As part of its bid to become completely carbon neutral by 2010, the Soneva Fushi by Six Senses resort in the Maldives has launched an integrated waste management site. The site in the Maldives has been designed to have sustainable use of water, energy, land and localisation (WELL).

The principle is that if the WELL supply is localised, then wastage, food miles and carbon emissions can be greatly reduced. Through the group's over-arching Eco Centro project, nearly 80 per cent of waste generated from the operation is converted for use elsewhere. The uses range from woody waste (or bio mass) which is turned into charcoal for the resort's kitchens, to organic kitchen waste which is converted to liquid fertiliser for the gardens.

Paper is composted, while inorganic matter, like glass, is crushed and used for decorative additions to furniture. (For more, see Spa Business Spa Vision 09/4. To subscribe, visit spabusiness.com)