Business View Caribbean | October 2019

25 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN OCTOBER 2019 CARL I SLE BAY RESORT bottled water. But at the same time it has to be responsibly operated and managed. You have to make sure you have all your boxes ticked in that sense, as well.” The resort is also looking at swapping out the chlorine system in the swimming pool for a salt water system. Again, economically, it makes sense, plus no chemicals are going into the groundwater. Rainwater collection is another consideration. Carlisle Bay already has a reverse osmosis plant that produces enough water to operate about 45 percent occupancy. The balance comes from government water systems, which are also reverse osmosis. “I will be putting together a Green Council here at the resort,” says Sukamaran, “that will be individual department heads coming up with ideas on how we can use less plastic. I am in correspondence with a company in Singapore that produces eco- friendly packaging for room amenities – shampoos, etc.– and they do beautifully branded, five-star products in plant-based-plastic containers, which is essential. We’re also installing solar panels, this year, to some of our beach suites, which will really assist us in using less electricity. So we’re at a tipping point as far as our sustainability and environmental awareness. It’s so important going forward. From a business point of view, guests now expect resorts to be very environmentally aware. No one likes to see single use plastic, anywhere. “We want our guests to appreciate where we’re coming from in terms of our green values. Also, economics dictate that it’s much better to not use disposable items. We’re all aware of what’s happening to the planet and that what we’re doing is not sustainable. So each one of us has to do our bit. It’s a huge passion of mine. I’m a mother, so I have to think of my children and what they’re inheriting, as well. But again, from a business point of view it just makes sense to move in that direction as fast as possible. I have great support from my parent company to really get going on this, so that’s crucial.” In conclusion, Sukamaran describes the many