Green Lodging News just added Necker Island to its Renewable Energy All Stars list in the Wind Powered and Solar Powered categories. Necker Island is part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection.
Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise, at 74 acres, is situated in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), in the eastern Caribbean Sea, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Whether conserving some of the world’s endangered species, running the island on renewable energy, or making the most of the natural resources found in the British Virgin Islands, there are countless initiatives in place.
With three giant wind turbines and a solar farm of over 1,230 solar panels, Necker Island produces up to 650 KW of renewable energy through its very own integrated off-grid solution, significantly contributing to the running of the island and supporting its mission to reduce its dependency on fossil fuel.
Other Necker Island Initiatives
- An extensive recycling program and the collecting and repurposing of hundreds of gallons of water for irrigation.
Necker Island currently has over 100 hens, laying around 300 eggs per week. - The chefs on the island support the local economy wherever possible, working with local fishermen and farmers to ensure food products are sourced from the local area and neighboring islands within the Caribbean, reducing food miles along the way.
- Necker Island helps control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases as part of the BugOut BVI program and, in partnership with The Branson Centre, supports budding entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need.
- Necker Island is a member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows those traveling to the island to make a lasting impact in the local community by saving a little luggage space to bring supplies for schools in the area and medical clinics.
With 74 acres of natural beauty, Necker Island is the most biodiverse island in the BVI and is home to over 140 species of animals, 70 percent of which are facing extinction around the world.
Necker Island has become a habitat and natural breeding ground for some of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals; from seven species of Madagascan Lemurs to giant tortoises, rock lizards, flamingos, and many more.
Says Sir Richard Branson: “If you’re lucky enough to be in a position where you are known around the world, for one reason or another, it’s incredibly important to set a good example to others.”
