How Dominica Is Leading the Charge in Ecotourism Through Renewable Energy

In the face of challenge, the travel industry is quick to adapt and persevere. Over the last year, we’ve seen positive and sustainable changes, in line with the ubiquitous desire to vacation conscientiously. This momentary pause in operations has given industry leaders a rare opportunity to shape the future of travel for the better, and for many, that future will be shaped by a commitment to both people and the planet. 

While eco-friendly travel may be a new trend for some, it’s been at the forefront of planning and development for Dominica and Secret Bay. Below, learn about the Nature Island’s current objectives and how Secret Bay exemplifies these through sustainability covenants led by our dedicated “Green Team.”

Dominica’s Path to Climate Resilience: The Geothermal Initiative

With nationwide commitments to not only minimizing our impact but essentially eliminating (or counteracting) it altogether, Dominica is on track to become the world’s first climate-resilient country by 2030. One top initiative supporting this ambitious goal is a switch to 100% domestic renewable energy production as a contribution to a zero-carbon economy. 

Set to be completed in 2022 is a geothermal energy plant in the Roseau Valley, which is expected to generate approximately 120 megawatts of electricity. Dominica’s geology is ideal for supporting this type of energy, which is reliable, effective and low cost.

Geothermal energy produces no emissions, reducing the environmental impact of powering the vibrant country. It also costs about half of what it currently costs to produce energy using generators and relying on imported fossil fuels, which will drastically reduce the cost of energy for island residents.

Not only will this help support the people and guests of Dominica, but an abundance of renewable energy will allow Dominica to supply electricity to regional counterparts — including the neighboring French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Secret Bay x Dominica: Our Commitment to Sustainable Energy 

Supporting the people of Dominica and our planet through sustainability has been one of Secret Bay’s foundational pillars from inception. Our standard practices involve making as little of an impact on the earth as possible. The Secret Bay Green Team—composed of our Owner, General Manager and led by our staff—constantly assesses operations, implements incremental improvements and sets goals moving forward. This team is responsible for conceptualizing and carrying out our Sustainability Covenants: environmental action plans that guide the development, ownership and stays at Secret Bay, all aligned with Dominica’s overall national objectives. Within these, we’ve outlined the following pledges regarding renewable energy:

  • Conservation of Energy – closely monitoring our energy consumption through regular metering per villa and amenity, and opting for energy-efficient appliances, tools and machinery in all resort amenities and villas and for property maintenance and landscaping
  • Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – embracing Dominica’s venture into geothermal energy and supporting a goal of solely using renewable energy; implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions  and support carbon offset programs 
  • Reduction of Pollution – using electric golf carts to provide on-site transfers—thus reducing the use of gasoline or diesel emissions

Secret Bay: Where Sustainability Meets Luxury

Renewable energy is just one pillar in our quest for better, more environmentally-friendly operations. Here’s a holistic view of what the intersection of luxury and sustainability looks like at Secret Bay:

  • Eco-friendly construction: Our villas are made of sustainably-sourced Guyanese Greenheart hardwood and built without heavy machinery, allowing us to preserve the surrounding trees.
  • Sustainable food sourcing: We’ve recently installed organic backyard gardens outside of each villa as well as an organic farm to supply fresh food to our restaurants. We even offer guests an opportunity to catch lionfish—an invasive species that threatens the natural marine ecosystem (and happens to taste delicious when prepared by our chefs).
  • Zero tolerance for single-use plastics: We provide our guests with reusable glass water bottles, which they can fill up with filtered water from their villa during their stay.
  • Opting for energy-efficient appliances: Our villas are equipped with fully-stocked kitchens, complete with state-of-the-art energy-efficient appliances for convenience without the impact.
  • Green cleaning: Our staff operates using green practices and EPA-approved products, using biodegradable or reusable tools and resources when appropriate.
  • Coral restoration: Another hands-on experience available to guests is our Coral Restoration Project, in partnership with Project Lead, Donna Mitchell, the Dominica Fisheries Division and PADI. By rehabilitating and planting new, healthy coral, we’re supporting the local fishing economy, the underwater ecosystem and our shorelines.

For these operational standards and our ongoing commitment to the planet, Secret Bay has been recognized as a Green Globe Certified property — one of the highest standards for sustainability worldwide.

Come revel in ethical luxury with us. Inquire here.

Subscribe For News & Exclusives

Stay in the know by signing up for our newsletter, special offers and more.

"*" indicates required fields

Name
How would you like to hear from us?
Hidden
Network