Sustainability with Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo remains committed to promoting best practices in sustainability, from community engagement to environmental conservation. As we evolve, so do our practices! Our island is an ecological marvel, and we do everything to sustain its integrity. Our commitment is to play our part in leaving the planet and society better than we found them, becoming a leader that inspires greater action through consistency, transparency and innovation.

Here are some of the sustainability initiatives we have implemented on the island. These innovative methods not only alleviate our ecological footprint but also bestow upon us the bountiful rewards of nature’s cyclical harmony.

 SINGLE-USE PLASTIC-FREE POLICY

Being aware of the damaging effect that plastic waste has on the environment and the significant carbon footprint of its production, Raffles Maldives has rolled out the gradual ban on single-use plastic in guest villas and areas where suitable product alternatives are available.

It includes replacing plastic amenities with ceramic containers and using glass water bottles. We now use nonwoven, biodegradable packaging for all amenities, further reducing the plastic waste brought into the resort.

WOODEN KEY CARDS

The desire to keep our environmental impact to a minimum is always at the forefront of our minds. Therefore by replacing the plastic room cards with wooden cards, which are biodegradable and made from sustainably managed forests, we ensure faster degradation in both littering and landfill conditions.

SOLAR PANELS

Raffles Maldives is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint by utilizing solar panels for water heating and electricity throughout the resort. The first phase of installation, consisting of over 400 solar panels with a capacity of 180KW, has been completed, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. The next phase of the project, scheduled to begin soon, will further reduce our dependency on conventional energy sources, demonstrating a commitment to clean and renewable energy solutions.

MUSHROOM GREENHOUSE

The greenhouse at Raffles Maldives allows the team to cultivate fresh and organic mushrooms, providing guests with delicious and flavourful produce from a controlled microclimate.

MARINE BIOLOGIST AND CORAL REGENERATION PROGRAM

Our resident Marine Biologist is a key player in our efforts to share positive knowledge on preserving our unique marine life and environment. The marine biologist offers an understanding of the Maldives coral reef and insights into our conservation efforts, enhanced by snorkelling experiences allowing guests to form a relationship with the ocean and invest in restoration efforts, such as coral regeneration.

The marine biologist also runs the Coral Regeneration Program at Raffles Maldives, which focuses on enhancing the health, abundance, and biodiversity of the coral reef. Fragments of corals are carefully secured to metal frames, creating artificial reefs that serve as spawning hotspots for coral.

BIOGAS PLANT

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced as a by-product of organic waste. Raffles is among the few resorts in the Maldives, where organic waste is utilised to produce biogas by anaerobic decomposition of materials. By effortlessly transforming discarded waste into clean cooking gas for our colleague restaurant, we manifest our unwavering commitment to a greener tomorrow.

WATER BOTTLING PLANT

Safeguarding the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Raffles Maldives uses a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis plant to produce fresh water from seawater. Our partnership with EcoPure (UK) systems enables us to treat seawater on-site, passing it through complex stages of filtration to make it perfect for drinking. Salt content is separated from the water, as well as other impurities, whilst some minerals are added. The final product is then passed through a cooler for still water, and CO2 is added for sparkling water before being stored in recyclable glass bottles. This not only enables us to produce the highest quality of water but also leaves no discernible carbon footprint behind. Through the installation and diligent operation of this sophisticated bottling facility, we proudly eliminate the need for an estimated 100,000 plastic bottles annually.

COMPOST

We are revolutionizing our waste management system, heralding an era of conscientious segregation and recycling practices. We are proud to say that all our organic waste is segregated, along with fallen leaves and branches, to make compost for our gardens. Our team members undergo several induction programs that embrace environmental commitments, protocols, and essential knowledge vital for executing our eco-friendly vision. These initiatives empower our team to champion the cause, ensuring every waste material finds its rightful place in the journey towards sustainability.

ORGANIC GARDEN

 We are also doing Organic Gardening on the island, providing excellent and fresh produce that is grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This initiative reaffirms our dedication to sustainability and displays our unwavering commitment to providing guests with unique dining experiences that are not only flavorful but also environmentally responsible.

INDIVIDUAL GARDENS BY DEPARTMENTS

At Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, we encourage healthy living and sustainability not just in the guest areas but in the back of the house too.

Individual departments have been assigned a piece of land that is gardened or cultivated. This helps enhance the beauty of the colleagues’ space, promotes group physical activity, and is a great team-building exercise. Every heartist takes pride in taking care of their gardens, and it is a visible symbol of the company’s commitment to both environmental issues and employee welfare.

GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

 Green Globe is the global leader in Sustainable Tourism Certification and one of the certification bodies accredited by The Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo has successfully achieved the Green Globe certification after detailed evaluation, a thorough on-site audit, and achieved a 90% score in the very first audit.