Earthy Living at Six Senses Vana
Our relationship with the land shapes how we operate and share its resources with the life around us. As India’s first retreat to achieve LEED Platinum certification in 2015, we have also been GSTC certified since 2024. That thinking carries into practical details. Energy-efficient systems, heat pumps, solar power, and monitoring help manage energy use. Rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment in our sewage treatment plant allow treated water to be reused through efficient irrigation for our gardens and landscape. We live within nature, learn from it, and make choices with this relationship in mind.
Environmental Responsibility
Environmental responsibility has shaped our retreat from the outset, evident in our design, art, materials, water management and single-use-plastic-free approach. Conceived around Green Building principles, we live in harmony with our existing Sal forest, natural ventilation and an organically kept landscape. Art uses recycled and salvaged materials, alongside FSC-certified wood and other durable materials. Our on-site bottling plant reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles, while textiles prioritize natural fibers.
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Refuge to All Sentient Beings
Many beings call the Sal forests of Uttarakhand their home, and monkeys and mosquitoes are considered an intrinsic part of the natural habitat. We use essential oils to keep away insects without resorting to noxious repellents, and cleaning products are Green Seal-certified to minimize disturbance to the soil’s natural composition. The retreat is maintained with low Volatile Organic Compound paints and polish, which are low-risk to health, and biodegradable bags are a conscious choice for the few items we need to dispose of.
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Sustainability in Design
From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscape, Sal forests, Mango plantations, and Lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, we are India’s first retreat to have attained this standard of environmental design. Interiors ensure natural ventilation in enclosed areas, and exteriors are lush, left to their most organic and natural form.
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Sustainability in Art
The soft colors and wooden furnishings throughout the retreat accentuate our connection to nature. Numerous artworks are made of 100 percent recycled materials such as Kite paper, scrap metal, and wooden (bottle) caps. Other materials used, such as clay and ceramic, leave no footprint to respect the design ethos. Blending art and music, make sure you experience our Raag therapies — live traditional music — under the Bodhi tree, a sensational sculpture made from salvaged metal.
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Sustainability in Materials
Shared spaces feature FSC-certified Sal, Ashwood, and Bamboo and glass enclosures and windows meet LEED guidelines. Indian Dholpur, Khareda and Spanish Crema Marble are used for their hypoallergenic qualities and high durability. Optimal daylight and LED lighting save energy and the ‘In Com Control’ system ensures that lighting and heating are only in use when rooms are occupied. Even at night, outdoor lighting is kept to a minimum, both to create minimal disturbance to the nocturnal habitat and mindfully preserve energy.
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Water
Rainwater is harvested, and our efficient water treatment plant ensures that the recycled water is then used for irrigation over our 21-acre site. Thanks to specially designed faucets on our taps, wastage of water is minimal. Having our own bottling plant further allows us to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 100,000 plastic bottles per year. We can heat a sizable amount of water at the retreat for consumption through solar heating.
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Less In, Less Out
There is ingrained mindfulness about the journey of anything procured before it comes to us and after it leaves us. Seasonal ingredients are grown in, not flown in, onsite or using small-scale local producers. Our homemade cheeses, miso, kombucha, nut butters, and ghee are produced without preservatives.
Raw veg waste and tea leaves are used for composting, and leftovers are given to a local animal shelter or waste management company. Waste oils are recycled into Bharat Oil, and electronic waste is processed in certified recycling centers in India. -
Wear It Like You Mean It
We are committed to textiles made only with natural fibers. Our guest kurta pajamas and team uniforms are made from 100 percent cotton sourced from a farm in South India that adheres to the highest organic standards. Likewise, all bed and bath linen are organic – as are the disposable underwear in our treatment rooms!
Social Responsibility
At Six Senses Vana, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond our walls. We actively take steps to engage with local communities, support initiatives that promote education, health, and cultural preservation. Our commitment to social responsibility and our community is reflected in our operations, making Vana a not only a sanctuary for our guests, but also benefit the community. We believe in ethical sourcing from within our region. Our products and services are carefully chosen to minimize exploitation and promote fair trade.
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Integrated Cow Care and Shelter Development
Since 2023, our support for the cow shelter has improved animal welfare through better shelter, clean drinking water, and veterinary care, including a dedicated medical unit supporting treatment and monitoring of more than 1,000 rescued cows. A 7.5 kilowatt solar power system now meets energy needs, eliminating diesel use and reducing associated emissions and costs. Better hygiene, shelter conditions, and healthcare support more consistent, dignified care, alongside local rescue efforts.
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Mission Wellness at School
As part of our Mission Wellness Sustainability program, we've partnered with Mussoorie Gram Vikas Samiti Inter School (MGVS) to empower local students through education and environmental awareness. Our dedicated team has provided a range of training programs, including Zero Waste, Climate Change, Apothecary and Home Remedies, as well as community clean-up to over 70 students in 2025.
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Human and Wildlife Co-existence Project
Since 2023, we have worked with local NGO Nature’s Buddy to support wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community-led conservation. In 2025, 50 forest waterholes were recharged with around 150,000 litres of water, supporting wildlife through summer. Our support has also enabled two village campaigns, four wildlife film screenings, two plantation drives, two forest clean-ups, and eight wildlife awareness and road-safety signboards, engaging communities and young people in habitat care and local ownership of conservation.
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Purkul Water Conservation Project
Water sets much of Purkul’s rhythm. With People’s Science Institute, our work has rejuvenated two springs, restored five hectares of irrigation, and now harvests around 800,000 liters of rainwater annually. By end-2025, 2,000 native trees covered 3.5 hectares, 132 kitchen gardens produced around 10 tons of vegetables, and 856 fruit plants were established. Farmers gained skills in bio-inputs and cultivation, while nine Village Development Committees, with 90 percent women’s representation, strengthen livelihoods and local stewardship.
