Soneva is committed to providing affordable and clean energy as a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts.

Soneva Fushi, located on a remote island in the Maldives, operates independently from municipal power, water, and waste facilities. To ensure reliable energy year-round, the resort has installed a 2.5MWp solar PV system and 2.7MWh battery capacity, which now supply 40% of its electricity needs. 

This sustainable infrastructure guarantees 24/7, 365-day access to clean, renewable energy, demonstrating Soneva’s dedication to providing modern energy solutions in an environmentally responsible manner.

Since achieving carbon neutrality in 2012, Soneva has expanded its commitment to sustainability, addressing not only its operational footprint but also the CO2 emissions from guests' international air travel, which account for 80% of its carbon footprint. 

A 2% environmental levy, introduced in 2008, has raised US$ 11 million, which funds carbon-mitigating projects through the Soneva Foundation. 

These efforts have successfully mitigated 900,000 tonnes of CO2 and benefited over 400,000 people worldwide.

One notable initiative, the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, distributed 55,000 fuel-efficient stoves, benefiting 270,000 people and generating 340,000 Gold Standard carbon credits. 

Soneva’s reforestation efforts are equally impressive, with a goal to plant 5 million trees by 2025. 

To date, 3 million trees have been planted across Thailand, Mozambique, Nepal, and the Philippines, restoring 4,000 hectares of land and offsetting 3.3 million tonnes of CO2. 

Additionally, the Soneva Foundation planted 2.5 million mangroves in Myanmar in 2022-23, generating 1.5 million carbon credits.

Through these integrated initiatives, Soneva demonstrates how businesses can contribute to affordable and clean energy while supporting a sustainable future for the planet and its people.

Soneva Fushi extends its Waste-to-Wealth knowledge beyond the resort, collaborating with 15 local island communities through the NGO Soneva Namoona to offer a blueprint for effective waste management. 

This initiative aims to establish best practices that can be implemented across all Maldivian islands, contributing to more sustainable communities.

The Soneva Foundation, established by the company’s founders, supports these environmental efforts and strives to have a global impact. Soneva’s commitment to sustainability reaches beyond its own operations, as demonstrated by the creation of the Slow Life Symposium. 

This event encourages cross-industry collaboration to address global sustainability challenges. One of the key outcomes from the 2013 Symposium was the establishment of the Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS), where the ten largest seafood companies met at Soneva Fushi and committed to leading a transformation towards sustainable seafood production and the health of the oceans.

90% of waste is recycled through Soneva's ‘Waste to Wealth’ Programme. A key initiative of this programme is the Soneva Arts and Glass programme at Soneva Fushi, where the glass studio plays an integral role in transforming glass waste into valuable artworks. Guests can also participate in glass-blowing lessons, further contributing to this innovative approach to sustainability.

As members of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Soneva Fushi has played an influential role in encouraging the world’s largest hotel chains to adopt science-based carbon targets, aiming to make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

At Soneva Fushi, there is a firm belief that business must serve a greater purpose than just generating profits for shareholders. 

Through thoughtful changes in operational practices and the initiation of a tree planting project in 2011, Soneva Fushi has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a net positive impact on society, maintain a carbon-neutral operation, and provide exceptional guest experiences, all while ensuring profitability

By embedding sustainability into every aspect of its business, Soneva Fushi contributes to the creation of more resilient and sustainable communities both locally and globally.

The Maldives is renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems, home to a rich diversity of fish species and corals. 

As one of the largest carbon sinks, the ocean plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, with coral reefs supporting 25% of marine life. 

Corals are essential to maintaining the ocean's ability to absorb carbon, and their preservation is vital for the health of marine ecosystems.

The Soneva Foundation is committed to protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Maldives. 

Through the Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration project, a thriving coral hub is being established, aiming to rejuvenate these vital ecosystems. The Foundation operates from the AquaTerra Science Centre at Soneva Fushi, where it oversees the largest coral restoration facility in the Indian Ocean. The facility is equipped with both in-situ and ex-situ capabilities to support large-scale coral restoration.

Key features of the restoration facility include a one-hectare coral nursery, one of the largest in the world, using Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) to accelerate coral growth. 

It also houses the Maldives’ first coral spawning and rearing lab, which replicates natural reef conditions to promote coral reproduction. 

The facility employs innovative techniques such as micro-fragmenting, where healthy coral colonies are broken into tiny pieces to boost their growth rate, and V-shaped raceways that support the growth of 66,000 coral plugs in optimal conditions. 

Resilience tanks further help identify "super corals" that exhibit resilience to increased water temperatures, a critical factor in the face of climate change.

Currently, the facility supports 15,000 coral micro-fragments and 16,000 baby corals, with 63,000 coral colonies already out planted into the ocean. Looking to the future, the facility aims to produce 150,000 coral fragments annually and outplant 1-2 hectares of coral each year, contributing significantly to the restoration of reef ecosystems in the Maldives.

Through these efforts, the Soneva Foundation is not only enhancing the resilience of coral reefs but also playing a vital role in preserving the health of marine life and contributing to the sustainable management of ocean resources.