VARU by Atmosphere, nestled in the idyllic North-West edge of Malé Atoll in the Maldives, reaffirms its dedication to sustainable resort operations with a remarkable achievement: Green Globe Recertification. This prestigious accolade, awarded following a stringent audit encompassing over 44 mandatory core criteria, highlights VARU's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices.
Green Globe, a leading global certification body for sustainable tourism, recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainable management, social responsibility, cultural heritage preservation, economic stability, and environmental conservation. Mei P Pun, the General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere, emphasizes the resort's philosophy of 'Joy of Giving' and its genuine commitment to impactful change. Mei notes, "Sustainability is at the core of our ethos. We strive to create delightful guest experiences while remaining respectful towards the local environment and community."
Atmosphere Core, the management company behind VARU by Atmosphere, integrates sustainability into its long-term business strategy through its CORE IMPACT initiative. Mei elaborates, "We're progressively integrating sustainability KPIs into our performance management planning, making initiatives educational, fun, and purposeful for both guests and colleagues."
As part of the Atmosphere Colleague Development Program (ACDP), the resort nurtures talent and celebrates the graduation of high performers, showcasing the effectiveness of dedicated mentorship in sculpting hospitality leaders.
Community initiatives, such as the 'Give Back Day' and partnerships with local organizations like Fivathi Orphanage, underscore VARU's commitment to making meaningful contributions to society. During the pandemic, the resort provided essential supplies to local communities, serving as a lifeline during challenging times.
VARU by Atmosphere minimizes its operational impact on the island ecosystem through energy-saving measures, waste reduction strategies, and centralized sourcing of supplies. Notable initiatives include energy-efficient LED lighting, renewable solar energy infrastructure, and a water bottling plant to eliminate plastic waste. Guests are encouraged to participate in water-saving programs, and a wastewater treatment center ensures responsible water usage.
Moreover, the resort prioritizes sourcing from local suppliers and actively engages in reef and island cleaning activities to preserve the natural beauty of the Maldives.
VARU by Atmosphere's Green Globe Recertification with an impressive score of 86% exemplifies its leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality, setting a benchmark for responsible tourism in the Maldives and beyond.