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NAME OF PROPERTY |
Northside Valley |
RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR THIS APPLICATION |
Ginger Brown Vanderveer |
POSITION |
Owner/Manager |
ADDRESS OF PROPERTY
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2 Estate Northside
P.O. Box 281, Frederiksted
St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands |
COUNTRY |
United States |
PHONE NUMBER
inc. area code |
(708) 848-6148
(877) 772-0558 Toll Free |
WEBSITE |
http://www.northsidevalley.com |
E-MAIL |
info@northsidevalley.com |
TYPE OF PROPERTY |
Ecologically-Friendly Vacation
Villas |
NUMBER OF ROOMS |
5 villas (2 bedroom, living/dining,
deck/patio, kitchen, 1 to 2 bathrooms) |
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF GUESTS |
Villa sizes vary, some will accommodate
six to eight people |
ECO-CERTIFICATION(s) |
Five Green Trees - EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotels |
ECO AWARDS |
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GENERAL ECO INFO
- Do you have an environmental and/or social sustainability policy YES
If yes, please attach.
Our Eco-Gecko is proudly
displayed around your villa. He has wonderful tips about being eco-friendly. The
following are steps that Northside takes to make your stay healthy to you and
our planet:
- Cleaning products are natural. We do not
use bleach.
- Linens are made from cotton or bamboo and dried
in the sun.
- Your hot water heater is on a timer to conserve
energy.
- A cistern collects rainwater for use in your villa.
- All lights use compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Efficient ceiling fans cool your villa.
- Do you have an environmental Management System YES
If yes, please attach.
Staff are trained in eco-friendly principles. Composting,
conservation of water/energy, and chemical-free maintenance products
are stressed.
- Brief Description of property – aim, size, facilities
(150 words max)
This six-plus acre estate nestled in the valley of a rainforest
is within a few hundred yards of beautiful beaches. Stroll
down to Northside’s own beach and snorkel in crystal clear
waters (wave hello to our local lobster, we’ll show you
where he lives). A few hundred yards in either direction
are more beaches. For a more relaxed vacation, lounge on
your deck or patio and watch the ocean or stargaze at night.
- Brief description of location (100 words max)
Northside Valley is located in Frederiksted, St. Croix. Frederiksted
town is quaint with its 18th Century Danish-architecture and
waterfront pier. It has gourmet restaurants both in and
around its perimeter.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION / CONSERVATION
- Do you use any renewable energy? YES
We currently have 10% renewable energy. These are solar-powered
items. We are in the process of converting our diesel generator
into a bio-fuel generator. The generator can provide power
for all the houses. We will have 100% renewable energy
when the conversion is complete.
- Please describe any energy saving devices in use, and energy
saving programmes you have, and how can guests/visitors participate
Timers on our hot water heaters, Compact fluorescent bulbs,
gas stoves, ceiling fans, line dry linens, high-efficiency front-loading
washing machine, water purifier so guests will not purchase
bottled water. We have simple living instructions on how
to recycle, dispose of gray water, and compost.
GARDENS – ORGANIC FOOD – RECYCLING-CHEMICALS
- If you have gardens, please describe any organic or chemical
farming practices.
All of our gardens are organic. We have organic fruit
trees, vegetables, and herbs. We do not irrigate our landscaping. We
compost our vegetable matter and all landscaping trimmings.
- Do you have a purchasing policy - local/organic/good practice/fair
trade or any other? YES
We purchase local organic food and our staff shirts are from
Solidarity (a Fair Trade product from Bolivia).
- Please describe any composting or recycling programmes, and
how, if possible, guests/visitors are encouraged to participate.
Simple Living Opportunities posted in the villa ask guests to
recycle cardboard, glass, and alumnum cans. Guests can
observe how recycled items are used at Northside’s. They
can be involved in organic gardening.
CHEMICALS AND CLEANING PRODUCTS
- Approximately, what percentage of cleaning products used are
chemical, and what percentage bio degradable; please describe
0% chemical. 100% biodegradable. All natural products
are purchased. Most of our cleaning is done with white
vinegar and baking soda.
WATER
- Please describe your water supply, and any water conservation
programmes, and how, if possible, guests/visitors are encouraged
to participate.
Rainwater is used. It is a renewable resource. We
ask guests to dispose of gray water from the kitchen and use
the optional outdoor showers when possible. We suggest
short showers and use low-flow devices for the showers.
- Please describe your water purification and waste water treatment
systems.
We have an ultra-violet water purifier that will be connected
to solar power. Waste water is handled through a septic
system and does not use any energy.
FLORA AND FAUNA CONSERVATION / PRESERVATION
- Describe any flora or fauna conservation/projects you are involved
in and how you encourage your guests to participate?
Preserve the natural state of the property and of Northside
Valley beach. Guests are introduced to the estate. They
are warned to drive carefully as our estate hosts many island
deer and other creatures. Contribute to Nature Conservancy,
UVI and St. Croix Environmental Association. Guests are
educated about these groups and the work they perform in St.
Croix.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
- Please describe what you feel is your single most important
eco achievement? (200 words max).
Preserving the natural beach of Northside Valley.
MONITORING / FEEDBACK / TRAINING
- Please describe any staff and customer eco training/education
programmes
Energy Awareness program was conducted in August. One
week of energy awareness tips and eco-education.
- Please describe any materials you have to educate your guests
(brochures, posters, pamphlets, etc.)?
An eco page on my web site, welcome packet with eco-tips, simple
living opportunities on the villas fridge, business cards
with eco-gecko.
- Please describe how you monitor, maintain, and/or minimise
your environmental impact?
Monitor abundance of bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, dragon
flies, etc. Monitor the health of trees, track energy
and water consumption for each house.
- Do you get customer feedback? YES
Through an evaluation form.
LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
- What percentage of your staff are local nationals? 50%
- Please describe what you do to minimise your negative impacts
on the local community, and any cultural awareness, community
activities or local sponsorships programmes, and any other ways
you try to ensure the local community benefit from your
business.
Limiting the use of resources. Since we don’t use
A/C and heaters are on a timer, my property is not responsible
for overload power outages (which happen frequently in the islands). We
also nurture native plants which locals appreciate for their
medicinal properties. Locals ask me for various native
plants.
- If you have a green / eco certification label, please give
details and explain:
- your reasons for joining the scheme
- The benefits you feel you receive
- Any other positive or negative points
If you do not have a green certification / label,
please explain
- Your reasons for NOT joining any schemes,
- Any benefits you feel you are missing,
- Anything else.
Five Green Trees from Environmentally Friendly Hotels.
- Anything else you feel is relevant or important.
Please provide as much documentary evidence as possible.
Please provide 2 references, preferably one from the local or national
government tourist authority or a registered NGO (Non-profit
Non Governmental Organization) locally, and the other from your
certification scheme if you are in one.
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