The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives has earned its first Green Globe certification, highlighting sustainability measures such as a Zero Capsule Machine System and farm-to-plate sourcing.
Summary: The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives in Raa Atoll has received its first Green Globe certification, replacing disposable coffee pods with eco-friendly coffee balls (cutting over 25,000 capsules a year), partnering with local farm Maldivian Mermaid for produce, and expanding marine conservation and community-focused sustainability programs.
The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, a luxury resort located in Raa Atoll, has secured its first Green Globe certification after passing a comprehensive sustainability audit. The recognition underscores the resort’s effort to blend high-end hospitality with environmentally responsible practices and stronger ties to the local community.
Green Globe Certification: What It Represents
Green Globe evaluates accommodation operators across multiple sustainability dimensions. By achieving certification, The Standard demonstrates that its policies for energy and water use, waste management, procurement, and social responsibility meet an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable tourism.
- Assessment areas: energy and water management, waste reduction, social responsibility, procurement
- Result: The Standard passed the comprehensive Green Globe evaluation and earned certification
- Implication: certification affirms commitment to protecting the Maldives’ natural environment while operating as a luxury resort
Cutting Single-Use Waste: Zero Capsule Machine System
One of the resort’s notable initiatives is the Zero Capsule Machine System, which swaps conventional single-use coffee pods for biodegradable coffee balls. This change eliminates the need for plastic and aluminium pods across the property.
- Plastic pods replaced with eco-friendly coffee balls
- Estimated waste reduction: over 25,000 coffee capsules avoided per year
- Significance: a tangible, measurable decrease in resort-generated single-use waste
Supporting Local Communities: Farm-to-Plate with Maldivian Mermaid
The resort has deepened local procurement through a partnership with Maldivian Mermaid, a nearby island farm. By sourcing fruits, vegetables, herbs and lettuce locally, The Standard reduces transport emissions and supports island agriculture and livelihoods.
- Local produce: fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and lettuce supplied by Maldivian Mermaid
- Benefits: fresher ingredients for guests, shorter supply chains, lower carbon footprint
- Community impact: strengthened ties and economic support for regional farmers
Marine Conservation and Guest Engagement
Beyond land-based measures, The Standard continues to expand marine conservation work aimed at protecting coral reefs and marine biodiversity. The resort offers guest activities that promote awareness and allow visitors to contribute directly to conservation efforts around the island.
The Standard Experience: Playful Luxury with Purpose
The resort combines a lively, design-forward guest experience with mindful operations. Accommodation choices range from overwater villas to beachfront retreats, each incorporating eco-conscious materials and systems designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining premium comfort.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Sustainable Luxury
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives intends to build on its current work by expanding conservation programmes, enhancing community partnerships, and continuing to reduce its environmental footprint. The resort aims to serve as a replicable example for luxury properties in the Maldives and beyond.
Why this matters: As travellers increasingly prioritise responsible travel, certifications like Green Globe and practical steps—such as cutting single-use plastics and buying locally—align guest expectations with measurable environmental and social benefits. For the Maldives, where natural beauty is both an asset and a vulnerability, such approaches are essential to preserving the islands for future visitors and residents.
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