Theodora Kioussis, managing director and design director at spa consultancy, operator and supplier Esadore International, spoke on ‘How to design a green spa’ at Beautyworld Middle East’s Business in Beauty Summit earlier this week in Dubai.

Kioussis said there are three stages where spas can actively look to become more green: during the initial design and build of a spa, during refurbishment and during the operation of the spa.

“A lot of owners think ‘If we do green, it’s going to be expensive,’” said Kioussis. “There are so many things that are actually quite cheap and they can save money in the long term.”

Kioussis said looking at things like energy usage, materials, water, air quality and the actual site – if the spa is a stand-alone spa – can all help to make a spa more green.

One of the easiest things to do is to source materials from local suppliers in order to reduce your carbon footprint, said Kioussis. Also, she suggested using good insulation, which will improve acoustic levels and reduce the cost of running the spa – especially in places with extreme temperatures. Looking at finishes, where they come from and if they follow any LEED protocols is also helpful, she added, as is looking at eco-friendly and organic textiles.

But the easiest place to save both money and the environment is with lighting, energy and water.

Today’s LED lights use 75 per cent less energy and are half the price, said Kioussis.

“The first LED lights were terrible,” she said. “But now we’ve got halogens, CFLs and more, all of which are energy-efficient, reliable and cheap. The idea is now we’ve got such a variety of LED lights, you can still have the ambience, but with something that uses less energy and generates less heat.”

When looking at doing a refurbishment, Kioussis advises keeping carbon footprints in mind when choosing furniture or carpets, considering where things were made and how far they would have to travel to make it to your spa.

Looking at materials is also key, and considering things beyond the initial purchase. Kioussis suggested looking at products that have already had a lifecycle, such as carpets with a recycled base layer. If recycled items aren’t available, research to see if what you’re buying can be recycled later.

When purchasing linens, keep in mind not just the initial purchase and whether products are organic, but also the longer-lasting effects on the laundry system – often microfiber sheets, which are a lighter density, can last longer and use less water, said Kioussis.

Small things, such as installing reflective blinds, can have a big impact by reducing the heat from outside and blocking out the sun, therefore reducing energy costs. Similarly, investing in good blackout curtains as well adds a double layer and will help reduce costs.

Going paperless at check-in also helps with going green, but if you do need to use paper, make sure it’s unbleached, she suggested. Similarly, avoid giving guests plastic water bottles, which wind up in landfills, and opt instead for glass bottles or cups.

Conducting a water audit in your spa can help you actively work on reducing your usage where possible.

“This is a big one,” said Kioussis, as spas use such vast quantities of water.

She suggests checking water bills from the past months, seasons and years and comparing your water usage with the number of guests and type of treatments, and also checking thoroughly for leaks and pressure controls and monitoring your water usage on a regular basis.

Low-flow shower heads, insulated pipes, toilets with low flush, motion-sensor faucets or tanks that recycle grey water into toilets or for landscapes can all help.

“If we can all actively change the habits of our staff, change how we run our spas, then we can do our bit to help balance out what’s already been done in terms of the energy and carbon footprint it takes to produce and maintain a spa,” she said.