“Today, with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility, I address you, celebrating the remarkable journey of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. For 25 years, our partnership with EarthCheck has been more than just a certification. It has been a commitment to the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship that are at the core of our identity,” said Jurgen van Schaijk, owner and director of the hotel, in a speech in front of numerous guests.
He has been at the helm of the hotel since 1991. Since becoming the first resort in Aruba to achieve the prestigious EarthCheck Master certification, Amsterdam Manor has consistently led by example. Recently, in May, another audit was conducted on the property, reaffirming their dedication to mastery in environmental and social sustainability, waste management, and staff training, which were thoroughly reviewed and highly praised.
This achievement not only reflects their past efforts but also promises continued commitment to improvement and serves as an example of a responsible local company that is also a good employer. “As we look to the future, our vision for sustainability continues to expand. During our recent renovations, we took significant additional steps in water conservation, such as collecting water from sources like shower runoff, air-conditioning condensation, and rainwater.
Our goal is to use this reclaimed water for cleaning buildings and areas, filling the pool, washing linens, and potentially supporting a hydroponic system. In 2023, we made impressive strides, reducing our average water consumption from 0.26 m3 to 0.
22 m3 per day,” explained Jurgen van Schaijk. With continued efforts, including the upcoming installation of new water tanks, their goal is to further reduce water usage by another 10–15%, strengthening their leadership in sustainable water management. In a benchmark study recently conducted by AHATA, Amsterdam Manor Resort was found to have the lowest daily water usage among participating hotels in 2023, as well as within their EarthCheck category.
Their commitment to efficient energy management has also yielded positive results. By insulating the ceilings of all their buildings, installing double-glazed windows and doors, using state-of-the-art air conditioning systems, and equipping more than 99% of their appliances with LED lighting, they have drastically reduced energy consumption. However, they anticipate that their energy consumption will decrease by an additional 10–15% in 2024.
In a benchmark study recently conducted by AHATA, Amsterdam Manor Resort was found to have the lowest daily electricity usage among participating resorts in 2023, again within their EarthCheck category. “Looking ahead, we plan to integrate renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy, with the goal of significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable electricity by 2025. These efforts are not just aimed at cost reduction but also at demonstrating that responsible tourism can go hand in hand with environmental conservation,” assured Jurgen van Schaijk.
Amsterdam Manor Resort is excited about several innovative projects that will further solidify their leadership in sustainability. They plan to introduce a glass crusher for sand, improving recycling efforts with the goal of reducing waste production to just 0.3 kilograms per day.
They are also exploring the implementation of a composting system to sustainably manage food waste, complementing their existing donations to a local pig farmer. Additionally, they have adopted a nearby beach area, committing to its beautification and ensuring it remains safe and attractive for both their guests and the community. This includes the area near the famous fofoti tree up to the turtle roundabout.
Beyond these initiatives, Amsterdam Manor Resort acknowledges the broader responsibility they bear as a resort operating on a beautiful but fragile island. Amsterdam Manor is not just a business; it is a member of the Aruba community and is committed to fostering goodwill and making a positive impact on the community, nature, and the environment. This means not only reducing their environmental footprint but also contributing to the well-being of the island and its people.
They understand that their success can influence the health and vitality of the environment and the local community, which is why they take this responsibility very seriously. “Our future achievements will be guided by this sense of responsibility. Our goal is to set new standards in sustainable tourism, not just in Aruba but globally.
We will achieve this by continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement, ensuring that Amsterdam Manor remains a beacon of responsible tourism,” said Jurgen van Schaijk. “In conclusion, we are extremely proud of our sustainability achievements and extend our support to any organization (private or public) or individuals seeking assistance on their sustainability journey. I extend my deepest gratitude to all my colleagues at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and MVC Eagle Beach Resort for your serious dedication to sustainability.
Together, we are not only protecting our environment but also building a legacy of goodwill and responsible business that will benefit future generations. Let us continue to lead with purpose, embracing sustainability as the core value that drives us forward.”.
