Sustainable Thinking
GRI 102-10, 102-48, 103-3
Four key elements guide our most important decisions:
Economic sustainability
We consider financial, environmental, aesthetic and social viability in making sound business decisions.
Part of the development lifecycle is the notion of constant change driven by a host of internal and global factors. Upon consolidating our investment structure, in 2016 we determined that financing of Four Seasons Tropicalia required more time than originally anticipated. As a result, we seized this opportunity to continue to improve upon the economics of our project and further engaged in conversations with international lenders and investors that share our integrated approach to sustainability.
In 2016, our foundation further supported micro and small enterprises in the Miches community by providing new financing and education opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
“Our commitment is to sustainable development of the entire destination. Building a strong local economy reduces the risks most often associated with conventional tourist destinations.”
Sofia Perazzo, Executive Director, Fundación Tropicalia.
Source: http://sharedvalue.org/groups/building-sustainable-supply-chain-remote-island-paradise
Environmental balance
We protect and conserve the natural environment by using sustainable site development and destination management to preserve biological integrity, habitat connectivity and green space.
We continued to execute a rigorous Environmental Management and Protection Program (PMAA), submitting our Environmental Compliance Reports (ICA) reports to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MIMARENA) every six months.
Because infrastructure development has not yet begun, our monitoring activities currently focus on baseline data measurements. These include water quality, solid waste and noise pollution, as well as managing gas emissions and compensatory reforestation. This information will be used to mitigate impacts during Tropicalia’s construction and design phases.
In 2016, we submitted two ICAs to MIMARENA, marking a total of 12 ICAs completed to date. Both reports were approved by the corresponding authorities.
| PROGRAM | SUBPROGRAM |
|---|---|
| Physical Controls |
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| Environmental Quality |
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| Biological Controls |
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| Socio-environmental Management |
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| Environmental Supervision |
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| Contingency Management |
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Thoughtful architecture
Our design and development standards ensure enduring aesthetics, quality construction and environmentally sound techniques that integrate with nature, maintain vistas, and maximize beauty of place.
Despite delays in the Tropicalia development, we continue to move forward with other elements such as completion of design, model room development and LEED certification.
In 2016, we completed construction of the model room for Four Seasons Tropicalia, which serves as a living laboratory where we examine the viability of construction and design components including aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. To reduce the demand for air conditioning, we have tested energy-efficient glazing on the expansive sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor patios, as well as an automated control system that adjusts the cooling system when the doors are open.
The model room also included the construction of a green roof. Green roofs provide an aesthetic improvement, and also contribute to landfill diversion, mitigate heat during the hottest months, improve energy efficiency and air quality, and may contribute to stormwater management.6 We are proud to report that the model room design was completed and approved by ownership (Cisneros), Four Seasons and the architect Isay Weinfeld, which gives us the green light to move forward.
Thoughtful architecture
Our design and development standards ensure enduring aesthetics, quality construction and environmentally sound techniques that integrate with nature, maintain vistas, and maximize beauty of place.
Despite delays in the Tropicalia development, we continue to move forward with other elements such as completion of design, model room development and LEED certification.
In 2016, we completed construction of the model room for Four Seasons Tropicalia, which serves as a living laboratory where we examine the viability of construction and design components including aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. To reduce the demand for air conditioning, we have tested energy-efficient glazing on the expansive sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor patios, as well as an automated control system that adjusts the cooling system when the doors are open.
The model room also included the construction of a green roof. Green roofs provide an aesthetic improvement, and also contribute to landfill diversion, mitigate heat during the hottest months, improve energy efficiency and air quality, and may contribute to stormwater management.6 We are proud to report that the model room design was completed and approved by ownership (Cisneros), Four Seasons and the architect Isay Weinfeld, which gives us the green light to move forward.
LEED Certification
As part of our commitment to implementing state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly development, we continued to work towards Silver LEED certification for Four Seasons Tropicalia. LEED is a rigorous third-party verification standard that provides a global benchmark for excellence in green building, energy efficiency and the use of local, reusable or repurposed materials, among other sustainability categories such as water and air quality.
In 2016, we used the LEED Scorecard to assess our design, and looked to the United States’ standards as LEED has not yet emerged for the Dominican Republic. Based on the hotel’s current design, we are candidates for obtaining either the Silver or Gold certifications.
Community advancement
We support local economic diversification and community development, via Fundación Tropicalia’s programs.
We established Fundación Tropicalia in 2008 to support the socioeconomic development of the Miches community. Fundación Tropicalia collaborates with the public and private sectors, civil society, academia and international organizations. We focus on shared value, which connects social and environmental advancement with economic progress.
The foundation’s efforts focus on improving the quality of education; working with women and girls to improve their economic and social position; creating a local supply chain of goods and services; promoting the region’s cultural traditions; and encouraging sustainable practices in environmental and agricultural activities, among other initiatives.
6 Green Roofs for healthy cities (n/d). Obtained from: http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/greenroofbenefits. Accessed January 2017.