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SUSTAINABILITY AT LODOICEA APARTMENTS

SUSTAINABILITY AT LODOICEA APARTMENTS
At Lodoicea Apartments, caring for Seychelles’ natural beauty is part of who we are. Located in the green hills of Bel Ombre, we operate as a responsible, low‑impact accommodation that protects the environment, supports the local community, and offers guests an authentic, eco‑friendly stay. As stated in our policy, we are committed to “minimizing environmental impact, protecting biodiversity, and supporting local livelihoods”. We are proud to hold the Seychelles Sustainability Recognition Award.
 Our Eco‑Friendly Practices
We integrate sustainability into everyday operations through:
Energy Efficiency
  • LED lighting and energy‑efficient appliances
  • Solar‑powered water heating
  • Smart controls and annual servicing to reduce consumption
Water Conservation
  • Low‑flow taps and dual‑flush toilets
  • Rainwater collection for gardens and flushing
  • Towel and linen reuse program
  • Fast leak repair within 48 hours
Waste Reduction
  • Recycling bins at the premise
  • Water filters to reduce plastic
  • Phosphate‑free detergents and bulk purchasing
Nature & Biodiversity
  • Native plants throughout the property
  • Fruit trees including mango, banana, citrus, soursop, coconut, and avocado
  • A vegetable and spice garden for guests to enjoy
  • No invasive species or protected artifacts
 Supporting Our Community
We prioritize Seychellois suppliers for food, crafts, tours, and services. We also ensure fair employment, equal opportunities, and safe working conditions for all staff, as outlined in our sustainability policy.
 Working Together
Guests are invited to join our efforts through our Sustainability Journey by reusing towels, saving water and energy, recycling, using reef‑safe sunscreen, and respecting local culture. These simple actions help protect the islands we all love.

Please find our SUSTAINABILITY POLICY (full length):

INTRO

Lodoicea Apartments, situated in the verdant hills of Bel Ombre, Mahé, provides a distinctive combination of comfort and convenience with its six self-catering units. This locally owned property boasts private outdoor areas, a saltwater pool complemented by tranquil gazebos, and generous free parking. Emphasizing sustainability, alongside services such as food delivery and massage, guests are guaranteed an environmentally friendly, exceptional, and authentic experience in the Seychelles.

VISION STATEMENT

At Lodoicea Apartments, our vision is to redefine hospitality by providing exceptional, personalized service that creates unforgettable experiences by being a recognized small‑scale sustainable accommodation that conserves resources, supports local livelihoods, and offers guests an authentic Seychellois stay.

 SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

Lodoicea Apartments is committed to operating as a responsible, low‑impact self‑catering accommodation in Seychelles. We will minimize environmental impact, protect local biodiversity and cultural heritage, support the local economy, ensure staff welfare and safety, and deliver an authentic, high‑quality guest experience. We will comply with all applicable national legislation and international best practice, pursue continuous improvement, and maintain transparent reporting of our sustainability performance.

1. Objectives and Commitments

Key Objectives

  • Energy: Reduce electricity consumption by 10% within 24 months.
  • Water: Reduce potable water use by 10% within 24 months.
  • Waste: Achieve 30% diversion of recyclable and compostable waste within 24 months.
  • Local Economy: Source 30% of consumables from local suppliers within 12 months.
  • Governance: Maintain documented roles, training, monitoring and a two years sustainability review

2. Governance and Responsibilities

  • Role: The General Manager Mrs. Silvia Weiss is the Sustainability Coordinator at Lodoicea Apartments.
  • Responsibilities: Implementation of sustainable practices, key performance indicators (KPI) tracking, reporting, training and management review.
  • Authority: Approve sustainability purchases, sign supplier agreements, and request budget for improvements.

3. Planning and Strategy

  • Focus Areas: Waste management; water conservation; energy efficiency; guest engagement; local procurement; staff training; biodiversity protection; disaster preparedness.
  • Target Setting: Annual targets set by the Sustainability Coordinator and approved by management.
  • Risk Assessment: Identify environmental and operational risks such as water scarcity, storm damage, and supply chain disruption. Integrate mitigation measures into the Disaster Management Plan.

4. Policies and Procedures

Waste Management

  • Provide labelled bins for recyclables and general waste in apartments and common areas.
  • Compost organic kit (wood shredder)
  • Water filters provided in the apartments to reduce single use plastic bottles
  • Shower gel and hand soap refilled from bulk dispensers
  • Double side black copying printing
  • Double A paper which is sustainably source
  • List of chemicals purchase
  • Use of phosphate free washing powder and detergents
  • Saltwater pool to reduce chemical purchase

Energy Conservation

  • Replace all lighting with LED bulbs. Use solar power were possible
  • Use of energy efficient devices (AC, fridge)
  • Electronic devices are switched off when apartment is not occupied
  • Water heating with solar power
  • Install timers or occupancy sensors in corridors and common areas
  • Service air conditioning and refrigeration units annually; maintain thermostat setpoints with a smart remote and encourage guest behavior to reduce usage

Water Conservation

  • Fit low‑flow taps and showerheads; install dual‑flush toilets where feasible
  • Repair leaks within 48 hours of detection
  • Implement guest linen and towel reuse program with clear in‑room instructions
  • Collection of rain water for toilet flush and outdoor watering
  • Drip-watering and sprinkler systems for the garden

Purchasing and Procurement

  • Prefer local, low‑packaging, eco‑certified products
  • Bulk purchase staples to reduce packaging waste
  • Apply basic due diligence for suppliers on labour and environmental practices

Health, Safety and Compliance

  • Comply with Seychelles Employment Act and health and safety regulations
  • Maintain risk assessments, emergency procedures, and PPE for staff
  • Conduct regular fire and evacuation drills

Cultural and Biodiversity Protection

  • Provide guests with guidance on respecting local culture and protected species
  • Prohibit sale or display of protected artifacts and products derived from endangered species
  • Use native plants in landscaping and avoid invasive species
  • Growth of a variety of fruits on the premises such as mango, banana, local orange and lemon, soursop, coconut and avocado
  • Vegetable and spice garden accessible for guests
  • Showcase of local art and natural decoration in the apartments

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • kWh per guest night
  • Liters of water per guest night
  • % waste recycled
  • % local procurement by value
  • Guest sustainability satisfaction score

Data Collection and Records

  • Monthly utility bills; waste logs; procurement records; training attendance; waste disposal receipts.
  • Maintain a quarterly KPI summary and an annual sustainability report.
  • Client’s feedback

Reporting Cadence

  • Monthly operational checks; quarterly KPI review; annual public summary available to guests and stakeholders.

 6. Staff Training and Engagement

Onboarding

  • Sustainability induction for all new staff covering waste separation, energy and water saving, guest communication, and emergency procedures

Ongoing Training

  • Quarterly refresher sessions and toolbox talks
  • Practical demonstrations for composting, recycling, and equipment operation

Engagement and Incentives

  • Staff suggestion scheme with recognition and small rewards for implemented ideas that reduce resource use or costs

Example:

Staff Training Checklist

Training Topic

Description

Frequency

Completed (signature/date)

Sustainability induction

Overview of sustainability policy and goals

Onboarding

 

Waste separation and composting

How to separate and manage waste

Quarterly

 

Energy and water saving practices

Daily conservation actions

Quarterly

 

Guest communication on sustainability

How to inform and engage guests

Quarterly

 

Emergency procedures and first aid

Evacuation, fire safety, first aid

Bi‑annually

 

Equipment operation and maintenance

Safe and efficient use of appliances

Annually

 

 7. Guest Communication and Involvement

In‑Room Materials (guest kit)

  • Clear, concise guidance on AC handling, towel and linen reuse, recycling, water saving, reef‑safe sunscreen, and local cultural etiquette

Arrival Briefing

  • Welcome message that explains sustainability initiatives and how guests can help

Feedback

  • Include sustainability questions in guest satisfaction surveys and act on feedback to build trust and loyalty

Example:

Guest In‑Room Card (A5 — one page)

LODOICEA APARTMENTS — SUSTAINABILITY GUIDE

Welcome to Lodoicea Apartments. Help us protect Seychelles by following these simple steps:

  • Reuse towels and linens: Hang towels to reuse; request fresh linens only when needed.
  • Save water: Take short showers; turn off taps when not in use.
  • Save energy: Switch off lights and appliances when not in the room.
  • Recycle: Use the labelled bins provided for recyclables and general waste.
  • Reef safety: Use reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals.
  • Respect local culture: Support local artisans and follow local customs
  • QR Code to access the survey

 8. Supplier and Community Engagement

Local Sourcing

  • Prioritize Seychellois suppliers for food, crafts, touring and transfer services; target 30% local procurement within 12 months.

Fair Trade and Due Diligence

  • Transparent procurement criteria; basic checks on supplier labour and environmental practices.

Community Support

  • Collaborate with local conservation groups and support community initiatives where feasible.

9. Documentation and Record-Keeping

 List what documents are maintained:

  •  Utility data for water and energy
  • Training records
  • Procurement logs for eco-products
  • Pest control Contract-Including of methods use

 10. Action Plans

 Through the action plan below, we have identified activities which will be implemented and which we target to be completed within the next 24 months to minimize our negative impact on the environment.

 

Target Area

Activities

Outcome

Timeframe

Waste Management

Introduce labelled recycling bins; start composting kitchen waste; contract recycler

Reduced landfill; increased recycling rate

0–12 months

Water Conservation

Install low‑flow fixtures; fix leaks promptly; implement guest reuse program

Lower water consumption per guest

0–12 months

Energy Conservation

Replace bulbs with LEDs; install timers for common area lights; service AC units

Reduced kWh/guest/night

0–18 months

Local Procurement

Map local suppliers; set 30% local sourcing target; update purchasing policy

Increased local economic benefit

0–12 months

Training and Awareness

Deliver induction and quarterly training; staff suggestion scheme; continuous training of the coordinator (GSTC courses); involve guest as stakeholders with more information and allow them to participate through a survey; sustainability as an own topic on the website

Improved staff and guest engagement and compliance

0–6 months

11. Monitoring Results

 The table below will be used to measure the water and energy consumption to provide comprehensive data on the usage and give indications on how to plan and become more efficient.

 Water

Year

Month

Quarter

Amount SR

Occupancy

Comparison %

 

January

First

 

 

 

February

 

 

 

March

 

 

 

April

Second

 

 

 

May

 

 

 

June

 

 

 

July

Third

 

 

 

August

 

 

 

September

 

 

 

October

Fourth

 

 

 

November

 

 

 

December

 

 

 

 Energy

Year

Month

Quarter

Amount SR

Occupancy

Comparison %

 

January

First

 

 

 

February

 

 

 

March

 

 

 

April

Second

 

 

 

May

 

 

 

June

 

 

 

July

Third

 

 

 

August

 

 

 

September

 

 

 

October

Fourth

 

 

 

November

 

 

 

December

 

 

 

 12. Other Management Practices

 Lodoicea Apartments is committed to ensure;

  • All staff are paid equally for equal work done immaterial of gender
  • Minimum pay and working conditions as prescribed by the Employment Act are fully respected.
  • Being against the commercial and sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, and to pledge to provide equal opportunities to women and minorities

13. Availability

  • This Sustainability Policy is available to all staff, guests and the public on request and via the website of the business

14. Review 

  • The policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if operational or regulatory changes require it. Continuous improvement will be driven by KPI performance and stakeholder feedback.