply and ensures customers can enjoy their holidays and business travellers can continue to operate their markets without interruption, and without being left in the dark,
• Saving Water –  we have installed water saving devices attached to all of our taps and showerheads, saving 75% water usage without compromising the water pressure
• We support local suppliers – and remain committed to purchasing products and produce from the local community, continually sourcing sustainable, organic and locally sourced produce and products and using local natural soaps and biodegradable cleaning products.
• Producing local, organic, free range and plant-based menus from our kitchen
• Recycling – supporting the reduction and elimination of single-use plastic – ensuring more than 80% of our waste is recycled.
• Assisting local charities to upgrade their facilities by means of trade exchanges
• Promoting arts, local artists and musicians at our in-house functions and events.

 

We also have our Focus on Wellness

We believe that a healthy environment = a healthy, balanced mind and body = a positive impact on our customer’s overall experience

Our focus is on reducing our environmental impact by employing sustainable best practices in maintenance and services, and supply chains.

 

How can you help?

If you travel by plane, one way you can reduce your emissions is by booking a non-stop flight. Because non-stops take the most direct route to the destination, they require less fuel than itineraries with multiple legs.

Remember your vacation destination is someone’s home and the places we visit are homes for people like us who live and work there. How would you want visitors to behave in your own home? Think about it! When you are the host, it’s great fun to show off what you have. But when the visitors leave, you hope they’ve cleaned up after themselves and taken only good memories, not some of your heritage!  If we are good tourists, we try to make wherever we go a little better during our visit, or at the very least to leave it the same as when we arrived. We don’t have to sacrifice our holidays to do this, either. It can even add absolute pleasure and a unique twist to our experience.

Enter Sustainable Tourism….If you choose to join us and become a more responsible tourist, here are some ways you can try:

1. Include sustainable tourism alternatives in your trip.
2. Choose to go green at your hotel.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Say NO to illegal trade.
5. Support sustainable options in island destinations.
6. Take care of heritage places.
7. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.
8. Support community-based tourism and initiatives.
9. Respect the practices of local people.
10. Use reusable bags.

 

We look forward to welcoming you here as our guests at Sacred Mountain Lodge & Spa !