Blue Horizons Garden Resort - A Study in a Continuing Sustainability Journey
Blue Horizons Garden Resort is situated in lush Grenada, the Isle of Spice overlooking Grand Anse beach. As the name implies it is a garden embellished property which celebrates nature.
As the property embarks on its 45th year of operation, there is much to celebrate as a family-owned resort with sustainability management at its heart.
Since the mid-years of the last decade, the property has been very involved in addressing energy management and the impacts of the facility in regard to Carbon Emissions & Climate Change. Blue Horizons continued to address this and many other issues pertaining to environmental management and sustainability.
In the area of Energy Management the property has over the last two years expanded the solar array (2 additional installations) and the charts below show the difference in output and production of the Solar PV array. In truth, the first phase of installation at the beginning of 2019 was thought to have satisfied 50% (30 kWh) of the property’s energy needs. The addition has moved this figure in the realm of 66% (35 kWh).
This impacts the cost of running the property with less being paid out to the energy service provider and reduced carbon emissions. The savings that have been amassed over the last four (4) years to date (July 2022) since first phase installation has been calculated at XCD$140,000.
Wherever possible the property has sought to employ appliances which are energy efficient and thereby reducing the attendant use of any associated fossil fuels. In terms of large units, the property has a gas operated dryer in the laundry that has been active for many years. Overall, in terms of consumption patterns, this presents as a 55% reduction in energy use.
In the last 5 years the property has taken on board solar PV installation; changed air-conditioners and refrigerators to inverter -based technology using 40 - 60% of energy utilized by conventional units. Blue Horizons has also upgraded internal & external lighting to 100% LED; installed forty five (45) external solar lamps, changed to efficient appliances and ensured the safe use of LPG stoves. These have all contributed to reduction in carbon emission sources. For 2019 the CO2 emissions from fossil fuel sources was 38 tonnes CO2, which was reduced to 15 tonnes CO2 in 2021. The Resort has expanded the trees and shrubs and seen the further development of the six (6) acres of preserved forest that serve as carbon sink. The property is pursuing Carbon Neutrality status in 2023.
All these initiatives and improvement have come to address nearly all the daytime and nighttime energy needs of the property.
Looking at efforts to conserve water, a precious resource the Resort managers have recognized the need to maximize rainwater harvesting on the property. The facility has greater than 80% of building roofs bearing guttering and the collection of water has been greatly augmented over the last two (2) years. This precious resource is directed into a 10,000 gallon tank in close proximity to the laundry and other storage tanks on the premises. This resource being soft water is used to meet laundry needs, thereby reducing the quantity of chemicals and water needed for each load of laundry. This valuable resource is also used to nourish the beautiful gardens that grace the property. There are six and a half (6.5) acres of beautifully designed and manicured garden spaces all filled with ornamental and and drought resistant shrubs. Over the last year (2021) there has been an upgrade of the irrigation lines for the distribution of harvested rainwater around the expansive gardens. This significantly reduces the use of virgin or potable tap water for these purposes. The impact of these recently augmented features is clearly identified since the indicator value has improved from 51.05 Gal/GN in 2019 to 36.25 Gal/GN in 2021, a 30% reduction, in spite of the impact of the pandemic on visitor numbers. Actual consumption values saw an 82% reduction from 789,140 gallons to 138,600 gallons of water used from municipal suppliers.
In other areas, as the world grapples with issues such as plastic pollution and micro-plastics in the food chain, Blue Horizons Garden Resort recognizes that the prevalence of waste is an issue that requires urgent handling. Grenada, in 2018, was the second island in the region to ban single use plastics and associated containers. Blue Horizons has sought to address this multi-faceted challenge in the following way:
· The provision of reusable cloth bags for guests’ grocery shopping while utilizing the amenities in the- self-contained cottages.
· Segregation of refuse is also important. Guests are encouraged to separate garbage and utilize a separate bin provided for the green waste produced in the rooms or cottages. This is added to the properties compost cells or if very minute combined with home-based practice of the proprietor.
· Composting is integral to the management of the gardens, taking up yard waste, along with any green waste that emanates from the kitchen or guest rooms.
There is also provision of water pitchers in the refrigerators in the rooms /cottages rather than being stocked with bottled water. There is bottled water for purchased but only local companies are stocked - Glenelg and Mount Pure provide these. These are also collected and returned to the bottling companies, which again forms part of the management of recyclables that can accumulate on the property.
Very recently, in July 2022, there has been the launch of the pilot project under the OECS, the RE-Plast project. This looks at the recyclable waste streams and seeking to compile and ship to source markets from the OECS territories. St Lucia completed their pilot in 2021 and now Grenada is underway. The Hotel Sector has been identified as a major player with green facilities leading the way. The proprietors of Blue Horizons are involved and were present at the launch in Camerhogne Park. They demonstrate their commitment at all levels – legislative, regional initiatives and towards the local efforts to manage this aspect of Solid Waste Pollution. Actual haulage figures 62.73m3 in 2019 and 22.19m3 in 2021 show a 35% reduction in waste removed from the property.
Another application explored and of particular interest is the use of recyclables with an artistic twist. Waste streams such as metals, plastics, netting, paper, etc. have been used to produce pieces of art that are dotted throughout the garden landscape. The crowning jewel of this collection is a larger than life size figurine of a historical and cultural icon - Alamay Rose, a French creole, mulatto Caribbean Princess. Grenada’s anthropological history, cultural diversity and sense of Euro- Afro- Caribbean fashion is on display thanks to local sculptor Godfrey Luke and local artist Asher Mains. This provides opportunity to speak to the history of Grenada and the part played by such persons in the journey to the development of the nation. Mr. Luke was also instrumental in the production of other sculptures in the garden.
It would be remiss of me not to mention another feature – the creation of a vantage or vista point above the garden for a spectacular panoramic view of the gardens and the extended view of the ocean and landmarks around. This is an example of re-purposing and upcycling – the canopy is actually a former satellite dish and shows that with ingenuity and re-thinking ‘scrap’ can go a long way, and gives heartfelt meaning to the adage, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.
As we turn our attention to the gardens of Blue Horizons, we see they are not only the jewel of the Resort, but so much more: veritable carbon sink; aesthetically pleasing surroundings to destress in; purveyor of oxygen enriched spaces for clearer thinking; and opportunity for garden tours. Guests may wonder around and glean information from the interpretation signboards or be a part of a guided tour. On staff is Avon, our resident botany expert who delights the guests with information on the large variety of flora found on the grounds. The expanded gardens boast of over 14,089 ornamental and drought resistant shrubs, flowers & trees. There are also Bird Tours available and avid bird watchers have visited and experienced the diverse wildlife that live or visit the landscape. Blue Horizons is home to 27 species of tropical birds. Of the recently spotted species, the Hooked Billed Kite, endangered and endemic to Grenada, has been sited.
Another feature in the augmented garden is the siting of ‘grow boxes’ which will soon house herbs and some vegetables. These are constructed out of defunct bathtubs which were displaced as the property moved to shower stalls in 2016; an initiative to improve water efficiency on the property. Here, another hard to recycle item is re-purposed and given new and effective life. Fruit trees are also prevalent on property and lime, sapodilla, cherry, mango, soursop, pawpaw trees, etc., dot the landscape.
A large garden scape and fruit trees invite our insect friends to assist with pollination. Understanding the linkages between the survival of the honeybee and the survival of mankind has resulted in the property doing their part to fight against colony collapse. The property is home to an apiary that has expanded in size over the last three (3) years, having begun in November 2019, and has produced world class honey which is used by the Food and Beverage Department as well as bottled for sale locally. The first batch of honey was harvested in April 2020 reaping some thirty-six (36) 750ml bottles. By the end of 2021 the apiary has grown to 18 hives and produced 160 bottles for sale and gifts in its last harvest.
Health & Safety has ridden to even greater significance due to the impacts of the COVID 19 Pandemic. In response to the COVID 19 Pandemic the property has been one of the few to remain open during this challenging period. There were measures taken on board to assist staff wherever possible and Blue Horizons ensured coverage by allowing staff to stay in house and attend to matters – reservations, quarantine guests, the gardening, security, whatever the need that arose. Blue Horizons offered its self-contained hotel rooms as one of the quarantine facilities for the pandemic. The property therefore was one of the frontline facilities to ensure the protection of the citizenry of Grenada. In this way it contributed to National Security and Development.
The sustainability program for the property does not stop at the property gates. There is the support of cultural, health, sporting, recreational and community activities. Some of the entities receiving such support include:
World Pediatric Project
The Dorothy Hopkin Home
The Grenada Community Library
The Women Global Cancer Initiative
Grenada Amateur Swimming Association
Pure Grenada Music Festival
The property also looks to promote the work of artists and provide an abode which is sure to stir inspiration. Exhibition of works by both visiting and local artists have been held.
In terms of further contribution to National Development, the property punches above its weight. There is strong commitment to advancing the academic and technical training. This is seen in some of the stated projects above. One area worth highlighting is the effort to expose students at the T. A. Marryshow Community College to green job initiatives. The engineering technicians in-training were able to have hands on experience with the deployment of the solar panels and the photovoltaic system. This contribution to our up-and-coming workforce ensures their understanding of the importance of alternative, fossil fuel free, energy options. This again supports the island’s forward direction in sustainability and addresses environmental matters.
Staff also receive training in sustainability and health & safety on an annual basis, with enforcement of principles flowing through staff and departmental meetings. Their dedication to upskilling and improving the knowledge base of their team is evident and goes beyond its use in the operation of the property. The hands-on interaction of the Managing Director, Mr. Hopkin, and Deputy Managing Director, Mrs Hopkin-Stewart is a prime example of their dedication to sustainable tourism and to Planet Earth.
The property has sought to implement the above sustainability initiatives, and believes it is important to be an internationally certified facility. This has been ongoing since the early 2000s, when Blue Horizons were involved with the CHEMI program across the Caribbean region. They were one of the chosen facilities then to undergo Green Globe 21 certification and they have not looked back since. Since 2010, the property has been a certified facility under Green Globe Certification and attained Gold Status in 2016. The Green Globe certification platform continues to provide a way to advance performance with its continuous improvement model. The goals and action plans developed are guidance to achieving improvements. They are now on the way to being a Platinum awarded property in 2023. This suggests that they not only demonstrate to Grenada and the Caribbean that they are a sustainable operation but also a proven world class green facility, promoting green living and successfully operating sustainably.
Finally, exemplifying Blue Horizon’s commitment to giving back, is Mrs. Kendra Hopkin-Stewart’s recent service commitment to the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST-CHTA). The Resort’s second-generation owner now serves as the current President of GHTA devoted to developing Grenada’s tourism industry as well as sits of the Board of Trustees for CAST dedicated to working towards a more sustainable Caribbean Tourism product.
We celebrate with Blue Horizons Garden Resort their sustainable successes and as they continue on this journey, we look forward to so many others emulating them.
