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GREEN CHAPTER | Leading the Way: Sustainability in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry on Nusa Lembongan
June 7, 2023
The allure of Bali’s Nusa Lembongan has captivated travellers with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. As tourism continues to grow on this small island, it becomes crucial for the hospitality industry to prioritise sustainability. As one of the leading Boutique resorts on the island, Batu Karang plays a significant role in setting an example and implementing eco-friendly initiatives to actively contribute to the preservation of this unique island sanctuary.
Here at Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa in our 17th year of operation, we have continued to improve our infrastructure with various eco-friendly practices and systems such as the use of reverse osmosis (RO) systems, water bottling plant, and hydroponic gardens to name a few, which all help to reduce the environmental impact and preserve the island’s natural beauty. Read more below where we unpack in more detail!
In-house Water Bottling Plant System for Plastic Reduction
Plastic waste is a global concern, particularly in tourist destinations. By establishing a water bottling plant system in 2018, Batu Karang has eliminated the need for single-use plastic water bottles. This system allows our guests to refill their reusable water bottles with filtered water, reducing plastic waste generated by traditional single-use bottles. This simple initiative has had a significant impact on reducing the island’s plastic footprint. In Bali and many parts of the world, the vast majority of plastic bottles end up in landfills and the ocean, or are burned, generating air pollution detrimental to human health and the environment. With the automated water-bottling plant in house, Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa (46 rooms and 2 F&B venues) has been able to eliminate more than 56,000 plastic bottles per year, as well as reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting the plastic bottled water between Bali mainland and Lembongan Island.
Cultivating an in-house Hydroponic Garden for Sustainable Food Production
As a small island, Nusa Lembongan faces challenges in sourcing fresh produce sustainably. Batu Karang has addressed this issue by implementing hydroponic gardens. Hydroponics is a soil-less farming technique that uses nutrient-rich water solutions to cultivate plants. By growing our own vegetables and herbs locally, we have been able to reduce the need for importing food, thus minimising transportation-related carbon emissions. Additionally, hydroponic gardens also serve as an educational attraction for guests, promoting awareness of sustainable farming practices and knowing they are eating as FRESH as it gets!
Implementing RO Systems for Responsible Water Consumption
Freshwater scarcity is a pressing issue for islands like Nusa Lembongan. To reduce the strain on local water resources, Batu Karang invested in a reverse osmosis (RO) system. This system utilises advanced filtration techniques to convert saltwater or brackish water into clean, drinkable water. By implementing RO systems, resorts like us can minimise the need for freshwater extraction, ensuring the island’s limited water sources are conserved.
On Site Sewage Treatment Plant for an Efficient approach to wastewater management
An on-site sewage treatment plant that returns water back to the water table through gardens offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to wastewater management. It helps conserve water, reduce pollution, promote nutrient recycling, recharge groundwater, enhance biodiversity and contribute to climate resilience.
Other eco-conscious initiatives we take:<center>
- We fundamentally operate our business values and principles aligning with island community sustainability.
- We participate in the local school trainee programs.
- We enrol our staff in the English online training program
- Corn Starch & Bamboo Straws We only use biodegradable corn starch and bamboo straws.
- Natural bathroom essential range free of harmful chemicals to ourselves and to the environment. These products have been curated locally, from both Nusa Penida & Ubud.
- Bio-Degradable takeaway packaging (including bamboo straws, coffee cups & takeaway boxes) for our café & restaurant outlets.
- Utilise waste segregation and works with a nearby rubbish tip where locals make a living from selling recyclables. All organic food waste is passed on to local villagers for animal feed.
- Housekeeping Change over (replace all linen in the rooms) every second day to limit the amount of laundry.
- Preserving Energy Energy is conserved by having all outdoor garden lights on timers. All cooking in our kitchen is conducted using gas. Throughout the Resort, we use low voltage LED lights.
- Water We have worked closely with Bio Systems; a specialist in water technologies. Technologies used at Batu Karang include:
- Water Supply & Treatment By Bio Systems: http://www.biosystemsgroup.com
- Water Purification using desalination and reverse osmosis processes to produce water for all of our water requirements in the pools, showers, hand basins, kitchens, bars, and in Lulur Spa.
- Waste Water Management in order to recycle all of the water produced by toilets, showers and the kitchen. We also use
- Water Saving Shower Heads in all bathrooms.
- Biosolve is used to help break down grease in drains and grease traps by biological process using bacteria.
- GOOD KARMA SMOOTHIE: We have joined with @thecubeseaweed to help with our local seaweed farming industry in the island. Good for the farmers, good for you! empowering local communities. Every smoothie you enjoy is directly supporting the seaweed farmers of Nusa Lembongan. – giving you healthy protein & nutrition. Each smoothie contains a protein cube jam packed with some of the most protein and nutrition rich seaweeds in the world: eucheuma cottini, spirulina & chlorella.
- We are a member of The Punch Community: 200+ Businesses Committed to Minimising their Footprint in Bali. Covering all tourism stakeholders of Bali, Indonesia – from hotels, restaurants and bars, beach clubs to spas and stores, The Punch Community & Guide highlights the sustainable efforts and positive impact of the most relevant places to visit and shop, Celebrating incredible businesses that are achieving sustainability through creativity and innovation in Bali, Indonesia.
Click here to learn more of our eco conscious initiatives and here to watch the interview with our Co-owner Troy Sinclair on how Batu Karang addresses sustainability on a remote island click here!
UP NEXT… Harnessing Solar Energy for Sustainable Power
Islands are often blessed with ample sunlight, making them ideal locations for harnessing solar energy. Batu Karang’s next step is to install solar panel systems to meet their energy needs. By utilising renewable energy sources, we hope to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and minimised carbon emissions. Solar panels not only provide clean energy but also contribute to the establishment of a greener infrastructure on the island.
As a boutique resort on Nusa Lembongan, taking the lead in implementing eco-friendly initiatives can serve as a powerful example for the entire tourism industry. By showcasing the successful integration of sustainable practices, we can inspire other businesses to follow suit. This collective effort will hopefully contribute to the development of a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector on the island.
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