Client Spotlight: Cempedak Island — Rupp Public Relations

What makes a hotel sustainable? That’s a question we get asked A LOT! And we always find ourselves referencing Cempedak Island as best practice. The hotel demonstrates that responsible tourism can be profitable for investors and the environment, without travelers feeling like they have to give up on comfort during their hotel stay.

Here are just a few of the over 100 sustainability elements Cempedak Island has achieved to date:

Architecture

· The villas and guest areas follow an environmentally friendly design that avoids the use of air-conditioning through natural ventilation.

· All-natural materials and some recycled materials, such as bamboo, were used in the building process.

· Wherever possible local tradesmen were used to build the hotel, training many in the process.

· Two natural grass tennis courts have been built, which included the development of natural paint for marking lines.

· Mosquito netting was specifically designed and fabricated for the island using organic cotton.

Food & Beverage

· Fixed daily menus in the restaurant to avoid food waste.

· Local produce is used almost exclusively, and almost no processed food is purchased.

· Bamboo straws are used instead of plastic ones.

· Compliance with WWF sustainable seafood guide.

· They have a farm on Bintan that raises free-range chickens for meat and eggs, as well as herbs spices, vegetables and fruits.

Local Community

· Establishment of the Island Foundation to support locals.

· Established a learning farm for growing organic products and experimenting with composting.

· Established a micro enterprise for villagers to collect polystyrene foam on nearby beaches and recycle it for fill in bean bags. Bean bags made from recycled sails.

· Established a coastal surveillance system to monitor and report on illegal dumping.

· Driver behind implementing a management plan of the gazetted Marine Protected Area surrounding the island.

Energy, Waste & Water

· No drinks in plastic bottles are sold; drinking water is provided in reusable glass bottles.

· Solar hot water systems installed throughout the property.

· Recycling of water for toilet flush and gardening.

· Laundry is dried naturally.

· Installation of rainwater harvesting and 600m3 of water storage.

Some say the best thing you can do to fight climate change, is to talk about it. Flora and fauna information guides, as well as detailed description on the island’s environmental policy, is found in each guest room to start the conversation. We can only truly make a difference if we know why we want to do so.

Yes, we’ve heard the argument a hundred times. Flying to a sustainable destination is not very sustainable. And we agree.

However, we understand the power of travel, and are not going to stop those who love to travel from traveling – we are here to point travelers in the right direction and to travel consciously.

Because all sorts of new ideas, relationships and connections grow from being in a new place. Especially when you immerse yourself in local culture. This in turn brings economic development, which is a much-underrated element of sustainability in the Western world’s debate right now.

We believe technology is the way forward – so please carbon offset your trip by investing into the research of sustainable aviation fuel with Compensaid, or donate to projects run by Atmosfair.

Planning a trip to Asia? Cempedak Island is just 91km from Singapore and easily reached by ferry. Head over to www.cempedak.com to make a positive impact on your next vacation.

Click here to get in touch regarding media inquiries and press trips.