TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—announces that the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino and Spa has achieved Green Lodging/Green Hospitality Gold-level Certification.
Located on the windward side of the island of St. Kitts, 10 minutes from the capital city of Basseterre, St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino and Spa offers 389 rooms, eight restaurants, a full-service spa, championship golf course, and guided tours to the 65-square-mile island’s many ecological wonders including volcanic landscapes, rainforests, and black sand beaches. Audubon International Green Lodging Gold Certification gives the strongest reason yet to tout its environmental bona fides.
“In a region long recognized for its commitment to its environment, St. Kitts Marriott has set an even higher bar for the lodging industry throughout the Caribbean,” says Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “It is that rare destination that indeed takes sustainable best practices to heart. We congratulate Marriott for adding another property to its long list of certified resorts, and the entire St. Kitts team on seeing their vision through and putting it into impressive action.”
Proof of Meeting Best Practice Standards
Available to any lodging facility from inns and lodges to full-scale resorts, the Green Lodging Program provides third-party verification that certified lodging facilities have met environmental best practice standards and have demonstrated a strong commitment to making improvements. Through a comprehensive method for assessing environmental measures undertaken, participating facilities can reduce environment-related costs and gain a marketing advantage. Areas of focus include Communication, Community, Waste & Materials, Water Conservation, Energy, and Chemicals & Air Quality. Properties must be recertified every three years.
“We are incredibly proud to have received the Gold Certificate for sustainability from Audubon International, a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship,” said Anna McNutt, the resort’s General Manager. “At St Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa we believe that sustainable practices are not just good for the environment—they also enhance the experience we offer our guests and support the long-term well-being of our community. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, and we remain focused on continuously improving our operations to lead by example within the Caribbean region.”
The St. Kitts Marriott Resort has long pioneered sustainable eco-practices in the hotel industry in St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2004, it completed its 1,250,000-gallons-per day-reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant, and it currently runs a wastewater recycling plant producing 500,000 gallons per day to irrigate the golf course.
Other best practices contributing to its Audubon International Green Lodging Certification include:
- A move to eliminating all plastic containers by the end of 2025;
- Regular energy assessments conducted by independent companies to ensure efficiency is maintained;
- Wet waste from kitchens collected by local farmers to feed animals;
- Improving staff awareness of the need to recycle plastics by monthly posts in the company newsletter;
- Water stations used in all meeting spaces;
- Biodegradable cups made of corn;
- Water bottle refill stations;
- Condiments served in bulk;
- Energy reclamation to recycle cold or hot air in ballroom to conserve energy;
- Automated HVAC efficiency system;
- Individual temperature control in all meeting rooms;
- Hotel-wide LED lighting;
- Recycled paper;
- Towel re-use program;
- Linen re-use “Green Choice” program where guests can opt out of housekeeping service to receive 500 Marriott Rewards points per day;
- Water saving shower heads, toilets, and aerated faucets;
- Recycling receptacles in every guestroom;
- Green certified cleaning products; and
- E-folios for client receipts to cut-down on paper usage.
“St. Kitts Marriott Resort, its staff, and its customers indeed have much to celebrate,” says Greg Poirier, Director of Green Hospitality Certification Programs for Audubon International. “Reaching the Gold level shows their deep respect for the environment and clearly illustrates their plan to operate in balance with nature and help keep their island free of unsustainable practices that contribute to climate change.”
Go to www.auduboninternational.org.
