š± Our Journey to Sustainability
š Our Sustainability Overview
š³ We Came, We Saw, We Conserved
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š Our Sustainability Overview
Sustainability is a wide spectrum ā not the responsibility of one person, one team, or one company alone. It is a collective journey where each of us taking small steps can bring about massive, lasting change. š£
At Dome Retreats, we believe this planet is not a gift from our ancestors but a loan from future generations. Our mission is to hand it over better than we found it. š
EL Domo Private Limited is proud to be among the top 200 companies worldwide to sign up for the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, including commitments under the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
Unlike conventional developments that begin with bulldozers, we began with reverence. We commissioned a full ecological study at our Madikeri site, revealing a hidden world of rich flora and fauna ā and reminding us of our duty to build thoughtfully, not forcefully. šæš
One Planet Network Registration
š³ We Came, We Saw, We Conserved
Sometimes, the most sustainable decision is the one not to build at all. A few years after deepening our sustainability learning, we were offered 80 pristine acres in the heart of Coorgāa region untouched by time and human intervention. Though tempted by the opportunity, we chose to visit with open minds, carrying both curiosity and caution.
As we stepped into the dense forest, past a narrow 200 ft jeep trail and through streams and old-growth trees, we felt the pulse of the land. Leeches found rare human visitors; birds and breeze accompanied us through the silence. The land was sacredāuntouched, unflattened, unspoiled. Even thinking of building roads and offices here felt like a violation.
From the table-top hill, we gazed at Mandalpatti range under a heavy breeze. The land was alive with energy. To construct here would be to erase that life and replace it with something new. But why?
āThe forest is full of energy. To create a business there, we would have to destroy this energy and build new ones.ā
And so, in what became our fastest project to date, we made a decision within two hours: we would conserve, not construct. We handed the land back to its original inhabitantsāthe birds, the butterflies, the leeches the civette cats, the trees, the breezeāand walked away with gratitude, not regret.
How should the land look after weāre done?
And the answer came: Exactly as it is now.
The decision was a tribute to restraint, reverence, and real sustainability. š«
Because sometimes, the most powerful statement is not what you build ā it’s what you protect. šāØ
šæ Our Regenerative Tourism Philosophy
Sustainability in hospitality is not a trend, it’s a necessity. At Dome Retreats, we view sustainable hospitality as a shared commitmentā one that involves our team, our guests, our community, and the planet. This is not just a company initiative; it’s a deeply embedded philosophy. We believe that real impact comes from collective conscious choices, not from isolated actions. š£
We are proud participants in theĀ One Planet Sustainable Tourism ProgramĀ and early adopters of initiatives such as theĀ Global Tourism Plastics InitiativeĀ and theĀ Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Our hospitality sustainability model includes environmental preservation, local empowerment, low-impact construction, and regenerative tourism programs. š
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š Our Regenerative Vision
We go beyond traditional sustainability. Our focus is onĀ regenerative tourismāa philosophy that aims to actively improve the environment, economy, and community. Our guests leave not just rejuvenated, but also inspired to protect what they experience. From the soil under our domes to the sky above our hilltops, every element is treated with respect and long-term vision.
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šļø Sustainable Construction Innovations
At the heart of our design liesĀ eco-conscious construction. We useĀ air-filled lightweight bricks,Ā locally sourced bamboo, and aĀ gravity-stabilized dome designĀ that eliminates the need for conventional concrete scaffolding. OurĀ low-carbon footprint buildingsĀ reduce material use while enhancing structural longevity, energy performance, and guest comfort.
TheĀ dome architectureĀ provides natural airflow and cooling, reducing the reliance on artificial air conditioning systems. Weāve also implementedĀ green roofing techniquesĀ and solar-reflective coatings that align with eco-luxury resort expectations.
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āļø Energy Efficiency & Smart Water Management
Our commitment to sustainability extends into our utilities. Dome Retreats usesĀ solar energy systemsĀ that power up to 80% of our operations, paired with IoT-based automation forĀ smart energy regulation. OurĀ automated solar panel cleaningĀ mechanism ensures optimal performance year-round.
In terms of water conservation, ourĀ rainwater harvesting systemĀ works alongside aĀ state-of-the-art STPĀ (Sewage Treatment Plant) integrated with live IoT dashboards. This makes Dome Retreats one of the few eco-retreats in India to embraceĀ net-zero water consumptionĀ from day one.
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šæ Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation
Before laying the first brick, we conducted an in-depthĀ biodiversity surveyĀ of our Madikeri property across three seasons. The data revealed dozens of rare flora and fauna species, which we now protect with deliberate zoning and rewilding programs. Our resort landscaping is done only with native plants to enhance pollinator corridors and promote a thriving local ecosystem.
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š§ Eco-Conscious Operations and Employee Training
Our staff are trained inĀ sustainable hospitality practices, from waste management to eco-safe housekeeping routines. We useĀ in-house ultrasonic dishwashers,Ā low-chemical cleaning agents, and refillable bathroom amenities. We actively monitorĀ energy and water usageĀ and track improvements via a real-time environmental dashboard.
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šÆ Plastic-Free and Zero-Waste Goals
We maintain aĀ plastic-free guest experienceĀ using RO water and copper bottles, and offer bathroom amenities in refillable glass dispensers. We avoid single-use plastics by design, encouraging guests to bring their own dental kits and reusable items. All guest rooms are fitted with waste segregation bins and signage to promote zero-waste stays.
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š Guest & Community Engagement
Our regenerative model thrives through community connection. Guests are invited to joinĀ tree planting sessions,Ā local cultural experiences, and awareness walks inspired by theĀ PanchabhutasĀ ā the five elements: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha).
We partner with local artisans, farmers, and environmental groups to foster a sustainable hospitality ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, from investors to villagers, and from guests to nature itself. š
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Discover Dome Retreats ā where every stay supports sustainability, and every footprint helps regenerate the earth. š
