southern resort's water villa accommodation buildings are built on stilts .... All air conditioned common spaces, for example restaurants and reception areas, are.
Sustainable resort development: Malaysian case studies Muhamad S. Salehudin University of New south Wales International Islamic University Malaysia
Deo K. Prasad University of New South Wales
Paul W. Osmond University of New South Wales
Mohd T. Khamis Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Tourist arrivals in Malaysia for 2002-2010 showed consistent growth, and currently about 24 million visitors are expected each year to visit Malaysia and join the resident population to enjoy the beauty and natural resources. According to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, the number of visitors that support environmentally and socially responsible tourism is increasing, yet at the same time the country faces finite potable water resources, continuing degradation of natural habitats, soaring energy costs and also increasing public sensitivity to its economic dependency on tourism. Malaysia is a developing country suffering from the global problems of inefficient use of energy and increasing pollution. In the light of this situation the challenges faced by Malaysia are complicated because developing countries need to meet the increasing energy demands for their economic growth at a competitive price while at the same time dealing with climate change. Concerns regarding the environment and sustainable development have been increasing recently in Malaysia. Because of this Malaysia have established new plans to address economic, environmental and social issues in an integrated way, alongside non-governmental organizations. Tourism planners need to recognize that the sustainability of their destination and its various offerings necessitates the consideration of environmental protection and conservation-related issues. This paper describes two case studies which explore the link between implementing sustainable principles in resort development and operation and sustainable tourism. Analysis of the case studies indicates that implementing sustainable practices in resort development and operation is playing a role in enhancing the sustainability of the Malaysian tourism industry.
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must be willing to invest and act in a sustainable and responsible manner (Blancas et al 2010).
INTRODUCTION Tourism has developed into one of Malaysia’s most important economic sectors, growing faster than the gross domestic product for the last 20 years (Ministry of Tourism 2012). According to the world tourism barometer (2011) about 23 million tourists visited Malaysia with an average length of stay of 8 days. Rapid tourism development has been coupled with negative impacts on the social and environmental aspects of the communities where tourism has developed (Lee 2010).
Case studies presented in this paper provide examples of how resort operators can act sustainably and responsibly. According to Sasidharan (2006) sustainable resort management should have a particular focus on best-practice environmental management, an educational and interpretive component for tourists which emphasizes sustainable tourism, and direct and indirect contributions to the conservation of the local natural and cultural environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify the sustainable characteristics of the two case studies and highlight their advantages.
In 2006 research done by Bohdanowicz highlighted that tourism accommodation facilities, due to their very specific operating characteristics and services offered, consume substantial amounts of water, energy, non-durable products and contribute to negative socio-cultural impacts and habitat fragmentation. The impacts resulting from resort development are thus characteristically greater than those caused by other types of building development of similar size (Siti-Nabihah 2011).
RESEARCH DESIGN This research presents field work from two sustainable resort development projects in Malaysia. Semi structured interviews were the primary means for gathering information. During the interviews, questions were asked regarding sustainable management practices. Additionally, a set of criteria for developing sustainable resorts in Malaysia developed by Salehudin et al (2011) was used to evaluate both resorts. The list of the criteria is shown in Table 1. Respondents include owners/managers, resort staff and community members.
The Malaysian government along with the sustainability movement within the tourism accommodation sector and tourists themselves have become more aware of the need for more comprehensive and effective measures to protect tourismaffected environments (Lee 2010). In order to achieve sustainability resort operators Table.1 Assessment criteria (categories and and indicators) for sustainable resorts (Salehudin et al 2011) Assessment categories Site Development
Material resources and cycles
Assessment indicators
Site landscaping Microclimate Site selection Low impact construction and site techniques Accessibility Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and
Energy Efficiency
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landscapes Onsite energy resources Building and material reuse/recycling Low environmental impact processed products Regional/local materials Renewable materials Natural lighting Natural ventilation Renewable energy Climate change
Water efficiency
Indoor environment quality
Culture and Heritage conservation
Waste and pollution
Resilience (adaptation and mitigation)
impact Energy efficient heating and cooling systems Energy efficient practices Staff training and incentives to promote energy efficiency Water metering Water recycling Alternative water resources Water efficient landscaping Innovative water reduction technologies Customer satisfaction Health and safety Chemical pollutants Acoustic and noise control Ventilation efficiency Daylight Thermal comfort Visual comfort Incorporation of local culture Protection of sites Respect for local Waste reduction and management strategy Reducing pollution Flood resistance Disaster resilience Strong wind protection Drought season adaptation and mitigation strategies
Community commitment and contribution
Sustainable maintenance and management
cultures and historic locations Education and information about local culture Support for local entrepreneurs Local employment Community development Respect for local Communities Sustainable policies and operational systems Sustainability Management System Sustainable procurement
Datai Bay, with 8000 year old fringing coral and 10 million year old rainforest surrounding the site.
Southern Resort This resort is located in the southern part of Malaysia. Most of the planning and development of the resort has concentrated on the need to co-exist with the existing environment in order to achieve sustainable development. The overall process of developing the resort took into account the siting and orientation of accommodation buildings, waste management and disposal, pest management, environmental education for tourists and workers, community involvement and energy and water supply.
Case studies Northern resort This resort was constructed on a large piece of land within the boundaries of Langkawi Island in the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It was purposely designed and built to benefit from increasing tourist demand. The design of the resort’s facades was based on local architectural features and elements. The most challenging part of the development process was to design and built the resort within the fragile natural environment of 3
debris that has been caught on the reef) and reef walking (educational tours with a marine biologist and naturalist for guests to learn about coral habitats and develop an understanding of the fragility of the eco-system). The project also includes a coral nursery and rehabilitation centre for rescued damaged coral, which is also an educational centre for tourists to learn the process of protecting and growing new coral.
Results Site Development Building and infrastructure coverage of the overall northern resort site is only about 30%, which provides extensive opportunities for environmental replenishment and reduces disturbance of native flora and fauna. The resort also includes areas for environmental protection and conservation, for example a coral nursery and landscaped areas that are retained in their natural state.
Local indigenous plants and fruit trees are being grown around the southern resort. The aim of this program is to raise awareness among tourists and the local community of the essential role played by these habitats in the existing ecosystem.
Construction of the southern resort involved minimum site clearance to minimise the negative impacts to the environment. The resort accommodation building was built with passive climate intervention, for example capturing prevailing winds and using existing trees to shade the building. This strategy provides a good microclimate and enhances the environmental qualities of external spaces.
Following construction, both resorts replanted native plants and trees around the resort buildings to blend in aesthetically with the surroundings as well as to provide shade from the sun and filter noise. Water Efficiency
Given the warm and humid climate throughout the year in Malaysia, the southern resort’s water villa accommodation buildings are built on stilts and rest on the bank of the hot springs, which allows the free circulation of air under the buildings. Visitors are able to view the habitats of the tropical jungle and natural cliffs from their accommodation.
Both resorts recycle their gray water as both had sufficient space to construct water treatment plants. The treatment plants have enabled huge cost savings, particularly for the northern resort. Recycled grey water from the latter treatment plant is used for cleaning the resort surrounds, toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, achieving a return on investment in just two months.
Nature Conservation The northern resort has implemented an extensive revegetation and rehabilitation program to help restore and protect a wide range of valuable flora species, such as the many varieties of Guttiferae, Myrtaceae and other rainforest trees. The northern resort has initiated a coral conservation project on the island, involving resort guests, which includes reef clearing (removing dead coral as well as manmade
The northern resort also has a groundwater source, which has a maximum height of three meters above sea level and is recharged by rainfall. The northern resort obtains its water supply from this aquifer via a bore system. Both resorts have also installed water conservation fixtures such as water saving “push” valves, shower heads and low flush systems.
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The southern resort does not have a standard swimming pool; guests can use a natural geothermal hot pool and natural waterfall located in the eastern part of the resort. The resort also uses water from this natural pool to supply Jacuzzi in the accommodation villas, dipping pools and a manual landscape irrigation system. Visitors who stay at the resort are encouraged to monitor their water and energy usage via a digital panel system, and are rewarded with prizes such as a discount on their next stay if their usage level is below the benchmarking standard set by the resort owner. Such incentives and technologies are intended to encourage tourists to be responsible.
resources. Decorative elements have mostly adapted timber elements to demonstrate a strong concept of contemporary tropical design. Indoor environment quality To ensure a high quality indoor environment both resorts have implemented practices such as minimal use of pesticides and other chemicals. Also the use of air conditioning has been limited through the creation of comfortable naturally ventilated areas such as the restaurants and reception buildings. The design of the accommodation buildings for both the northern and southern resorts ensures the location of windows and doors enables natural cross ventilation to all room interiors, providing natural cooling and sufficient fresh air intake in rooms.
Material resources and cycles The southern resort was built in a tropical architectural style, with the adaptation of local timber construction methods. The accommodation buildings and main reception building use local timbers for the main structural elements, the flooring and roofing structural systems. Light local hardwoods, for example Kapur (Dryobalanops spp.) and Nyahtoh (Palaquium spp.) are significantly used for secondary accommodation buildings, structural elements such as rafters and joists as well as window frames and interior finishes. The roofing is highly adapted local construction of palm leaf thatching which is a very popular technique for traditional houses in the northern part of Malaysia.
Both resorts also provide significant openings and appropriate glazing to wall ratios, as well as deep roof overhangs and shading to windows, to reduce heat from sunlight in most of their buildings. Other initiatives include use of natural light to minimise artificial lighting in all guest rooms and restaurant areas, along with appropriate light colour schemes on exterior walls to reflect heat. Culture heritage and conservation The design and construction of both resorts was influenced by local tropical architecture. The design of the resorts reflects the local environment with regard to the materials, texture, space coordination, planning and scale. The choice of local timbers such as resak (Shorea spp.) and kempas (Koompassia spp.) is elegantly developed in accordance with the design concept and creativity of Malay vernacular architecture. The adaptation of traditional materials such as timber elements, interior decoration and
The northern resort, which was built as a contemporary facility, commingles modern and vernacular elements; for instance cement plastered structures blend with timber structures, integrated in a tropical forest setting. The interior of the accommodation and restaurant buildings features local hardwood which demonstrates utilization of building materials taken from local natural 5
building finishing shows the authenticity of local culture.
for the operation of the resort. One of the main elements of the plan is long term monitoring of areas such as solid waste disposal, water and energy conservation, flora and fauna conservation and local community development.
The northern resort initiated programs to support local crafts and craftsmen. Special support is given to local artists, by providing exhibition space and performance space at the resort compound to promote local arts and culture.
Community contribution
commitment
The southern resort has a sustainable management team to take responsibility for sustainability issues. The team focuses on key performance criteria such as indoor environment quality, waste reduction, reuse and recycling, environmental training for staff, sustainable policy, and water and energy management.
and
The northern resort has provided business opportunities for local entrepreneurs by recommending the packages of local tourist guides and encouraging guests to visit the handicraft factory and buy local art works. The resort also runs a programme called gotong-royong, a voluntary service activity to inspire and assist local communities to ‘clean up, fix up and conserve the local environment’. This programme includes carrying out initiatives ranging from energy and water conservation, tree planting, sustainable waste management and recycling.
Waste and pollution To reduce waste sent to landfill, the northern resort has set up a recycling room with separate compartments for paper, glass, aluminium and plastic for collection by certified commercial waste recyclers. Initiatives include provision of recycling bins at all restaurants, recycling cooking oils into bio-fuel and recycling of table cloths, bed linen and towels at the end of their useful life. Personal computers, linen and furniture that are to be replaced or upgraded are offered to non-profit organisation or charities (the less fortunate, orphanages and schools). To maintain waste management practices among resort staff, the northern resort has conducted training and several campaigns to educate employees about the need to protect the environment by sorting and recycling waste.
In term of food supply, 100% of food is sourced locally in both resorts, as this is one of the approaches to support the local community. For both resorts more than 80% of operational and management staff were employed locally. The southern resort spa uses natural products which are made from all local natural plant ingredients and packaged with recyclable materials. Accommodation room accessories are made by the local communities. Sustainable management
maintenance
The southern resort’s initiatives to reduce waste include waste separation and recycling of food waste, an onsite composing facility where garden waste is composted to create natural fertilizer for the garden and location of recycling stations around the resort for plastic, paper and general waste disposal. The southern resort has also implemented a sustainable purchasing policy to help reduce the
and
The northern resort implemented a sustainability management plan during construction, also used as a major guide 6
amount of waste sent to landfill and decrease the operational environmental impacts.
provided with thermostats and timers to control room temperature at optimal levels. Sensors have been installed in the guest rooms and other internal areas of the resort so that lights are used only when necessary.
Resilience (disaster and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy)
The southern resort has installed 11-13w compact fluorescent lights. These last up to five longer and more efficient than conventional light bulbs. The southern resort has been designed to allow maximum natural lighting in the common areas such as restaurants, reception, spa and accommodation areas. The southern resort also uses natural ventilation in the lobby area and restaurants.
The climate adaptation measure by the northern resort developer was to construct the resort buildings based on a preconstruction study done by the design team. The study aimed to protect the resort from Malaysian environmental problems such as strong winds, high temperatures, drought and flood. The accommodation buildings for the resort were built in a strong wind proof area. In order to prevent damage to resort buildings from sea level rise and storm surge, the resort was built at three meters above mean sea level. Other adaptation measures implemented by the resort developer to minimise erosion and the risk of storm surge were planting trees around the resort area and building a seawall along the beach.
CONCLUSION The paper has examined two case studies of sustainable resort development in Malaysia. Sustainable resort development could make a significant contribution to the quality of the environment, economic development and the well being of the local community while at the same time providing a high quality experience for visitors and tourists. Both resorts have demonstrated a commitment to the environment of their local communities in terms of design, construction and operations. Both case studies showed that sustainable resort development also provides new opportunities for local and regional economic development. Future research needs to be conducted to understand the scope of the actual problems faced by resorts to implement sustainability strategies and on how to improve and encourage the Malaysian tourism industry to strive for more sustainable performance.
The southern resort provides electric buggies for resort guests to help reduce fossil fuel related emissions from on-site vehicles. The construction of the resort used materials that were sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint in terms of transporting materials to the site. Also site clearance was minimal during construction in order to reduce damage to existing vegetation and the local environment. Energy Efficiency Both resorts have undertaken many initiatives to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The northern resort provides all rooms and all internal areas of the resort with low energy and LED lighting. All air conditioned common spaces, for example restaurants and reception areas, are
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