In an era where technology is advancing and reshaping the world every day, we find ourselves with a unique opportunity to use innovation for the greater good. The fusion of artificial intelligence and technology to drive our sustainability initiatives has the potential to transform the way we approach environmental challenges and impact the world around us.
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, we have embraced this wholeheartedly, integrating cutting-edge technology not only to enhance our guest experience but also to propel our commitment to sustainability. We are thrilled to share our latest initiatives that showcase how the convergence of technology and sustainability can pave the way for a brighter, greener future for the preservation of the natural island of the Maldives.
The hospitality sector has recognised the need to align with the growing global consciousness about environmental responsibility. Today’s travelers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their choices, inspiring hotels and resorts to adopt sustainable practices that mitigate their carbon footprint and promote ecological rehabilitation. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is proud to stand as a beacon of sustainability, proving that embracing technology can not only elevate guest experiences but also contribute significantly to a more sustainable world.
Food wastage is a crucial issue in our world today. As we delve into solving this challenge, the use of advanced technology for sustainable initiatives emerges as a key catalyst for change. In our ongoing mission to reduce food waste, we have leveraged artificial intelligence to revolutionise our approach.
An intelligent camera, which uses AI algorithms, is strategically positioned to monitor areas where food is discarded. This intuitive technology identifies discarded items, assigns a corresponding cost, and seamlessly communicates this data to our culinary team, led by our talented Chef Riccardo Pinna. This invaluable insight empowers our chefs to make informed decisions that have cut around a kilogram of food waste everyday. By transforming data into actionable intelligence, we are not only curbing wastage but also elevating the efficiency and precision of our operations.
Beyond food waste, our commitment to sustainability extends to the realm of energy conservation through our innovative Air Conditioning System, seamlessly integrated with our Property Management System. This duo ensures that guest comfort is prioritised without compromising on energy efficiency. Our intelligent system adapts AC settings based on room occupancy, efficiently maintaining vacant rooms at an optimal temperature, and dynamically adjusting temperatures when rooms are occupied. Moreover, to prevent unnecessary energy wastage, the AC system intelligently turns off when doors are left open. These advancements underscore our pledge to energy conservation, while also enhancing the guest experience.
As the bridge between technology and sustainability strengthens, our initiatives bear testament to the immense potential of this convergence. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, we firmly believe that the fusion of innovation and responsible practices can propel us toward a more sustainable future. By embracing technology as a tool for change, we can shape a world where environmental initiatives are naturally integrated into our daily lives.
Our resort is embarking on some exciting new initiatives that underline our dedication to responsible practices. One noteworthy effort in the pipeline is the development of a forward-thinking biogas plant. This project aims to convert food waste into a valuable resource – gas for our kitchen stoves. Currently in the review phase, we’re eager to bring this concept to life, highlighting our commitment to turning challenges into positive changes.
We have turned an unused area into a thriving space where we now cultivate watermelon and cucumber crops. This produce not only enhances our culinary offerings but also underscores our commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, an upcoming project in this area is a vibrant chicken farm that can produce organic eggs and meat on-site. This project not only ensures quality food but will also reduce transportation miles, aligning with our efforts to minimise our environmental impact.
Another exciting, new addition to this plot is our brand-new Chef’s Garden. This self-sustainable strategy to grow vegetables, herbs, and other produce on the island, further reduces the need for transportation from the mainland. By sourcing our ingredients from the resort’s own nursery, we believe that the quality of our cuisine is elevated while we continue promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Our commitment to reducing plastic waste also remains steadfast. Initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental footprint, such as our comprehensive water plan and efforts to curtail single-use plastics, remain integral to our operations. These ongoing practices underscore our promise to prioritise sustainability across our resort.
As Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to lead with these eco-initiatives, we invite guests to join us in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. With each step we take, whether it’s turning waste into energy or reducing plastic use, our deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our island, while enhancing the experiences of our guests, will forever remain a top priority.
By Mohamed El Aghoury, General Manager, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa