Experience the Homecoming of the Malabar Grey Hornbill at Club Mahindra Madikeri

Madikeri, nestled in the heart of Coorg, Karnataka, is a charming town known for its stunning scenery. Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holiday and Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), chose to establish a resort in Madikeri on a former coffee plantation. Their aim was not just to create a retreat for guests but also to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

The resort's construction was carefully planned to blend seamlessly with the existing trees. Additionally, thousands of new trees were planted to enhance biodiversity in the region. This blog explores Club Mahindra's efforts in this project and how it has positively impacted the local ecosystem.

What was the initiative?

Club Mahindra Madikeri, covering an area of 126,464.26 square meters with buildings spanning 22,257.7 square meters, has prioritised eco-friendly practices in its construction. By incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. This cooler environment, along with fruit-bearing trees and water ponds, has attracted various bird species, including the rare Malabar Grey Hornbill, back to their home.

The resort is now home to over 161 bird species, all because of its tall trees. Wild boars are frequent visitors, while house sparrows and Malabar Whistling thrush add their cheerful chirping and whistling to the ambience. The return of endangered species and the presence of rare trees have created a picturesque natural landscape that enchants visitors at Madikeri.

Club Mahindra, Madikeri, is proud to be India's first Triple "0" rated resort. This means it achieves Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Zero waste to landfill. The resort has earned certifications for Net Zero Energy and Net Water Positive Platinum by IGBC, a global water leadership organisation. This certification recognises the resort's efforts in water conservation and promoting water security nationally.

Additionally, the resort has been certified for Net Zero Waste by TUV, showing its commitment to waste management. Mahindra Holidays is the first hospitality company in India to join the global campaigns RE100 and EP100, which focus on renewable energy and energy productivity.

Furthermore, Club Mahindra, Madikeri, has been recognised as India's first biodiversity-certified resort. A detailed case study conducted by CII-IBBI on Biodiversity Valuation and Ecological protected areas in 2018 was published in the CII Magazine, showcasing the resort's dedication to environmental preservation.

1. Net Zero energy initiatives
   Club Mahindra, Madikeri has taken big steps to become energy efficient, with a focus on Net Zero Energy. They installed a large solar power system, including solar panels on the rooftops and carports. This helped them cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and save money by reducing their reliance on grid electricity.
2. They also made smart choices during construction, like using thick vegetation, insulated roofs, and local materials, which reduced the need for air conditioning. The resort, with its 220 rooms, blends in with nature and stays cool naturally, with temperatures inside being about 3°C lower than outside. Solar panels on the roofs also help keep the rooms cooler by blocking direct heat.
3. To save even more energy, they use motion sensors in washrooms, regulated geysers, timed external lights, heat pumps, and energy-efficient fans. All these efforts have helped them achieve an impressive energy performance index, using only 74.4 kW per square meter per year, much lower than the benchmark set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Net Zero water initiatives

1. Club Mahindra, Madikeri is also focused on conserving water and has implemented various initiatives to achieve Net Zero Water. They follow a 4R approach: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rainwater Harvest.
2. To reduce water usage, they recycle wastewater and collect rainwater for operational needs. They've cut down on drawing water from borewells and instead use rainwater, saving a lot of water.
3. They've set up a large pond with a capacity of 380 kL to collect natural streams within the resort premises. Rainwater from pathways is also directed to this pond. Additionally, they've built 14 rainwater harvesting pits in different areas to collect rainwater efficiently.
4. Thanks to these efforts, they recycle and reuse more than 70% of the water they use. This has led to a significant reduction in annual water consumption, by about 30-50% compared to the national baseline. They've also managed to cut water costs by 30%.

Net Zero land fills

1. Club Mahindra, Madikeri, takes waste management seriously. They prioritize eco-friendly materials and construction methods to minimize debris. During operations, they handle waste responsibly, reusing and recycling as much as possible.
2. The resort has a bio-digester that turns food waste into biogas, reducing waste and saving on fuel costs. They also encourage waste segregation, use cloth bags instead of plastic, and eliminate single-use plastics.
3. Club Mahindra conserves water by using treated sewage water for flushing and garden irrigation. By recycling sewage-treated water, they reduce freshwater consumption by 70%, helping protect precious water resources.

A Sustainable Approach

These waste management initiatives at Club Mahindra, Madikeri, demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.

Preserving Flaura and Fauna at Club Mahindra, Madikeri

1. Nestled within 31.25 acres of lush rainforest, Club Mahindra, Madikeri, is a haven for flora and fauna. The resort is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest from every balcony. Indoor plants not only beautify the space but also improve air quality.
2. The resort is dedicated to protecting endemic plant species like the Elaeocarpus recurves (Rudraksha) and Cyathea nilgirensis (Tree Fern) found in the Southern Western Ghats. By preserving these species, they contribute to the region's biodiversity.
3. To ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife, the resort limits the use of loudspeakers and external sounds in the evenings. This policy promotes the free movement of animals and birds in their natural habitat.
4. At Club Mahindra, Madikeri, conservation is a top priority. Through thoughtful policies and practices, they strive to maintain the natural beauty and balance of the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.

Green Initiatives at Club Mahindra, Madikeri

Planting for a Greener Environment

Club Mahindra, Madikeri, has planted over 2500 plants as part of the Mahindra Hariyali project. This initiative aims to increase the green cover and enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Homegrown Produce for the Cafeteria

The resort also grows a variety of vegetables and fruits on-site, including tomatoes, brinjals, chillis, and bananas. These fresh and organic ingredients are used in the cafeteria, promoting sustainability and providing guests with healthy, locally sourced meals.

A Commitment to Sustainability

By planting trees and growing their own produce, Club Mahindra, Madikeri, is committed to environmental conservation and reducing its ecological footprint.

Final Word

Enriching biodiversity in Madikeri is just the start of Mahindra Group's longer journey for biodiversity conservation. We're committed to identifying more water catchment areas and enhancing the conservation of native and endemic plant species.

As we cherish and protect the diverse life at Club Mahindra, Madikeri, we recognize our responsibility not only to our local environment but also to the planet as a whole. Our ultimate goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.