• Used cooking oil is reused for lighting oil lamps.
• Waste office paper is used for message blocks or photocopy paper.
• Newspapers are sent to be recycled.
• Refillable ink cartridges are used.
• Soap/shampoo sachets have been replaced with refillable dispensers to minimise waste and packaging.

• The Sukau Rainforest Lodge is the most energy-efficient property and is completely self-sufficient in its energy and water supply. Energy is supplied by a hybrid system of generator and solar panels; the generator is only used if the solar panels cannot handle energy demands.
• Lighting is supplemented by burning used cooking oil in lamps.
• Energy-saving bulbs are used in all rooms.
• Water is heated using solar energy.
• Buildings are surrounded by vegetation to minimise heat absorption during the day, whilst the lounge/restaurant area and all rooms are designed to take advantage of natural ventilation to avoid the need for air conditioning.

• Rain water is collected for use in bathrooms and toilets. Chemically-treated river water is only used when the rainwater supply is insufficient.
• Flow-reducing shower heads have been installed; these reduce water use by 40% without guest complaint.
• Tank capacity has been reduced in all toilets to reduce the amount of water necessary for flushing.

• All waste water is treated in a septic tank before it is discharged

• No hazardous substances are used.

• If tour boats are not full, efforts are made to share boats or combine trips with other tour operators in order minimise pollution and fuel wastage.
• Two-stroke engines are being phased out from 1999 to be replaced by quieter, more fuel-efficient four-stroke engines.
• Solar-powered electric motors are used on river cruise boats in addition to outboard motors to reduce disturbance to wildlife. (1995)

• Much local forest has been saved from conversion to agriculture in favour of ecotourism.
• The lodge was built 100' away from the river to minimise soil erosion, whilst the actual design of the lodge minimises both the built-up area and disturbance to the rainforest ecosystem.

• In 1996, the lodge contributed 1000 room nights to 5 conservation volunteer groups (2 from the UK). This provided educational opportunities and environmental awareness for the staff, guides and local communities.
• In 1997, another volunteer group helped maintain a nearby tribal longhouse.
• Since 1995, tourism students (both overseas and local) have been given work experience placements. This practical approach provides essential training and a better understanding of the practical problems of ecotourism.
• In 1997/98, funds were raised from local and overseas tour operators and hotels to provide local families with water tanks for the collection of rainwater for drinking, as river water often contains water-borne diseases. In 1999/2000, further clean water supplies have been established for local families.
• Tourists are often invited to tea at the houses of local villagers, allowing residents an opportunity for extra income.
• From Nov 1999, local dances are being offered to tourists to support the local community.
• Information regarding the company's environmental progress and contributions is available for guests, as is a Code of Practice.

• In 1999, the Sukau Ecotourism Research and Development Centre was established at the Sukau Lodge.
• Working with WWF Malaysia under the Partners for Wetlands scheme to implement a standard code of practice for all other lodge operators in Sukau.

• Electric motors on tour boats produce no exhaust fumes.

• Some outboard engines were replaced with alternatives that were more expensive but much quieter and 50% more fuel-efficient. The old engines are used for spare parts.
• Solar-charged dry-cell batteries provide power at night whilst minimising noise pollution from the generator.
• Television and radio are not supplied at the lodge so that guests can experience the sound of the jungle.

• It is a priority to support the local economy and people by purchasing supplies if available.
• Bulk-buying is preferred to minimise wasteful packaging.

Albert C K Teo

Managing Director

Borneo Eco Tours