Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada, Achieves Coveted Green Globe Benchmark Distinction
Grenada - The 32-room Blue Horizons Garden Resort in Grenada has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Benchmarked Certificate under the Green Globe Certification program, which recognizes the property's commitment to operating at the world's highest environmental standard, according to the company source.
By obtaining its Benchmarked status, Blue Horizons realized ‘best practice' results in the following areas: energy consumption, water consumption, water saving, waste sent to landfill, community commitment, and types of paper products utilized.
Achieving this distinction means Blue Horizons Garden Resort can now proceed to the next step – securing the coveted Green Globe Certification. Blue Horizons first obtained the Green Globe Benchmark distinction in 2004 but it expired during the time the property was closed (as a result of Hurricane Ivan in September 2004). During the $1.5M renovation project that ensued, Blue Horizons made sure to keep environmentally-conscious operating procedures in mind because attaining Green Globe Certification upon completion of the project was a definitive goal.
"If we don't practice sustainable policies, then we are doing a great disservice to the tourism industry," said Arnold Hopkin, owner/manager of Blue Horizons. "Through our environmental efforts, we follow efficient operating practices, enjoy a significant cost-savings, and ensure the future of the resort as well as play a role in preserving Grenada's best natural assets," he added.
Green Globe is the global Benchmarking, Certification and improvement system assisting the international travel and tourism industry to attain sustainability. 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, and the destruction of biodiversity.
Benchmarking is a means by which the operation can assess and improve its environmental performance. This Benchmarking requires the submission of information over a 12-month period about the operation's environmental and social sustainability performance against a number of indicators such as energy and water consumption.
Following are examples of environmental practices instituted at Blue Horizons Garden Resort that paved the way for the property achieving the Green Globe Benchmark distinction:
- Creation of a fully-organic composting heap
- Introduction of water-saving toilets in 100 percent of the rooms
- Introduction of energy-saving air-conditioners in 100 percent of the rooms
- Installation of solar water heating systems in 100 percent of the rooms
- Placement of energy-savings bulbs in 100 percent of the hotel
- Installation of an Ozonator in the pool to minimize the amount of chlorine used
- Use of ECOLAB environmentally-friendly chemicals in the housekeeping department
- Creation of more garden beds above existing soil so plants can thrive
- Planting of more drought-resistant flora such as bougainvillea, buttercup and oleander so less water is used particularly during the dry season
- Guest involvement in various capacities – establishment of a towel reuse program, asking guests to separate garbage into appropriate bins (instructions provided in all rooms), and requesting that they turn off the air-conditioner when leaving rooms
- Staff training program in every department to ensure the highest possible health and hygiene standards
- Recycling of paper in the front and back offices
Known for its lush tropical setting and truly world-class fine dining, the 32-room Blue Horizons Garden Resort offers a charming, informal vacation that lets guests return to the softer side of nature in a delightful Caribbean paradise. The resort features 32 spacious accommodations in superior studio and deluxe one-bedroom categories; the gourmet restaurant La Belle Creole, serving continental cuisine with a West Indian flair; a freshwater swimming pool; activities lounge (with color television, games and books); and centrally-located poolside bar.
Blue Horizons has an aviary for tropical birds with 21 different species inhabiting the grounds. Birds that can be found on property include the Barn Swallow, the Violet Eared Dove, the Tropical Mockingbird, the Broad-Winged Hawk and the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch.
Beyond this, Blue Horizons and Grenada are an excellent combination for travelers interested in ecotourism. Mix Blue's tremendous value with Grenada's lush interior, hiking trails of varying degree, waterfalls, the Grand Étang National Park and much more, and you have the ingredients for a unique Grenadian adventure.
Blue Horizons is located four miles north of the airport and less than five miles from the colorful capital city of St. George's.
SOURCE: Blue Horizons Garden Resort