Hydraloop Case Study: Namibia

Project Overview: 

The Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, nestled deep within the Namib Desert—the world’s oldest living desert—serves as a luxurious and immersive retreat for travellers. Managed by &Beyond, a company renowned for its commitment to offering high-end, sustainable travel experiences, this resort provides guests with an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature and local cultures in a deeply meaningful way. A standout feature of the lodge is its dedication to environmental sustainability, particularly in its innovative water management systems. 

Location: 

Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia 

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, in the heart of the Namib Desert 

Project Goal: 

To create a luxury accommodation experience that minimizes environmental impact, particularly in the use of water, a critical resource in one of the driest places on Earth. 

Water Management System: Hydraloop 

In line with &Beyond’s philosophy of blending luxury with sustainability, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is equipped with state-of-the-art water conservation technology. A Hydraloop H300 is installed in all 10 individual lodges on the property. This system is designed to efficiently collect, treat, and reuse water from showers and baths, ensuring minimal water waste and making the most of the available resource in an arid region. 

How it Works: 

• Collection: The system collects water from showers and baths used by guests. 

• Treatment: The water is treated and purified using the Hydraloop technology, making it safe for reuse. 

• Reuse: The treated water is then put to several uses around the lodge: 

• Flushing toilets 

• Topping up private pools, compensating for evaporation 

• Rinsing off dust from the solar panels installed on the roofs of each lodge 

Water Savings: Thanks to the Hydraloop system, the lodge can save approximately 1,200,000 litres (317,006 gallons) of water annually—a significant contribution to water conservation efforts in a desert environment where water is scarce and precious. 

Project Specifications 

• Location: Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia 

• Lodges: 10 individual lodges 

• Devices Installed: 10 x Hydraloop H300 units 

• Yearly Water Savings: 1,200,000 litres (317,006 gallons) 

• Device Size: Each unit occupies 0.8 sqm (8.61 sqft) 

Environmental Impact and Benefits 

By implementing the Hydraloop system, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is able to: 

• Reduce water consumption: With the reuse of treated bath and shower water, the lodge conserves a considerable amount of water, making it far more sustainable in an area where water is an incredibly limited resource. 

• Promote sustainability: The lodge not only offers an eco-friendly experience but also sets an example for sustainable tourism practices that other luxury resorts can follow. 

• Support local ecosystems: By using water efficiently and reducing waste, the lodge helps to protect the delicate desert ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the unique beauty of the Namib Desert. 

Conclusion 

The Sossusvlei Desert Lodge stands as a beacon of luxury and sustainability, showcasing how modern technology can help preserve our planet’s precious resources. Through the innovative use of the Hydraloop water recycling system, &Beyond ensures that its guests can enjoy a luxurious experience while minimizing their environmental footprint. This project is a perfect example of how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into the hospitality industry, setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury travel.