Eco Rated Facilities

Serena Beach Hotel & Spa is located on Shanzu Beach, 30 kilometers from Mombasa town. The hotel is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude: 4°10’South and Longitude 39°45’East. It has 164 guest rooms with a bed capacity of 328 visitors and a total work force of 308 employees. The facility’s uniqueness can be attributed to Shanzu Beach and proximity to important biodiversity conservation areas such as Mombasa Marine National Park and Haller Park. Mombasa Marine National Park measures approximately 10 km² (2,500 acres) while the larger Marine reserve measures 200 km² (49,400 acres). The reserve was established as a Marine Park in 1986, and encloses part of the lagoon, back reef and reef crest habitats of the Bamburi and Nyali fringing reef. The park comprises of the sea waters, mangroves, sea grasses, and sea weed and is home to variety of marine life. Other spectacular attractions include the beach and coral gardens. The park is a popular snorkeling and diving location.

- Serena Beach Resort & Spa is guided by the corporate environmental mission statement of the company. The statement clearly outlines the company’s commitment to:
 Developing projects which pay highest regard to environmental concerns in design, planning, construction and operation.
 Being sensitive towards the monitoring of interests of the local population including their traditions, culture and future development.
Practicing a responsible attitude towards energy conservation, reduction and recycling of waste, control of sewage disposal, air-emissions and pollutants.
And being sensitive to the conservation of environmentally protected or threatened areas and species among others.
- Environmental management of the facility is also guided by an established and working Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS has monitoring plans for water, energy and waste.
- Environmental Self-Audit of the facility has been conducted in compliance with Environmental Management and Coordination Act (CAP 387).

- Serena Beach Resort & Spa runs a sea turtle conservation programme within its premises that aims to protect the following endangered species: Green turtle, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley. Eggs collected by fishermen from local beaches along North Coast such as Shanzu, Mtwapa and Kikambala are brought to the hatchery established at the beach lawn of the property. The eggs are protected till they hatch and released into the Indian Ocean. Since its inception in 1993 approximately 73,724 eggs have been secured with 63,069 turtle hatchlings being released into the ocean. In 2021 alone, 800 hatchlings have been released. See the picture below of the hatching cages.
- As an incentive, the local fishermen are paid Kshs.50 by Serena for every egg they collect and bring to the facility. The eggs would otherwise have been poached for food or medicinal value.
- The facility has hired the services of a consultant to educate guests as well as local community on turtle conservation.
- Students from local schools are also invited to the property for conservation lessons on turtle conservation.
- In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS, Beach Management Units (BMU) and beach operators, Serena Beach Resort & Spa carries out beach clean-up every first Saturday of the month. The clean-up is carried out on the stretch between PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa and Flamingo Beach Resort &Spa. Guests are also involved in the clean-ups. In the most recent clean-up, 34 kilograms of plastics and other debris were collected.
- The facility runs a butterfly conservation programme within its premises. A Butterfly Park has been established where 67 endangered species are currently protected. Serena has partnered with Bamburi Butterfly Park and Gede ruins in restocking of pupes and sharing of information on butterfly conservation. After the 4 stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies, the hatched butterflies are released into the environment. Since its inception, a total of 395,134 butterflies have been hatched and released.
- Butterfly conservation story books have been published by Serena for reading by kids during their stay at the property.
- The facility has an on-going tree planting programme within its premises and also at the local community. Fallen leaves from the already existing trees are composted and used in nurturing the tree seedlings. The trees are a mix of indigenous species and fruit trees. These include: Umbrella Palm, Golden Palm, Ixora Red, Jerusalem thorn, mango, orange, pawpaw and coconut. From 2010, approximately 12508 trees have been planted.

- Wastewater generated from the guest rooms, kitchens and laundry is managed through septic tanks then pumped into a soak pit.
- The swimming pools are cleaned via brushing, sieving, vacuum cleaning and backwash. Backwash is conducted depending on the pools use and run for 10-15 minutes.
- Wastewater generated from the backwash process is managed through a soak pit.
- Grey water from the kitchens flow through grease traps to remove fats, oils and grease.
- The grease traps serving the 3 kitchens are cleaned depending on use to ensure maximum efficiency in their operations.
- Bioliff bacteria is added into the grease traps to increase bacterial action, which is necessary for sludge digestion.
- Effluent sampling and testing has been carried out by Polucon Services Limited in compliance with the Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations of 2006.
- An Effluent Discharge Licence application for the property has been made.

- Solid waste in the kitchens is segregated into the following categories using well labeled bins: bottles and tins, organic, paper and plastic.
- Waste is separated at the waste holding area in well labeled chambers into these categories: organic waste, bottles & tins, plastic and paper.
- Organic waste is given to BioBiuu for use in Maggot propagation. However, the company has closed for the last 2 months, hence no food waste has been given to them.
- Organic waste, paper, plastic, glass and metal is taken away by Virgin Waste Management Limited.
- Medical waste is transported to Kwale for incineration by Benchmark International.
- Waste is weighed and an inventory kept of waste generated. This is based on the types and quantities to ensure effective monitoring.
- Glass bottles are used in water packaging for the guest rooms and restaurants.
- As a measure of reducing soap disposal, bathing amenities such as shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are contained in large dispenser bottles.
- Some of the waste such as plastic and old cement bags have been re-used at the tree nursery

- Path lights at the property are covered to reduce light pollution.

- The main source of water is a borehole located about 3 kilometers away. This is owned and operated by a member of local community.
- Supplied water is treated in a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant and distributed for consumption.
- The water is metered to monitor the volumes of water supplied as well as consumption.
- Daily water consumption records are taken and analysis carried out based on bed occupancy.
- Water conservation notices have been strategically displayed in the guest bathrooms to sensitize guests on water conservation.

- The main source of power for Serena Beach Resort & Spa is the national electricity grid-Kenya Power.
- There are 2 diesel powered generators with capacities of 800 kVA and 600 kVA. These are mainly used as back-up and run depending on the energy load.
- Solar thermals have been installed for water heating.
- 2 LPG powered boilers have been installed for heating water up to the required temperatures-supplementing the energy generated by solar thermals.
- Documented and up to date energy consumption records are kept by the management.
- Monthly energy analysis is carried out based on bed occupancy.
- LPG is used for cooking in the kitchens. LPG is also used in the laundry for the dryers.
- The LPG has been metered to monitor the consumption levels.
- Charcoal briquettes are used for outdoor grilling.
- Energy saving bulbs and LED lights have been installed throughout the facility.
- Laundry machines are operated on full load to conserve energy.

- Human-size chessboard themed around Marine Life Vs Life Cycle of a Butterfly has been established near the beach. This is based on the conservation projects run by Serena and aimed at creating awareness on marine conservation. The chess pieces have been made by Ocean Sole Foundation out of recycled flipflops
-Through the Little Explorers Program, kids staying at the property are educated on conservation. This entail: Lectures on turtle conservation, learning about butterflies and birds. Activities to improve creativity such as painting and beading are also carried out, along with watching of adventure movies
- Guests as well as local schools visit the information centre located within the Butterfly Park, where they are educated on butterfly conservation

- The facility uses biodegradable chemicals in the laundry and kitchens. These are supplied by Ecolab.
- Frangi soaps are used in the guest rooms.
- LPG used in the kitchens is bought in bulk in 3 cylinders. Two of the cylinders have a capacity of 2 tonnes each, while one has a capacity of 1 tonne.
- 50 kg cylinder is used as a back-up for the staff kitchen.
- The LPG cylinders have been stored in 2 cages. In addition, safety signages and fire extinguishers have been provided.
- Emergency response procedures to be followed in case of fire and gas leak have been provided at the LPG storage areas.
-The LPG cylinders for bulk storage have been duly serviced.
- Emergency shut-off valves have been provided for the LPG.
- The LPG are metered to monitor consumption levels.
- Diesel is stored in an underground metallic tank with a capacity of 6000 litres.
- The diesel storage area has been made of concrete both on the walls and floor.
- Safety signage and fire extinguisher have been provided near the diesel storage area.

Serena Beach Resort & Spa supports community development through various initiatives as follows:
Employment
- The facility has employed approximately 35 % of staff from the local area.
- All casuals are sourced from the local area.

Education
- Through the Childrens Library Programme, Serena promotes literacy and early childhood development where parents and caregivers read with their children. Libraries have been set up at Shimo La Tewa, Ngoloko, Mtomondoni and Mji Wa Salama Primary Schools as well as Shanzu Orphanage Home. The libraries have been stocked with books in local languages. About 3848 students are benefitting from initiative per year.
- Hospitality students from Tewa College of Hospitality are provided with internship opportunities at the property. In 2019, 45 students were benefitting from the support, while in 2021, so far 18 are supported. The students are mainly from the local area.
- Lecturers from Tewa College of Hospitality are provided with refresher and exposure programmes to keep up with latest developments within the hospitality industry. These are in areas such as: Controls, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, and Repair and Maintenance.

Community Health
- Through the Serena Wellness Program, staff as well as members of the local community are sensitized on lifestyle diseases such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes as well as mental health. The program also incorporates guest speakers who address topics on health, financial management, planning, goal setting, stress management and family life skills. The wellness program is carried out in partnership with other medical institutions.
- In July 2019, Serena participated in a fundraising walk in support of Sickle Cell Foundation. The company also donated mineral water for the participants.
- The facility made a food donation worth Kshs.50000 to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Fundraiser in October 2018. The event was held at Haller Park.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa supports the Ministry of Health in the annual Polio vaccination drive. This is through provision of transport and water.

Other support include:
- The Kenya Girl Guides Association- Shanzu are given a cake donation annually during the remembrance event of their founder.
- Serena supported the Strategic Intervention for Poverty Alleviation in Kenya (SIPAK) by providing a voucher to a winner. The voucher was for a three-night stay for 3 at Serena Beach Resort & Spa on complimentary full board basis. The support was provided in February 2019.
- The facility provides Bamburi Tourist Police drinks such as sodas at the end of the year.
- Local taxi drivers are given an opportunity to service Serena clients.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa donated 2 chest freezers to Kikambala Fishermen Group at a cost of Kshs. 87,800

- Traditional dances and songs are performed for guests at the facility.
- Local cuisines are served for guests on Swahili nights that happen every Friday.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa has been built to replicate a local Swahili village and culture.
- All buildings follow Swahili architectural style with exquisite carvings.
- The rooms for example the Lamu Suite have cultural themes
- The paths within the property, specifically at the Village wing are named after islands that make up the Lamu Archipelago e.g Pate, Manda, Siu and Lamu.
- The Swahili history is complemented by local antiques artefacts and artwork that can be seen around the property

- The facility procures goods in bulk to reduce on packaging.
- All goods are sourced locally from Mombasa except the Serena Group items.
- Fruits and vegetables are packaged in crates which are re-usable.

- Health and Safety policy for the facility is in place. It describes the property’s commitment to carrying out business in a safe manner, which protects staff, visitors, the public and property.
- Health and Safety Audit of the facility has been carried out in compliance with OSHA 2007 legal requirements. This is dated 7th April 2021.
- Fire Audit of the property has been conducted in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2007. This is dated 7th April 2021.
- The facility has been duly registered in compliance with OSHA 2007 legal requirements, and issued with certificate of registration of a workplace. This is dated 23rd March 2021.
- All firefighting equipment within the facility for example fire extinguisher and fire blankets have been inspected and duly serviced. This was done by Nimrod Africa Limited on 23rd August 2021.
- Food handlers have been medically tested in compliance with Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act CAP 254. This was carried out on 1st July 2021 and valid for a period of 6 months.
- Fire assembly point has been clearly marked within the facility.
- Members of staff from various departments have been trained on First Aid. The last training was conducted in October 2021 by St. John.
- Staff have been trained on Fire Safety. This was done in February 2020 by Nairobi Fire Marshalls.
- Fully kitted First Aid kits have been provided in various sections such as kitchens, laundry and workshop.
- Effective PPE such as full-face shield, gloves and safety boots have been provided for use by staff working in areas such as workshop.
- Step bins have been provided in the kitchens as a measure of minimizing chances of cross-contamination.
- Food including red and white meat has been adequately separated in the storage equipment such as freezers.
- Fire evacuation procedures have been provided in each guest room.
- Swimming pool depths have been clearly marked to promote safety among guests.
- Safety signage have been provided near the swimming pools.

- Staff are unionised and affiliated to KUDHEHIA, which negotiates terms of service and working conditions for its members.
- Salaries of employees are paid in accordance with the CBA.
- All employees are entitled to paid annual leave of 30 days in line with statutory requirements.
- Female employees are entitled to maternity leave of 3 months.
- Male employees are entitled to paternity leave of 14 days.
- Employees are provided with free meals and accommodation.
- Staff are provided with transport to and from Mombasa.
- Staff are covered under a medical scheme.
- In case of illness that would require referral for instance to Nairobi, staff are provided with transport and meals.
- Staff welfare committee is in place to address staff welfare issues such as bereavement.
- Tips are provided directly to the staff. There is also joint tip given to all the staff.
- End of year party is usually organized for staff, and they are also provided with shopping vouchers of Kshs 3500 each.
- Families of staff are allowed to visit during festivities such as Christmas.
- A performance-based reward scheme is in place to motivate employees and enhance their skills and awareness. A reward of Kshs. 10000 is given to the employee of the year, Kshs.5000 to the runners-up and Kshs.3000 for the second runners-up. On the other hand, a certificate is given to the best employee of every department.
- Fidelity (token of appreciation) is given to staff at the end of the year depending on business performance.
- Service charge is provided for the unionised staff.
- When retiring from the company, employees are given basic salary equivalent to 6 months’ salary. In addition, a party is also organized to bid them farewell.

- Serena Beach Resort & Spa adheres to the minimum legal age requirement for employment i.e. above 18 years.
- The company’s Human Resource manual has incorporated the child protection policy. The policy outlines the company’s commitment to protecting children against forced labour, abuse and human rights

- Effective communication channels between the management and staff are in place i.e. through the notice boards.
- In-house trainings are conducted for every department. This is mainly done during the low-season.
- Staff undergo refresher trainings every year at Utalii College. This is aimed at maintaining quality service delivery. However, due to the pandemic refresher trainings were not conducted by Utalii College in 2020.
- Serena Hotels has a team at the Head office (corporate level) that conducts scheduled trainings for the staff. Trainings are conducted for various departments such as kitchen and housekeeping, and on various issues such as environmental conservation.
- Staff are also trained by suppliers of various products such as Ecolab.