We have been working on this project in the Maldives since 2005 in a long-term plan to help reduce their emissions from energy generation to zero by the end of the decade.

The challenges of tackling carbon emissions from an existing high-end resort are numerous, and even more for one located on a remote island in the Maldives. Our approach has been to develop low-cost, innovative energy efficiency solutions before utilising a range of low-carbon energy systems applicable to the use and location of the resort.

The first part of the strategy included thorough monitoring of environmental conditions on-site and of comfort conditions in buildings. From there, energy efficiency measures were developed to reduce consumption while maintaining required comfort levels. As part of an integrated approach, water and waste strategies have also been developed.

Once efficiency was improved to the maximum allowed for an existing resort, low- and zero-carbon technologies were implemented. This included a deep seawater cooling system, bringing water at 12°C from 300 metres deep for building air-conditioning, and a heating network to distribute heat from existing generators which were converted into Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants, greatly improving their efficiencies and reducing fuel consumption.

Additional plans are being developed for large-scale systems which will further reduce the island’s emissions and provide free energy to local populations, further reducing local emissions and providing an opportunity for local and reliable offsetting of guests’ flight emissions.