Call us on:  +1 (345) 516 VIDA (8432)

Call Nourish on: +1 345 938 9114

Preserve & Protect

SUSTAINABILITY

At VIDA, Grand Cayman

Discover

Our Sustainability Pledge

MAKING AN IMPACT

A mission-driven organization, VIDA strives to ensure that our values and environmental ethics are reflected in our commitment to sustainability. It is our intention to provide a holistic and authentic experience for our guests and uphold the three pillars of corporate sustainability: environmental, social, and economic.


When you explore the Cayman Islands, either on land or in the water, you are reveling in an experience that can only be preserved through efforts of conservation advocacy. As a result, we have developed and uphold sustainable guidelines and practices based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GTSC) criteria and performance indicators for sustainable hotels. 


Our engagement in this initiative contributes to supporting the Cayman Island’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Global Goals designed to serve as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Environmental

Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship at VIDA starts with our core values and extends through all of our operations. From staff training to impact and integrity, VIDA is leading the charge to preserve and protect the island we love. We believe that, as people who explore and enjoy off the beaten path adventure, we have an obligation to take care of these places.

Legal Compliance

VIDA is committed to and will ensure that it is fully compliant with all local Cayman Islands Legislation including but not limited to health & safety, labor law, pension, health insurance, licensing, and immigration.


Reporting & Coms

VIDA shares its sustainability commitment with all stakeholders including strategic partners, employees, guests, and the local community. This is achieved by sharing our sustainable pledge on our website, via communication with guests, and in our social media and other marketing channels. 


Staff Engagement

All staff are introduced to our sustainability pledge during the recruitment and onboarding process and detailed training is provided to ensure full understanding of our sustainable practices. Ongoing training will be provided to ensure current research and data are incorporated in both training and operations.


Customer Experience

VIDA consistently gathers data from its customers to assess their experience and this will include gathering customer feedback and appreciation of our sustainable commitments. We respect local Caymanians and visiting guests' rights to privacy.


Accurate Marketing & Promotion

All marketing and promotional materials will be accurate and transparent regarding sustainability actions and outcomes. 


Impact and Integrity

VIDA will take into consideration surrounding areas and will ensure that car parking, foot traffic, and other factors are managed sustainably to avoid any negative impacts. All public footpaths will be regularly checked and maintained. 

Sustainable Practices & Materials

Wherever possible VIDA has and will continue to source products locally or regionally. We will make every effort to ensure our suppliers have the same sustainable commitment as we do and will monitor to ensure compliance. 


Access for All

VIDA welcomes all guests and residents, and we have provided elevators, wheelchair access ramps, doors, and accessible WCs.


Land Rights & Property Rights

The land that VIDA sits on was legally and rightfully purchased and there is no lean or reason and there was no involuntary removal of people or property.


Information & Interpretation

VIDA intends to educate and inform its guests and visitors via digital communication prior to arrival, via a welcome tour and orientation and ongoing activities of the importance of respecting our surroundings and which will include but not be limited to respecting sea life and not lifting, harming or removing any shells or sea animal, not to touch, cut or remove any fauna or fauna from our National Park and the lands around, not to litter and generally be respectful of others, the community and our environment by keeping noise to a minimum.


Destination Management

VIDA will be involved in the development of local sustainable tourism ideas and will invest in partnerships with local and international stakeholders to promote both the hotel and the destination.

PURCHASING 

PRACTICES

VIDA believes it is important to consider environmental impacts beyond our doors. Our purchasing policy favors suppliers who only use sustainable packing products & have sustainable practices & policies.


VIDA has a zero tolerance for single-use plastic products, and we carefully consider all of our purchases to ensure waste is kept at a minimum. Our in-house linens, bathroom amenities, and retail products as well as our staff uniforms and equipment are all sourced from ethical, sustainable, and Fair-Trade providers.


In addition, VIDA limits the use of harmful chemicals (pool cleaning & pesticides), and we strive to ensure that the effects of their use and disposal are kept to a minimum. Our Eco-friendly Chemicals are stored, handled, and disposed of thoughtfully and carefully.



By making environmentally thoughtful purchase, VIDA is demonstrating that it cares about the supply chain. This incentives businesses to develop sustainable products and practices, and leads to far-reaching environmental impacts.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Reduce. Recycle. Reuse. Behind the scenes VIDA follows best practices principals for solid waste, water waste, and water conservation management. VIDA's solid waste management system ensures waste is kept to a minimum and wherever possible waste is recycled or reused or composted. For any waste that cannot be recycled, reused or composted, VIDA makes every effort to ensure the protection of our local environment. Our wastewater and water conservation policies (including grey water) ensure wastewater is disposed of carefully, and our water consumption is monitored to detect excessive water usage.

COMMUNITY & 

HERITAGE

VIDA is committed to the preservation and protection of Caymanian sites of cultural, historical, environmental, and natural interest. We respect the local culture and protect and respect Caymanian heritage and natural rights of access to these sites. 


VIDA values and appreciates all Caymanian cultural influences and promotes inclusion of cultural influences in our food, guest experiences, in-house products, and activities whilst respecting the rights and privacy of Caymanians.



Through the promotion of positive cultural experiences such as Barkers National Park, The Cayman Islands’ National Gallery, Pedro’s Castle, The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, The Crystal Caves, other local attractions, seasonal events, and cultural celebrations, we support local tourism and ensure activities and tours do not leave a negative impact.

Local Employment

VIDA is committed to employing Caymanians to fulfill positions at all levels. Our human capital succession plans focus on training and education for Caymanians. VIDA’s participation in local job fairs aims to attract skilled Caymanians with competitive compensation and creative benefits packages. We partner with tertiary educators to provide a training program and internships for young Caymanians interested in hospitality and tourism.


Local Purchasing

VIDA’s procurement policy offers opportunities to local & fair-trade suppliers who support and align with sustainable standards. We source our products from local suppliers before considering purchasing from international merchants. 


Local Entrepreneurs

To support our natural environment and protect our cultural heritage, VIDA encourages and nurtures local entrepreneurs. Alliances with innovators provide good business opportunities and creates unique experiences for our guests. VIDA encourages all local entrepreneurs and suppliers to follow sustainable practices.

Exploitation & Harassment

VIDA has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or exploitation of all individuals with an extra special layer for vulnerable, young minorities. VIDA supports staff and provides safe and confidential communication channels in addition to incorporating policy guidelines on discrimination, exploitation, and harassment managed by our Human Capital Resources team.

Equal Opportunity: VIDA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate by race, gender, religion, or disability.


Decent Work

VIDA provides a safe working environment where employees feel valued, can earn a living wage, and sustain a good work-life balance. VIDA conducts regular appraisals and implements personal development plans for each employee. 


Community Services & Local Livelihoods

VIDA strives to enhance local livelihoods by partnering and supporting local businesses and service providers. We thoughtfully consider our neighbours and local island community when utilizing services and suppliers. We are dedicated to ensuring our consumption does not have a negative impact on our environment and strive to ensure a positive impact on our local community.

CONSERVATION

VIDA supports and encourages the protection of our Biodiversity and is actively involved in protecting our ocean, beaches, Barkers National Park and our West Bay community.

Invasive Species

VIDA avoids the use of any invasive species and is committed to promoting indigenous and locally propagated plants and trees in our landscaping. 


Visits to Natural Sites

VIDA complies, follows, and promotes all guidelines related to visiting cultural, historical, and natural sites of interest. All efforts are made to avoid any adverse effects and leave no footprints behind.


Wildlife Interactions

VIDA monitors our site for local species and ensures that any free-roaming wildlife and ecosystems are not negatively impacted by the presence of VIDA, its partners, guests, and employees. We help to provide an environment that maintains a healthy ecological balance and our building design has considered this by minimizing light and noise pollution. Turtle-friendly lighting helps protect endangered turtle nesting sites located along Barkers Beach area.


Animal Welfare

VIDA is a dog-friendly property, and we promote the highest level of care for all visiting or resident dogs. VIDA does not allow any wild bird, mammal, or other animal to be kept in captivity and will actively report cases of animal abuse or neglect.


Wild Harvesting & Trade

VIDA monitors and ensures that no wildlife is caught, harvested, displayed, or sold for any reason but especially for someone’s pleasure or entertainment. We educate our visitors and guests about protection of local flora and fauna, catch limits for seasonal fishing, during tours and events and respect the Cayman Islands Conservation and other local laws and environmental and agricultural policies.

Energy Conservation

VIDA is committed to incorporating solar panels and the building has been designed and constructed with this addition in mind. VIDA makes every effort to measure and monitor all energy usage with usage trackers installed to detect very early over-energy usage.


Greenhouse Gas Emissions

VIDA works with trained consultants to assist with the measurement of VIDA & its associated partners/guests & employees carbon emissions. We measure our total emissions and look for ways to reduce and offset. Offsetting our carbon footprint also receive assistance though partnerships with local sustainable and environmental organisations and initiatives such as National Trust mangrove protection, and other local sustainably focused groups.


Transport

VIDA actively promotes the reduced use of transport by encouraging guests to use the VIDA airport pick-up service utilizing a dedicated hybrid vehicle, providing bikes and E-Bikes, and courtesy vehicle transport to local activities. We also support and promote local taxi/driver services who own hybrid or E vehicles.


Minimise Pollution

Minimise Pollution: VIDA has established practices to minimize noise, light, and other pollutants and anything contributing to water, air, or soil pollutants.



BUILDING DESIGN

& CONSTRUCTION

The land VIDA is built on was carefully selected. It is surrounded by nature, remote and tranquil. The land has an abundance of local trees and shrubs, including sea grape, birch trees, silver thatch trees, mangrove, plop nut, and palms trees. During landscaping our team re-trained many of the local plants and trees ensuring a diverse indigenous array of horticulture. This encourages rich biodiversity, supports surrounding ecological systems, and provides a home for our local wildlife.

VIDA was constructed with sustainable construction and property management in mind. All construction materials were sourced from ethical suppliers and the design considered many factors including to ensure heat reduction, waste disposal, insulation, energy reduction, harnessing wind & breezes in public spaces, and other innovative design considerations. 


VIDA was built in accordance with all zoning and planning requirements with appropriate licenses and inspections secured. 


Safe construction site providing shade, shelter, and onsite WC for workers.



Hand clearing of trees rather than using machinery.

Protection of existing trees and landscape, fertilization, pruning, and local propagation of hardy and native species.

Utilisation of grasscrete in parking spaces to minimise the asphalt used on site.

Trash enclosure designed to allow space for recycling bins as well as regular refuse.


Water coolers on-site during construction to avoid plastic water bottles and installation of water bottle refill stations in communal areas for both staff and guest use.


Recycling bins, recycled plastics & cardboard provided during construction


External wall and roof insulation throughout 

Shaded walkways and balconies to minimise solar gain into the interior spaces.


Solar hot tub heater 


Turtle friendly lighting 


Future proofed for Solar panel roof installation.



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