“Hi, I’m Freeda – the fish from Furama Resort Danang. Can you help me protect my home? If you can, then please put me on the bed, then we will change your bed linen. Thank you.” That’s Freeda – the fish who has been put in every room at the Furama Resort Danang. Her daily message for guests is part of Furama Resort’s drive towards becoming the ultimate green hotel in Vietnam. The Furama had already cemented its reputation as a stunning beachfront location on one of Vietnam’s finest beaches.
But this green campaign proves that the five-star haven is much more than an idyllic tropical retreat. Since implementing its green policies in early 2008, the resort has substituted more than 4,000 energy-saving light bulbs. The resort also uses recycled materials and has encouraged all staff to develop environmentally friendly practices. The resort’s gardening department uses fallen leaves, twigs and organic garden waste to make organic fertiliser for the garden, which is also watered with recycled water. The use of organic food waste to raise worms also helps to strengthen the quality of the soil, which preserves water and reduces labour. This change in focus for all departments has been prominent in the laundry department, with timetabling changes allowing the resort to reduce its energy consumption. It’s amazing that the resort has reduced its business costs by 16 per cent – equalling a reduction of over $100,000 in 2009 in comparison with the previous year.
The resort has also initiated the use of solar blankets on its swimming pools. This is a ground-breaking Australian product which reduces evaporation by 90 per cent in summer, and also stabilises water temperature, reducing the need for chemicals. Natural products have been introduced in all 198 guest rooms and suites. “While security is the predominant criteria for tourists choosing a tourism destination, many of them are strongly interested in green hotels, the convenience of public transportation and a profile of hotel in implementing green activities. We are trying to become the best of the prominent green hotels in Vietnam,” said Duncan MacLean, general manager of Furama Resort Danang.
“The implementation of green hotel policies not only helps us reduce waste which reduces our impact on the environment but we’re also proactive in creating a strong, healthy and more sustainable environment for guests who stay at Furama,” he said.
P.V
