During the process of developing an over water resort, great care was taken with the design of the over water jetties and utilities to minimize the impact on the natural flow of water and sediment around the Island. The open flow of the water around the individual poles has virtually no effect on the sediment and has allowed the island to return to a more natural shape. The building services are safely contained so that all liquid from the buildings is returned to a central waste water treatment plant. This water is treated and used to assist vegetation regeneration and returned to the Island in a natural state.

Our choice of building materials and interiors is dictated by the desire of sustainable development. We don't use rainforest teak, coral or turtle shell. We have taken great care to source our materials from renewable sources using sustainable harvested wood where possible, certified by the Forestry Steward Ship Council (FSC). We recycle and use recycled teak in some of our villas.

In addition to the wood used in the structures of our buildings, much of our furniture is made using wood from renewable sources produced where possible using local products from traditional craftsmen. Where not available in Maldives products are often made for us under the inspiration and guidance of our creative director by traditional craftsmen in rural Thailand, helping to preserve the local culture and lifestyle there.

Energy conservation measures are integrated in the architectural designs and operation of the resort. The architectural designs of the restaurants and bar allow good cross ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Our design of the villas helps us minimize the need for air-conditioning. By selecting proper materials and designing and placing the villas, natural light and breezes keep the rooms cool.

Soneva Gili's continued aim towards sustainable waste management is based on Six Senses' 3R’s and 2D’s: 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle', 'Don't use it' and 'Dispose if there is nothing that can be done'. Styrofoam boxes that come to the island are being given to the neighboring Himmafushi Island for reuse.

In 2006, we began an extensive waste management programme. Waste is now collected at the source separately in color coded bins at the Heart of the House. All the organic waste is then used in composting, which is used in the two gardens of the island. Waste that does not receive treatment is disposed at a municipal landfill some 12 kilometres away from the resort, where it receives final treatment.

A set of responsible purchasing ensures that minimum waste arrives to the island.

All the office paper used in the resort is incinerated after double-sided printing. Cardboard and other forms of paper are also incinerated on the island. The volume of this incineration is safe for the environment and does not pollute the air.

All glass bottles and other glasses that are collected are sent for treatment onsite. An electric crushing machine crushes all the glasses and converts it to sand or gravel sizes before being used in building construction.

What are we doing?

• Liquid soaps, shower gel and shampoo and body lotion are stored in refillable ceramic bottles and supplied in bulk.
• upplies to the resort come in bulk.
• Fruits and vegetables come in reusable baskets.
• Waste baskets in the guest rooms do not have a plastic or paper liner.
• Waste collection bins in the kitchen and public spaces have tough, reusable liners.
• Waste-free breakfast: The use of individual packs of cereal, butter, jam and yoghurt has been
• Stopped at the breakfast buffet. Items for breakfast are purchased in bulk and displayed on the buffet in bowls to eliminate waste.
• We use starch-based biodegradable materials for disposable items in picnics and excursions.

We ensure that available water resources are used in the most environmentally sustainable manner.

Our water supply is from the sea. A reverse-osmosis (RO) mechanism desalinates the sea water and is supplied to the entire resort. However this process does consume a lot of electricity. That is why we are continually taking measures to minimize wastage and achieve efficiency in water usage. The RO system has been installed with an ERI (energy recovery system), which functions similar to a turbo. The ‘waste’ discharge water pressure is re-used to charge the incoming water feeder with pressure. The system therefore used up to 40% less energy with over 30% more fresh water output.

All faucets and shower heads are equipped with low pressure nozzles and dual or low flushing toilets are used wherever applicable.

Only grey water is used for irrigation on the island and this changes the ground water aquifer.

Waste water/ sewage from the resort facilities is collected by a small bore sewerage network. A low cost, powered mechanical system treats this waste water at the sewage and wastewater treatment plant on the island. A small amount of chemical is added at the end of the process to disinfect the treated water. The treated water is then used for irrigation in the gardens of the island. The treated water recharges the ground water aquifer. On a weekly basis water samples are sent to an independent laboratory and the results are given to the hosts.

What we are doing?

• All taps are equipped with water saving devices.
• All the showers have water saving shower heads.
• Low-flush and dual flushing toilets are used in the bathrooms.
• Guests are given the option of towel re-use to reduce the water and laundry detergent use, and effluent for treatment.
• Bed sheets are changed only when guests request.
• Native plant species that require less water are used for landscaping.
• Saltwater from the lagoon is put into ceramic pans for washing feet before entering the room.
• Sprinkler tips are used after dark.

Soneva Gili continues to work with its suppliers to reduce environmental impacts and improve social and ethical practices. By working with the suppliers in a responsible manner we can reduce the impact of our existence on the environment in a number of ways. To ensure that our expenditures are used in a responsible manner by the companies, our Purchasing Department implements a substantial assessment procedure whilst making new contracts with the suppliers.

We do not condone or support any activities that are against Maldivian government laws and acts. We do not serve threatened or endangered species in food and beverage outlets and we do not buy items made from turtle shell.

We also discourage our guests from visiting shops selling endangered items and encourage them to buy local souvenirs instead.