Resort chain affirms commitment to the environment through Earthguard Programme

One year after launching Sandals Earthguard powered by EarthCheck, Sandals Resorts International has begun to realise a reduction in the company’s environmental footprint, improved operational efficiencies and increased benefits to the company’s host communities. Sandals’ flagship property in the Bahamas, Sandals Royal Bahamian has just been awarded a silver rating by EarthCheck, benefiting from the group’s environmental practices.

Across all resorts, water from ice machines is recycled and used for irrigation purposes and the company also recycles paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles. In the energy management sphere, the organisation has introduced ‘intelligent rooms’ featuring ‘smart thermostats’ and motion sensors for lighting and air-conditioning. Doors and windows across all properties have also been re-engineered to allow for efficient use of air-conditioning, while solar technology is used for piped water and swimming pool heating.

Additionally, the company’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Managers, stationed at all 20 of its luxury resorts across the Caribbean, have upgraded their expertise thanks to a recent week-long advanced training through EarthCheck. At Sandals Royal Bahamian Donnathan Johnson has been appointed the property’s EHS Manager. Fifteen team members are now certified EarthCheck Coordinators and five accredited EarthCheck Master Trainer status.



EarthCheck Coordinators were trained to lead the design, planning and development of the resorts’ EarthCheck program and prepare and plan for EarthCheck Certification Services. EarthCheck Master Trainers were schooled on how to educate staff on EarthCheck processes and requirements and deliver internal EarthCheck training for Managers and staff.

In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Sandals Resorts International is harvesting well water in order to reduce the demand on the municipal supply. Through a joint partnership with Panasonic, Sandals Montego Bay is currently involved in a pilot project which has suites that are fully powered by solar technology, allowing for the harnessing and storing of energy to power parts of the resort’s operation. In St. Lucia, a commercial laundry facility that washes linen for all three resorts on that island, was built at the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, drastically reducing water and energy usage.

This investment in operational improvements along with on-going community outreach activities has earned the company environmental stewardship accolades and certification. The Luxury-Included® resort chain’s achievements, based on stringent and regular third party audits, have successfully validated the implementation of the Sandals Earthguard program. EarthCheck is the world’s leading certification and benchmarking program for the travel and tourism industry and Sandals Resorts is now the only hotel company in the world to receive two platinum certifications – the highest level possible - from EarthCheck.

Sandals Grande Riviera Beach and Villa Golf Resort in Ocho Rios received this certification for the first time, while Sandals Negril retains the platinum status it previously earned under Green Globe in 2008. Resorts must achieve certification for 10 or more continuous years from a recognized environmental auditing body before they can receive platinum designation. Certification includes satisfying EarthCheck criteria in key performance areas including waste minimisation, water management, air quality protection and the effectiveness of sponsored community projects.

EarthCheck’s Chief Executive Officer Stewart Moore, in commending the organisation said, “This achievement highlights the long term commitment that Sandals Resorts has shown to the communities and environment of the Caribbean. They’re well ahead of most governments and industry players globally as a result of their efforts, and serve as a leader in the field of sustainable practices.”