About You and the Property

• Do you have a written environmental or social sustainability policy?     YES

If yes, please attach.
Attached is a very detailed contract between our resort, the local village authorities, the Lao National Tourism Authority and a local tour operator.  It details the substantial social, environmental and financial responsibilities of each party.

Do you have a written environmental management system?                    NO except for the environmental responsibilities detailed in the document previously referred to.

Describe the property – aim, size, facilities, amount of land owned and leased  (150 words max)
We are an ecotourism resort on the Ngam Ngum river, close to both Vientiane capital and the mountainous Phou Khao Kwai National Protected Forest Area.  Activities and facilities include trekking and cycling, riverboat journeys, local tours, traditional Lao massage, rice farming experience, Lao cooking classes, a floating restaurant and small Internet cafe for guests.

• Describe the location, including distance to nearest town and size of town (100 words max)

Our resort is located just 29 kilometers from Vientiane Capital.  Our website has a printable map in both English and Lao languages.

• Describe WHY you made the decision to develop an eco resort (100 word max)

Originally, I was looking for land to do some fairly serious agriculture.  One of my students in the agricultural research centre, where I teach, showed me this piece of land on the Nam Ngum river.  It was not suitable for agriculture (unless we cleared all the trees from the existing forest) but shouted out its suitability for an eco-resort.  Building the eco-resort was the land’s idea, not mine!  I just listened to what the land said.

Introduction to the Butterfly Club’s Eco Rating

The Butterfly Club Eco Rating has five equally-weighted categories:

• Energy;
• Water;
• Recycling and waste;
• Land and nature conservation; and
• Community.

Each category has five levels, designated by one to five butterflies.  Through self assessment, resort operators completing this rating will determine their own levels within each category based on their responses to items listed below.  

Two categories – energy and water – have similar rating systems with Levels 1 and 2 addressing conservation of existing resources, and Levels 3, 4 and 5 addressing creation of renewable energy or capturing water. 

Level five in every category also requires written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record consumption; (2) test and apply additional conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific targets.   We require a copy of your policies if you achieve level 5 in any category.

Energy

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

___yes  use natural air circulation and fans, not air conditioners
___ yes  use natural light during the day
___ yes  minimize use of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines and equipment
___  use “on demand” or solar heating for hot water
We would have liked to install solar water heaters, but they require direct sunlight.  Since our resort was constructed under the forest canopy without cutting down a single tree, we were reluctant to cut the forest for this purpose.  All our electricity is produced from falling water (hydropower) which is generally considered as a ‘green’ and renewable energy source.  We use ‘on demand’ water heaters.
___ yes air dry clothes/linens
___  yes wash dishes by hand
___  yes use energy efficient appliances and electronics
___  use low wattage fluorescent light bulbs
Yes
___  yes change linens, tablecloths, napkins upon request
___  yes switch off lights when not used
Other energy conservation activities? Please list:
 
Level 1 = four or fewer energy conservation activities

Level 2 = five or more energy conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 - renewable energy: Indicate proportion (%) of energy from each source:

___  solar
___  wind
___ 100% hydro from national grid
___  generator
___  public utility
Other energy sources? Please list:

100% TOTAL
How were these proportions developed?

Level 3 = renewable energy is employed and is less than 1/3 of all energy

Level 4 = renewable energy constitutes 1/3 – 2/3 of all energy

Level 5 = renewable energy constitutes 2/3 or more of all energy.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record energy consumption; (2) test and apply additional energy conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific energy targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Energy Level 5 (required).

Your Energy Level (select 1 – 5) =   4

Water

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

YES  low flow faucets and showerheads
YES low water use toilets
YES change linens, towels, tablecloths, and napkins upon request
YES use table mats that can be wiped and not laundered
YES use biodegradable laundry detergent, dish soap and hand soap
NO POOL BUT WE HAVE EXCAVATED A LARGE HOLE FOR ONE IN THE FUTURE treat swimming pool with chlorine-free processes
Other water conservation activities?  Please list.

Level 1 = three or fewer water conservation activities

Level 2 = four or more water conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 – capture and treat fresh water and manage waste water. Capture water: Indicate proportion (%) of water from each source:

___  spring
60% river
10% rain
___  reuse gray
___  public utility
Other water sources? Please list.
30% WELL

100% TOTAL

Fresh water treatment: how is captured fresh water treated?
YES naturally. We use river water for toilets, deep well water for washing clothes and dishes, and high-quality, 3-stage, chemical-free filtration system for food preparation and drinking water.   The filtration system is the same system used in the main hospital in the capital.                              

Waste water management:
YES septic tanks
___  cesspools
___  other? List methods:

Level 3: Water is captured (from springs, rivers, rain or prior use) and constitutes less than 1/3 of water from all sources.  Water is treated chemically.  Water disposal does not minimize damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 4:  Captured water constitutes 1/3 to 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 5:  Captured water constitutes more than 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests.   In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record water consumption; (2) test and apply additional water conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific water targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Water Level 5 (required).

Your Water Level (select 1 – 5): 4

Recycling and waste

Check all that apply:

___ YES  use durable service items, e.g. cups, glasses, dishes, tableware, storage items
___  YES buy fresh and local to reduce packaging and emissions from transportation
___   YES purchase in bulk to reduce packaging
___  NO recycle paper, glass, plastic, aluminum
___  NO minimize emissions from fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines & equipment      
___   YES.  ZERO ORGANIC WASTE – FED TO ANIMALS/USED AS COMPOST zero waste in the kitchen
___   YES.  WE FILTER OUR OWN WELL WATER WITH HIGH QUALITY, CHEMICAL-FREE, 3-STAGE FILTRATION SYSTEM serve local water, not bottled water
___ YES  cleaning products are biodegradable
___ YES  compost organic matter
Other methods to recycle waste? Please list.

Level 1 = four or fewer recycling activities

Level 2 = five recycling activities

Level 3 = six recycling activities

Level 4 = seven recycling activities

Level 5 = eight or more recycling activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record recycling and waste; (2) test and apply additional recycling and waste conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific recycling and waste targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Recycling and Waste Level 5 (required).

Your Recycling and Waste Level (select 1 – 5): 4 

Land and nature conservation

Check all that apply:

___ YES absolultely no trees cut down when building minimize tree removal when building
___   YES since we don’t use ANY herbicdes or pesticides  use only botanical (plant-based) herbicides & pesticides in garden & grounds
___   YES maintain organic gardens as food source for resort
___   YES use biodegradable cleaning products
___   NO we need lighting on the resort’s internal walkways  minimize external illumination
___   YES take additional specific actions to preserve the local habitat.  Please list actions and projects:
WHEN BUILDING OUR RESORT IN AN AREA OF SECONDARY FOREST ON THE BANKS OF A MAJOR RIVER, WE DID NOT CUT DOWN A SINGLE TREE OR CLEAR ANY UNDERGROWTH AROUND THE LODGES, SALAS AND PATHS WE CONSTRUCTED.  ALL BUNGALOWS WERE SITUATED IN LOCATIONS DETERMINED BY THE EXISTING TREES.  LIKEWISE WITH THE ONE METRE WIDE PATHS THROUGH THE RESORT, ALL OF WHICH ARE FLANKED BY DENSE NATURAL GROWTH (GRASSES, BUSHES, FLOWERING PLANTS AS WELL AS TREES) WHICH WE ALLOW TO CONTINUE GROWING AS THEY NATURALLY DO EVEN THOUGH SOME GUESTS COMMENT THAT THE DENSE UNDERGROWTH PROVIDES A HOME FOR INSECTS AND SNAKES (WELL – WE ARE AN ECO-RESORT, SO EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER SOME LOCAL WILDLIFE!)

 
Level 1: one or two land and nature conservation activities

Level 2: three land and nature conservation activities

Level 3: four land and nature conservation activities

Level 4: five land and nature conservation activities

Level 5: six or more land and nature conservation activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record land and nature conservation activities; (2) test and apply additional land and nature conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific land and nature conservation targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Land and Nature Conservation Level 5 (required).

Your Land and Nature Conservation Level (select 1 – 5): 4

Community

This category addresses policies and activities regarding staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the community. 

Check all activities that apply:

___  hire staff residing near the resort          100% local nationals
___  use local suppliers                                70% purchased goods produced locally
___  re-invest resort income locally            70% income re-invested locally
20% paid above local prevailing wage
5%  paid into local social security
NO  provide health insurance or coverage
YES, WEEKLY use regular staff meetings to educate staff about sustainable processes throughout the resort, in the garden, with waste disposal, etc
NO provide educational awareness programs for staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the local community
YES  provide sustainable transport to work for staff ALL STAFF LIVE IN THE RESORT.  WE PROVIDE TRANSOPRT FOR THEIR DAYS OFF.
YES  take additional specific actions to support the local community. Please list actions and projects. SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND THE LOCALCUMMUNITY THROUGH GUESTS’ INVOLVEMENT, E.G. PROVIDING SCHOOL MATERIALS (in cooperation with a local charity developing reading programs for Lao primary schools – www.bigbrothermouse.com) . ALSO WE ARE WOKING ON WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR SCHOOLS. ALSO REGULAR FORMAL DONATIONS FROM THE RESORT COMPANY ($1 PER GUEST TO EACH OF 1.  VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND, 2. CONSERVATION FUND, 3. EDUCATION FUND (SEE ATTACHED CONTRACT FOR EXAMPLE: CONTRACT’EASY TREKS)

Level 1: one or two community activities

Level 2: three to five community activities

Level 3: six to seven community activities

Level 4: eight to nine community activities

Level 5: ten or more community activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record community activities; (2) test and apply additional methods to support the community; and (3) work towards specific community targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Community Level 5 (required).

Your Community Level (select 1 – 5): 5

YOUR OVERALL ECO SCORE (add your level for each category and divide by 5): 4.2

We have three final questions which are not part of the eco rating: 

• Please describe your single most important eco achievement:

OUR SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ECO-ACHIEVEMENT IS PROBABLY IN THE ACTUAL DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF THE RESORT WHICH TOTALLY PRESERVES THE ORIGINAL NATURAL FOREST AND RIVERBANK.

• Indicate additional sustainable practices that you plan to institute within the next 6 months.

Although we already offer vegetarian options on our menu, we have been asked by a vegetarian and vegan tour company in the U.S. (www.vegvoyages.com) to include options for their customers who include many vegans (people who refuse any animal products, including milk, eggs and even honey.)  We hope to have vegan items on the menu soon although it will take some research and experimentation.
In the next six months, we will continue to develop and improve the Rice Farming Experience, which we offer to our guests, by adding to the PowerPoint presentation and finding more local farm sites where guests can go into the field to experience actual rice farming work.
Also during the next 6 months, we are hoping to introduce a Lao Buddhism Experience component to the range of activities we offer guests.
We also hope to have enough funds to build a traditional Lao sauna and massage facility.  We already offer Lao massages which are given in the private lodges by skilled elderly ladies from the nearby village and  who greatly appreciate the opportunity to earn a little extra income.

• Is there anything else you would like to add to this eco rating?

One of the positive aspects of an eco-rating system such as this is that it encourages resorts like ours to continue to try to improve the sustainability of our facilities and activities.  For example, we are now considering building a sustainable, environmentally-friendly biogas system to provide fuel for cooking.  Although this is a somewhat difficult and complex undertaking, we are encouraged to attempt it, not least because it would earn us more ‘eco-points’ on this website.  GOOD JOB, BUTTERFLY CLUB at ECO-TROPICAL RESORTS!