Gili Lankanfushi is dedicated to promote environmental responsibility. Greenhouse gases are emitted either directly or indirectly as a consequence of our activities in relation to energy use, transportation and process emissions. We take appropriate action whenever possible to reduce this impact.

• Energy Efficiency In The Resort

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  In 2006, our operation emitted almost 3,650 tons of CO2. This accounted for 1.1 million litres of diesel, 230 thousand litres of petrol and 40 thousand kilos of gas. Efforts to improve operational energy efficiency yielded results.
  
  We have now changed our outboard motor engines from two to four stroke engines, which are about 30% more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
  
  Moreover, our surface transport uses battery operated golf cars that do not consume petrol. Guests are given bicycles for their transportation on the island.
  
  In 2006, we also successfully commissioned a heat recovery system and connected it to our generator sets. This system traps the excess heat that escapes from the generators often at very high temperatures. This heat is then supplied to its end users through a pipeline network. This has drastically reduced the usage for electric boilers for heating water, hence reducing the overall heating bill.

• Sustainable Infrastructure

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  During the process of developing an over water resort, great care was taken with the design of the over water jetties and utilities to minimise the impact on the natural flow of water and sediment around the Island. The open flow of the water around the individual poles has virtually no effect on the sediment and has allowed the island to return to a more natural shape. The building services are safely contained so that all liquid from the buildings is returned to a central wastewater treatment plant. This water is treated and used to assist vegetation regeneration and returned to the Island in a natural state.

• Building Materials From Renewal Sources

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  Our choice of building materials and interiors is dictated by the desire of sustainable development. We don't use rainforest teak, coral or turtle shell. We have taken great care to source our materials from renewable sources using sustainable harvested wood where possible, certified by the Forestry Steward Ship Council (FSC). We recycle and use recycled teak in some of our villas.
  
  In addition to the wood used in the structures of our buildings, much of our furniture is made using wood from renewable sources produced where possible using local products from traditional craftsmen.

• Eco Design And Concept

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  Energy conservation measures are integrated in the architectural designs and operation of the resort. The architectural designs of the restaurants and bar allow good cross ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning.

• Passive Cooling

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  Our design of the villas helps us minimise the need for air-conditioning. By selecting proper materials and designing and placing the villas, natural light and breezes keep the rooms cool.

• Waste Management

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  Gili Lankanfushi continued aim towards sustainable waste management is based on: 'Reduce', 'Reuse', 'Recycle', 'Don't use it' and 'Dispose if there is nothing that can be done'. Styrofoam boxes that come to the island are being given to the neighbouring Himmafushi Island for reuse.
  
  In 2006, we began an extensive waste management programme. Waste is now collected at the source separately in colour-coded bins at the Heart of the House. All the organic waste is then used in composting, which is used in the two gardens of the island. Waste that does not receive treatment is disposed at a municipal landfill some 12 kilometres away from the resort, where it receives final treatment.
  
  A set of responsible purchasing ensures that minimum waste arrives to the island.

• Waste Incineration

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  All the office paper used in the resort is incinerated after double-sided printing. Cardboard and other forms of paper are also incinerated on the island. The volume of this incineration is safe for the environment and does not pollute the air.
  
  All glass bottles and other glasses are collected for treatment onsite. An electric crushing machine crushes all the glasses and transform it to sand or gravel sizes before being used in building construction.
  
  What are we doing?

  • Liquid soaps, shower gel, shampoo and body lotion are stored in refillable ceramic bottles and delivered to the resort in bulk.
  • Fruits and vegetables come in reusable baskets.
  • Wastebaskets in the guest rooms do not have a plastic or paper liner.
  • Waste collection bins in the kitchen and public spaces have tough, reusable liners.
  • Waste-free breakfast: The use of individual packs of cereal, butter, jam and yoghurt has been discontinued at the breakfast buffet. Items for breakfast are purchased in bulk and displayed on the buffet in bowls to eliminate waste.
  • We use starch-based biodegradable materials for disposable items in picnics and excursions.

• Water

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  We ensure that available water resources are used in the most environmentally sustainable manner.
  
  Our water supply is from the sea. A reverse-osmosis (RO) mechanism desalinates the seawater and supplied to the entire resort. However this process does consume a lot of electricity. That is why we are taking continual measures to minimize wastage and achieve efficiency in water usage. The RO system has been installed with an ERI (energy recovery system), which functions similar to a turbo. The ‘waste’ discharge water pressure is re-used to charge the incoming water feeder with pressure. The system therefore used up to 40% less energy with over 30% more fresh water output.
  
  All faucets and showerheads are equipped with low-pressure nozzles and dual or low flushing toilets are used wherever applicable.
  
  Only grey water is used for irrigation on the island and this changes the ground water aquifer.

• Waste Water Treatment

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  Waste water/ sewage from the resort facilities is collected by a small-bore sewerage network. A low cost, powered mechanical system treats this wastewater at the sewage and wastewater treatment plant on the island. A small amount of chemical is added at the end of the process to disinfect the treated water. The treated water is then used for irrigation in the gardens of the island. The treated water recharges the ground water aquifer. On a weekly basis water samples are sent to an independent laboratory and the results are monitored to ensure environment safety.
  
  What we are doing?

  • All taps are equipped with water saving devices.
  • All showers have water saving showerheads.
  • Low-flush and dual flushing toilets are used in the bathrooms.
  • Guests are given the option to re-use towel in order to reduce the water and laundry detergent use, and effluent for treatment.
  • Bed sheets are changed only when guests request.
  • Native plant species that require less water are used for landscaping.
  • Saltwater from the lagoon is put into ceramic pots for washing feet before entering the room.
  • Sprinkler tips are used after dark.

• Supply Chain

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  Gili Lankanfushi continues to work with its suppliers to reduce environmental impacts and improve social and ethical practices. By working with the suppliers in a responsible manner we can reduce the impact of our existence on the environment in a number of ways. To ensure that our expenditures are used in a responsible manner by the companies, our Purchasing Department implements a substantial assessment procedure whilst making new contracts with the suppliers.
  
  We do not condone or support any activities that are against Maldivian government laws and acts. We do not serve threatened or endangered species in food and beverage outlets and we do not buy items made from turtle shell.
  
  We also discourage our guests from visiting shops selling endangered items and encourage them to buy local souvenirs instead.