Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa Achieves Green Globe Platinum Recertification, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Introduction

The Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa in Aruba has successfully attained the prestigious Green Globe Platinum certification once again, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability. Originally certified in 2006, the resort has maintained Platinum status for several consecutive years by continuously enhancing its environmental and sustainability initiatives. This achievement aligns closely with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa integrates sustainability into every facet of its operations, emphasizing continuous improvement to minimize environmental impact while providing luxury experiences. Key initiatives include:

1. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
   • Comprehensive recycling programs targeting glass, plastic bottles, cardboard, and food waste.
   • On-site glass crusher that processes glass waste into reusable materials sold to local companies, supporting Aruba’s circular economy (SDG 12).
2. Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy:
   • Generation of 20% of electricity through a 100 kWh solar power system, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions (SDG 7 and SDG 13).
   • Use of energy-efficient equipment such as low-temperature dishwashers to conserve energy.
3. Wastewater and Grease Management:
   • Implementation of EcoLab’s Pathway system in kitchens to break down grease, oils, and fats (FOG), preventing blockages and environmental contamination.
   • Grease storage and recycling processes to minimize harmful waste accumulation.

Engagement with Staff and Local Community

The resort fosters a culture of sustainability that extends beyond operational practices by actively involving employees and the local community. Initiatives include:

• Recycling for Everyone Initiative: Encourages staff to bring recyclable materials from home, promoting waste reduction habits beyond the workplace (SDG 12).
• Staff Well-being and Training:
  • Mental health awareness programs and enhanced benefits to support employee welfare (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
  • Regular sustainability, food safety, and operational training monitored through dedicated software to ensure compliance and continuous learning.

Digital Transformation and Operational Efficiency

To further reduce its environmental footprint, Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa has adopted a paperless system utilizing digital software for managing bookings, guest services, and internal operations. This transition supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing paper waste. The resort maintains rigorous sustainability standards through external audits and internal checks, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Future Directions in Sustainable Hospitality

Looking forward, Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa plans to deepen its sustainability efforts by:

• Expanding renewable energy sources to further reduce carbon emissions (SDG 7 and SDG 13).
• Enhancing recycling and waste reduction programs to support a circular economy (SDG 12).
• Continuing to cultivate environmental responsibility among staff and guests to promote sustainable tourism practices (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Through these commitments, the resort aims to serve as a model for sustainable hospitality in the Caribbean and globally, demonstrating that luxury tourism can coexist with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Conclusion

Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa’s Green Globe Platinum recertification underscores its leadership in sustainable tourism and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating environmental care, community engagement, and operational innovation, the resort contributes to the preservation of Aruba’s natural beauty and the well-being of its community, setting a benchmark for responsible tourism worldwide.

Sources: Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, Aruba Ministry of Tourism

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article highlights the use of renewable energy, specifically the resort generating 20% of its electricity through a 100 kWh solar power system.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Manchebo Beach Resort’s recycling initiatives, waste reduction, and circular economy contributions align with this goal.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The resort’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint through renewable energy and energy conservation contribute to climate action.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Staff well-being programs, mental health awareness, and training initiatives support decent work and inclusive economic growth.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The resort’s sustainable tourism practices contribute to making communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preservation of Aruba’s natural landscapes and environmental stewardship efforts align with this goal.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Renewable Energy Usage
   • Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources (e.g., 20% electricity from solar power system).
2. Waste Reduction and Recycling
   • Amount or percentage of waste recycled (e.g., glass crusher reducing glass waste, recycling of plastics, cardboard, food leftovers).
   • Reduction in waste sent to landfill or incineration.
3. Carbon Footprint
   • Measurement of carbon emissions reduction due to renewable energy and energy-saving equipment.
4. Energy Efficiency
   • Use of energy-saving equipment such as low-temperature dishwashers to measure energy consumption reduction.
5. Employee Well-being and Training
   • Number or percentage of employees participating in mental health awareness programs and sustainability training.
   • Use of dedicated software to track training completion rates.
6. Operational Sustainability Monitoring
   • Use of external audits and internal checks to ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com