PURE FOR THE FUTURE
Pure For The Future underpins The Datai Langkawi’s commitment to be a sustainable business. It is based on the tenets of a circular economy, which is a move away from the current linear model of take-make-waste through the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Our sustainability initiatives were the result of a rigorous assessment of the impact of our operations on the environment and are focused on reducing waste that would either end up in a landfill or the sea (thus ending up as pollution) by making it recyclable, upcyclable or returning it back into nature in an organic form.
OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
ZERO WASTE TO THE LANDFILL
We aim to achieve Zero Waste to the Landfill through increasing our recycling and upcycling initiatives at The Datai Langkawi. These include: wastewater management; in-house water bottling; banning the use of single-use plastics; transforming food waste into soil for cultivating plants and herbs; and upcycling materials like wax, plastic and glass. Between March 2019 and December 2020: up to 93% of waste has been processed at the resort, 493,473 kg of waste has been saved from going to the landfill, 76,096 glass bottles have been recycled, 22 tonnes of fertiliser compost has been produced from food waste and 6,796 candles have been upcycled.
REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Reducing our carbon footprint and energy wastage is an increasing area of focus. We have made inroads on this by significantly reducing waste to the landfill (which contributes towards greenhouse gases). We are also working with EarthCheck, a highly reputable industry body, to identify more ways to effectively measure our footprint and reduce it. From March 2019 to December 2020: 622,414 CO2-e has been prevented from polluting our environment by not sending waste to landfills, and 343,176 KwH of energy has been saved (enough to supply 171 kampung houses for a year).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
New sustainability initiatives have been introduced within the community as well as the support of local culture and heritage through the offering of traditional craft-making activities (e.g. batik workshops), and promoting natural well-being practices (e.g. propolis soap making). In partnership with local organisations, we nurture micro-businesses and local entrepreneurship, especially with disadvantaged and marginalised members of our extended community. To date, 10 single mothers and other beneficiaries have been provided employment to upcycle reused items, 2 tonnes of clothes, footwear and books have been donated to those in need, and 170 kg of food have been delivered to the needy from our monetary contribution through our community partners.
GUEST AND STAFF EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
In partnership with the community, we have developed a range of recycling and upcycling activities and workshops for guests to promote ‘green living’. These include recycling candles and natural soap-making, as well as staff programmes to stimulate continuous innovation on our sustainability and conservation initiatives. Between March 2019 and December 2020: 23 workshops with local artisans on craft and sustainable practices were conducted, 200 bars of soap have been upcycled and 247 concrete bricks have been produced from upcycled glass.
"I am very proud to be leading the Pure For The Future pillar with the support of a dedicated and passionate team. Our initiatives have developed well with some exciting achievements. Working on sustainability initiatives for the resort is a dream work experience for me. This, along with helping the community whilst minimising our impact on the surrounding environment, has been incredibly rewarding. I am looking forward to attaining more milestones for the programme."
-Remi Giromella, Pillar Leader, Pure For The Future, The Datai Pledge | Quality Control and Improvement Manager, The Datai Langkawi-
CERTIFICATIONS
In recognition of our efforts, we have achieved these green certificates and accreditations.
Asean Green Hotel Standard Certification 2020-2024
The standard developed by the 10 ASEAN country members to hotel operators based on their green hotel operations.
EarthCheck Silver Certification 2019-2023
The Datai Langkawi is the first in the world to be awarded the ECO (Terrestrial) Certification for tourism projects. EarthCheck science and products were developed by the Australian Government Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC) and built on the principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by at the United Nations Earth Summit 1992.
Malaysia Green Hotel Certification 2019-2020
Recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia that recognises sustainable hotel efforts in the country.