Divi Resorts Aruba have been busy for the past 18 months obtaining their EarthCheck certification. As a result of that process of introspection and inspection the environmental practices of Divi Resorts here have been recognized by EarthCheck, the world’s leading sustainable travel and tourism certification organization.
EarthCheck lends its stamp of approval only to those organizations that can consistently demonstrate operational practices that adhere to the highest environmental standards over an extended period of time. General Manager Marin Bijl, spearheaded the project in Aruba with the support of his department heads. He reports many improvements in the journey to becoming green. From big changes to small upgrades, the simplest initiatives and the most complicated ideas were woven into his resorts’ daily operation, affecting water and energy consumption, air conditioning use, waste management, landscaping practices, and administration methods.
Bijl invited the EarthCheck auditors to see for themselves how much has been accomplished and Janice Smith, headquartered in Trinidad was picked for the task.
While in Aruba auditor Janice Smith reviewed all environment practices, touring both the Divi & the Tamarijn resorts accompanied by all department heads. The party took the much-enjoyed inspection tour in the resort’s sun-powered golf cart. The group is also pictured here in the composting center. Jamaal Solomon, Landscaping Director explained the seaside resorts now shred all office paper waste and mix it with organic kitchen refuse and dredged algae from the golf course water hazards, ponds and canals, to create rich compost for the gardens. Elthon Lampe, Energy Manager reviewed all energy saving techniques employed by the resorts contributing to improved efficiencies.
Smith pointed out that using a science-based approach, EarthCheck is designed to help the travel and tourism industry increase efficiencies, maximize guests’ experience and minimize environmental footprints.
At the end of the tour Bijl reiterated Divi’s commitment to green practices revealing that Divi Links and Divi Village will be next in obtaining EarthCheck certifications.