Tiamo was constructed to be an environmentally conscious as possible, and still provide impeccable services to guests and visitors. Tiamo has thouroughly thought about all possible ways to make conservation at their resort the number one factor.
An achievement that Tiamo is most proud of is the electricity generating system. The resort has the largest solar electricity generating system owned and operated by a private tourism facility in the Caribbean and Latin America. It is the first resort to operate entirely on 100% alternative energy for it's electrical needs, The system is the first ever in the world.
Concerning water, Tiamo creates hot water by using thermal hot water heaters--the sun heats the water. No electricity or gas is used whatsoever. There are heaters in each bungalow and kitchen. This method works so well that cold water is actually mixed in with the hot water through tempering valves so that the water is not always boiling hot.
Water waste treatment at Tiamo is dealt with depending on the type of waste involved. Black water waste (which is one of the worst wastes to near shore tropical ecosystems) is disposed of using low flush, composting toilets. Microorganisms break down the waste into healthy organic peat. Another type of waste, grey water waste, is also dealt with using natural processes. However, it is done slightly different than it is done with black water waste. This waste, which is from showers, sinks, and laundry wastewaters are filtered for large particles, then sent through a dirt, sand and rock filter system to be cleansed. To minimize waste, biodegradable, phosphorus free soaps are used.
The structure of the Tiamo resort was designed incorporating three major objectives--minimum site impact, passive cooling, and energy efficiency. All buildings are elevated with simple columns, for minimum site impact and cooling purposes. Other cooling techniques used include wrap-around porches, white reflective roofs, high-pitched ceilings, and an open design to maximize airflow. The guest bungalows were constructed "within nature." They were placed within vegetation, and built from a non-toxic tread pine that is harvested from sustainable forests.
The construction of the resort was not done by the usual fast, high tech construction. It was done following the pattern of other activities at Tiamo, with environmental awareness. The clearing of the area was done all by hand, workers using machetes and chainsaws in order to preserve much vegetation as possible. The movement of materials, also done by hand, was done by using small draft boats so that beach dredging in front of the resort would not occur. Finally, wood for the resort was precut in one area, moved by hand, and assembled with light power tools.
A proto-type building was constructed in the United States first, in order to inventory what was needed, and insure that when it was constructed in Andros the least possible waste from construction would be deposited. Also, most of the construction utilized energy from the solar power system. The left over scrap materials were used to construct furniture and other art for the resort. Local Bahamians, with the exception of three individuals that came from elsewhere did all the construction.
Tiamo's operations are clearly defined by their power and waste water systems, and the construction design. These environmental systems are carefully monitored at all times to ensure that they are properly working. In addition, Tiamo is always looking for new, cost effective ways to reduce/dispose of waste. The following are examples of what the resort currently does:
- PURCHASING is a way for the resort to minimize waste at its beginning stages. Tiamo tries to purchase as much as possible, in bulk. A deciding factor of their purchases also has to deal with the type of packaging involved. Tiamo likes to look towards local suppliers to purchase goods.
- COMPOSTING is how the resort gets rid of food waste. Once broken down, the waste is used as fertilizer in the gardens of the resort.
- PAPER WASTE that cannot be reused is burned. Ashes from this process are also used as fertilizer.
- PLASTIC products are reused whenever possible. Also, a rather unusual method of recycling is used. Tiamo asks resort visitors to take recyclables home with them to deposit. The resort neatly and cleanly packs the plastics for the guests.
- METAL WASTE is also reused whenever possible. If it cannot be used, it is crushed and sent to a United States recycling company.
- GLASS products, such as beer bottles, are only bought by brewers that will buy back the bottles. the resort is also working with the brewers to supply kegs.
- OTHER WASTE that Tiamo cannot get rid of through the above processes will be sent to the community dump. Tiamo feels that they have put forth sll their efforts to conserve the environment, and having a small amount of other waste is a fact of life.
In regards to marketing, Tiamo only reaches potential visitors through the Internet. They feel that this is th emost successful and sustainable tactic; it gets through to the most possible prospective customers, while saving paper.
Guest education is important at Tiamo. The resort focuses on having personalized service, to make it an appealing part of the vacation with the slight realization that what Tiamo pracitces at the resort is something people can bring back to their homes.
Tiamo also strives to have a large community involvement. All staff members are educated and trained in the environmental principled that are practiced at the resort. The staff also agrees before becoming employed to an environmental code of ethics as representatives of the resort. The resort encourages all staff to take part in any environmental program available around the island.
As a whole, the resort's staff actively participates togethe rin local trash pickups. education of school children, community clean-ups, and environmental protcetion classes. Currently, Tiamo is spending more time with the local community leaders to launch a program, Conservation South Andros.
Information prvodied in this section can be attributed to the following:
Tiamo WebsiteMike Hartman, Tiamo Resort