Tending to Our Environment as Well as Our Guests

Our location on Quonochontaug Pond affords incredible views and access to beloved water and outdoor recreation, but demands a responsibility to the local environment which our team is deeply devoted to upholding. To that end, we have implemented several initiatives that not only meet but exceed environmental standards while maintaining a Five-Star experience for all of our guests.

Among our many projects, we recently installed a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system that will significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Where our previous system actively exchanged seawater, the new Rygan HPGX technology operates on a closed loop, meaning it has no impact on the aquifer or sensitive coastal features surrounding the Inn. We are proud to continuously improve our sustainability and remain mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.

Here are other ways in which we prioritize sustainability and our environment in our day-to-day operations:

Our Location

• We have installed several landscape features including vegetated buffers surrounding the Inn, which contain native grasses and shrubs that slow water run-off and allow it to infiltrate more naturally into the salt pond.
• Additional river-stone borders were constructed to combat erosion.
• To combat run-off of nitrogen and phosphorus into the pond which could harm marine life and lead to algae growth, the grounds crew has limited their use of lawn care products.
• The inn’s White-Water system recycles wastewater by channeling it for irrigation
• Plants that draw mosquito-eating birds have been planted as a replacement to pesticides.

Sustainable Operations

• The Inn is in the process of eliminating single use plastics at all levels of hotel operation.
• The Inn has installed filtered water dispensers and provides guests with reusable drinking bottles that they can use across the property, carry with them during their local excursions, and integrate into their daily lives at home.
• In all guestrooms and suites, travel-size plastic containers for shampoo, conditioner and body soap have been replaced with refillable dispensers. Guest towels are replaced only upon request.
• The Inn is proudly a zero-waste culinary destination. Through a new partnership with Earth Care Farms – Rhode Island’s oldest operating compost farm – the property composts all food scraps, which are then repurposed into soil for use by local farmers. In addition to helping farmers support more sustainable farming cycles, this process aids the planet by supporting the circle of life.
• We incorporate the composted soil into its own agricultural practices, using it at the on-site herb garden and greenhouse.

Eco-Friendly Beach Practices

• We employ a full-time staff in the summer whose job description includes maintaining the health of the beach.
• We host monthly beach cleanups throughout the summer, which also raise funds for environmental organizations such as The Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

Relais & Chateaux’s 12 Commitments to Sustainability

In addition to the above initiatives, we share sustainability values and commitments with other Relais & Chateaux properties around the world. Together, we are dedicated to supporting a better future and restoring the balance between humans and nature. This dedication is guided by Relais & Chateaux’s 12 Commitments to Sustainability:

• Promote the richness of the many different hospitality cultures around the world, through the uniqueness of each Relais & Châteaux property and its local character.
• Preserve local cultural heritage, emblematic local architecture – from the most traditional to the most contemporary –, the decorative arts, as well as landscape and garden design.
• Favor interactions with local communities, producers, and suppliers in order to co-create shared value, and assist them in developing their activities and preserving the diversity of their heritage.
• Serve a cuisine that, by virtue of a chef’s creativity, is a statement and an expression of the uniqueness of a place and its biodiversity, a natural and cultural environment, local history, or farming and fishing traditions.
• Work with all stakeholders in our ecosystem to enable as many people as possible to discern and appreciate the essential roles that the environment, food, and cuisine play in our health, to promote quality food products, and the joy of sharing an exceptional meal.
• Contribute to the regeneration and development of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in partnership with local public authorities, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and all other parties committed to preserving biodiversity.
• Capitalize on the influence of the Relais & Châteaux chefs and their sourcing choices to foster the development of regenerative agriculture, promote breeding conditions respectful of animal welfare, and help preserve the planet’s oceans by supporting small-scale fishing employing sustainable techniques.
• Contribute, on a worldwide scale – for the Association as well as its members –, to combating global warming by 2040, through the implementation of new day-to-day management practices enabling our members to measure and drive the progressive decarbonization of their activities.
• Achieve, progressively, very ambitious environmental objectives by 2040 – established for the Association and its members – concerning water, energy, waste management, elimination of plastics (particularly single-use plastics), and concerted use of local and in-season food products
• Support local communities in their efforts to preserve and develop their cultural and craft heritage. Work with them to develop education wherever needed and strive together to reduce inequalities. Offer the possibility, for those who wish, to participate and progress socially and economically in the hospitality and culinary professions, within an environment committed to excellence.
• Guarantee our teams, through our collective commitments, truly meaningful positions and responsibilities, as well as exemplary work conditions and management methods, respecting their differences and allowing each team member to enjoy a fulfilling personal and family life.
• Work with our entire ecosystem to pass on our expertise and our passion for what is good and beautiful. Share these treasures each day and promote our commitments to all our stakeholders.
• Ensure each property is a place where the quality of human relations is paramount, a place of respect and harmony, for our guests, our teams, and the communities around us.