I have green design on the mind this week for two good reasons. First, I will be attending the HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas (May 2-4). I wrote about the event in a previous column that highlighted some of the products that will be featured and the conference sessions that will address sustainability and wellness in one form or another. Be sure to watch for coverage of this event that will feature more than 600 suppliers in more than 25 product categories. HD Expo is truly one of the best marketplaces on the planet for products and services tied to green design.
Second, this past week I posted my interview with entrepreneur Daniel Langlois regarding he and his partner Dominique Marchand’s outstanding off-the-grid eco-luxury resort in Dominica: Coulibri Ridge. The 14-suite property blends into the hilly landscape of Dominica perfectly—just right to take full advantage of the power of the sun and rain. According to Langlois, Coulibri Ridge is entirely powered by the sun via 255 solar panels producing 85 kWH of power and using 288 recyclable AGM batteries. In addition to the core battery storage, the resort also has additional lithium battery banks used for storing power for the service and the farm buildings.
Two vertical axis wind turbines are available as a backup to the solar power. Each turbine produces 3.5kWh. “We were very deliberate in choosing a turbine design that had the least possible impact on the birds, bats, and other fauna on our property,” Langlois says.
The off-grid systems designed for Coulibri Ridge have been specified to support all the operations of the hotel when in full occupancy, with battery storage capacity for two to three days of operation. “This means that we produce more than the actual consumption of the resort and the excess energy produced is stored in the batteries to be shared,” Langlois adds.
Each Building Individually Powered
Coulibri Ridge operates as a small village. Each individual building at the resort produces enough energy and water for its own needs, as well as a small excess for common facilities. An excess produced in one building can be shared with another building should a need arise. All in all, the off-grid power system supplies 14 air-conditioned suites, two restaurants, multiple heated swimming pools, offices and conference rooms, the spa, and then some.
Rainwater, collected primarily through the resort’s unique roof design and purified by ultraviolet light and copper ionization, is funneled to guest suites and two shared, chlorine-free pools. Drains and gutters collect rainwater and grey water can be used to irrigate the resort’s gardens and a small farm.
Materials are a highlight of the resort. Inside the suites and all common areas, guests will find recycled teakwood, and ceilings are constructed from 100 percent recyclable, mold-resistant aluminum. The resort’s exterior was developed from hand-chiseled stone sourced from the property, constructed entirely by local community members who continue to service the resort in all capacities.
Coulibri Ridge offers lessons in design and operations for anyone considering a green lodging establishment and has a great back story because the resort was in the planning for quite a long time. Langlois traveled the globe throughout his career in software technology, and the contrast between wealthy and poor communities in many places left him pondering why sustainable practices like solar energy were not typically in place to help the world’s vulnerable citizens. As a result, he began researching sustainability and eco-friendly building practices before searching for a location to put his ideas into action. Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand first visited Dominica, the “Nature Island,” in 1997, fell in love with the island’s natural beauty, and decided to build their dream.
Once again, be sure to read the article about this amazing resort. You can also watch this video to learn more about Coulibri Ridge.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
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