The Valverde Lodge is already making waves in the tourism and hospitality industry for its range of eco-friendly conference, wedding and accommodation facilities. This 25 bedroomed lodge has implemented a number of eco-initiatives designed to reduce its environmental impact, and their decision to participate in Africa's largest environmental certification scheme is seen as further evidence of the commitment of its owners towards a more sustainable business.
"We believe it's time for businesses to take their environmental responsibility seriously. We have made it our mission to provide corporate clients with excellent value for money for their conferences and functions, whilst preserving the planet and minimising our carbon footprint," says Joaquim Valverde, owner of the lodge.
"Some of the measures we have implemented over the past five years include a grey-water recycling plant for irrigation, the use of solar geysers in all our guestrooms and the kitchen, waste recycling programmes to reduce landfill volumes, and water-saving measures and devices across the entire property," Valverde says.
"Our newest greening initiative is a 600m2 aquaponics farm (the farming of plants and fish in a recirculating system). The farm comprises two large tunnels which keep temperatures stable for tilapia in fish tanks and hydroponically grown vegetables in raised growing beds. To our knowledge, this is the largest commercial aquaponics system in South Africa."
"Aquaponics uses 90% less water than soil-based gardening. It is 500% more productive on a per square metre basis, compared to soil-based gardening. It allows us to plant more densely than conventional gardening and the plants grow up to three times faster in the controlled environment. It also ensures that we are able to provide mercury-free fish and organic vegetables for our guests to enjoy safe, delicious meals. Aquaponically grown produce is totally organic - no chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or additives are required," he explains.
"Future plans include being able to supply the local community with fresh vegetables, in a community supported agriculture system. This means that customers buy shares or subscriptions to a weekly reusable vegetable box, which can be collected or delivered. This in turn creates a strong link between the food that is consumed and the consumer. You know where the food comes from, and shareholders are welcome to visit the farm at any time to see their vegetables growing," Valverde adds.
"The introduction of a sustainable management system and globally competitive performance benchmarks will add to the success already achieved by management while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of current and future developments at the lodge," says Neal Dickinson, operations director of the Heritage Programme.
"The extent to which the lodge's management have already taken the greening initiative to make a difference, simply complements the work done by Heritage. We are confident that their Silver Certification will make a meaningful contribution not only to their marketing and promotional programmes, but also and more importantly to their continued sustainable operations," Dickinson says.
