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Environment
There was great care taken by the architect from the planning stage to retain the character of the site where the hotel exists. Palm trees were not removed but replanted to retain the tropical nature of the site. There is also a policy not to build higher than the existing tallest palm tree on the property. Where possible the building materials – wood, etc is sourced locally.
Aware of the need for water conservation, Beachcomber Hotels was the first company in Mauritius to invest in waste water plants. Each hotel is equipped with its own waste water plant. Those located on the Peninsula generate between 600m3 to 800 m3 of water a day, 60% of which is used to maintain the gardens and golf course.
In a near future, Beachcomber Hotels could also look at BMS technology. Building Management System (BMS) is used in buildings to create a central computer controlled method of monitoring and optimising facilities such as heating, air-conditioning, lighting and security. These systems reduce energy waste as facilities are used only when needed.
One of Beachcomber Hotels’ main projects is to invest in solar energy. The objective is to replace the traditional boilers by solar power to allow the hotels to save a significant amount of energy. In compliance with this, a special unit has been operational at Le Mauricia since January 2008 to convert solar energy to heat, thus ensuring the resort’s entire supply in hot water. Gradually, all other Beachcomber Hotels will also use solar energy to produce hot water.
Community
Beachcomber Hotels is a major employer on Mauritius providing some 3000 plus jobs in hotel group; the majority of the workforce is sourced locally. Additionally, the business has lead to the creation of employment in the supporting industries of its suppliers.
The hotel staff is in the main from local population. Maintenance is handled by local company contractors. Produce is provided by local suppliers and the hotel has a small spice garden. Local artisans craftwork is sold in the hotel shops. The islands textile industry also supplies the staff uniforms. The local community is supported by the creation of long term stable employment and the opportunity to enrol in the schemes initiated by FED.
In 1999, the group set up Fondation Espoir et Development (FED) to fund and support social projects. The core philosophy is to provide a platform for Non Governmental and Community Based Organisations (NGOs and CBOs) to help the underprivileged become self sufficient and be able to sustain themselves. Examples of projects are Craftsmanship - encourage artisans to create culture-based hand-made products destined to tourists. This project will aid artisans by providing appropriate training and consulting services to help the creation of micro-enterprises.
PEJ – a youth employment project that gives 17-20 year olds the skills to gain employment in several fields. Training covers everything from academic basics to work ethics including reading and writing skills, sound arithmetical basics and social aptitudes. Industrial placements organised by the FED give the opportunity to the young underprivileged to gain valuable experience in the Mauritian enterprises. The Alpha Project – created specifically to provide the uneducated basic reading and writing skills.
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