Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, colleagues, and friends, welcome,
Today, it is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you, celebrating the remarkable journey of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. For 25 years, our partnership with EarthCheck has been more than just a certification—it has been a commitment to the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship that are core to our identity.
Since becoming the first resort in Aruba to achieve the prestigious EarthCheck Master certification, Amsterdam Manor has consistently led by example. Our recent audit, held in May, once again affirmed our dedication on master level, with our practices in environmental and social sustainability, waste management, and staff training being thoroughly reviewed and commended. This achievement is not just a reflection of our past efforts, but a promise of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and being a role model as a responsible local company – employer.
As we look to the future, our vision for sustainability continues to expand. During our recent renovations, we will be taking significant additional steps towards water conservation, reclaiming water from sources like shower water, air conditioning condensation water, and rainwater.
Our goal is to utilize this reclaimed water for cleaning the buildings and premises, filling-up the pool, water for our laundry and potentially supporting a hydroponic system. In 2023, we made impressive strides, reducing our average water consumption per Guest Night from 0.26 m³ to 0.22m³.
With ongoing efforts, including – soon – the installation of new water tanks, we aim to reduce our water usage by an additional 10 – 15%, further strengthening our leadership in sustainable water management. In a recent AHATA benchmark study we had the lowest water usage per G/N in 2023 amongst participating resorts, same for EarthCheck in our category.
Our commitment to energy efficiency is equally robust. By insulating the ceilings of all our buildings, double glass doors and windows, state of the art VRF-AC system and installing LED lights in over 99% of our fixtures, we have dramatically reduced our electricity consumption from 111 MJ per guest night to 85 MJ per guest night (this includes LPG).
However we still anticipate lowering our energy consumption by 10 – 15% for 2024. In a recent AHATA benchmark study we had the lowest energy usage per G/N in 2023 amongst participating resorts, same for EarthCheck in our category.
Moving forward, we plan to integrate renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, with the aim of significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable electricity by 2025. These efforts are not just about reducing costs; they are about demonstrating that responsible tourism can go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation.
Looking ahead, we are excited about several innovative projects that will further solidify our position as a sustainability leader. We plan to introduce a glass-to-sand crusher to enhance our recycling efforts, with the goal of reducing waste production to just 0.3 kg per Guest Night. We are also exploring the implementation of a composting system to manage our food waste sustainably, complementing our existing donations to a local pig farmer. Additionally, we have adopted a nearby beach area, committing to its beautification and ensuring it remains safe and pristine for both our guests and the community, it is the area from Aruba’s famous fofotis to the turtle roundabout, beach side, you can see it from here.
Beyond these initiatives, we recognize the broader responsibility we carry as a resort operating on a beautiful but fragile island. Amsterdam Manor is not just a business; it is a member of the Aruban community, and we are committed to fostering goodwill and making a positive impact to the community, nature, and environment.
This means not only reducing our environmental footprint but also contributing to the well-being of the island and its people. We understand that our success is intertwined with the health and vitality of the local environment and community, and we take this responsibility seriously.
Our future achievements will be guided by this sense of responsibility. We aim to set new standards in sustainable tourism, not just in Aruba but globally. By continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement, we will ensure that Amsterdam Manor remains a beacon of responsible tourism.
In closing, we are very proud of our sustainability achievements, and we hereby extend our assistance to any organization (private or public) or persons to assist them in their sustainability journey.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and MVC Eagle Beach Resort for your unwavering dedication to sustainability. Together, we are not only protecting our environment but also building a legacy of goodwill and responsible business that will benefit generations to come.
Let us continue to lead with purpose, embracing sustainability as the core value that drives us forward.
