Heritance Aarah: Maldives’ first LEED-certified resort

Heritance Aarah the newest addition to Aitken Spence Hotel portfolio has been awarded the internationally recognised LEED Gold certification. This all-villa Premium All-Inclusive resort is the first property in the Maldives to receive this award.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings save energy, water, resources, generate less waste and support human health. LEED is an official recognition that a project complies with the requirements prescribed within the LEED rating systems by the U.S. Green Building Council, with the increased demand and pace of green building in the hospitality sector. Achieving the Gold level certification from the most widely used green building rating system reiterates the Aitken Spence Hotels Group’s commitment to sustainability.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Aitken Spence PLC Director, Head of Tourism & Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotels Management stated “Our strategies to expand are led by guests’ expectations and design-led refurbishments to enrich the experience at our properties. A key priority is to ensure our resorts contribute positively to protect and preserve the environment and the ecosystems we operate in. We are proud that we were able to introduce the Heritance brand to the Maldives as the first LEED Gold certified property in the islands.”

“I give credit to the team that has worked tirelessly and conducted extensive research and integrated innovative and sustainable strategies to reduce the carbon and water footprint by 30% and 55% respectively,” she asserted. “These have been successfully implemented and have aided in creating a healthier and safer working environment while maximising guest comfort. These strategies I believe, have contributed towards achieving this milestone for Heritance Aarah.”

The Resort’s design enhances the sustainability strategy through the use of components like fuel-saving generators, energy-saving LED lighting, water-saving equipment and energy-efficient air conditioning.

Such green elements do not interfere with the quality of service delivery or the convenience of an exceptional stay. With experiential and contemporary amenities like the innovation technology at the Medi Spa and energy-saving temperature controls, Heritance Aarah practices a perfect balance of commitment to the environment. It also provides guests with the comfort to choose their preferred temperature.

This certification further acts as an incentive for Heritance Aarah to continuously strive -despite challenges, towards becoming more environmentally friendly by thinking from a greener mind.