The foundation of our existence is a reverence to nature

At Six Senses Vana, sustainability is a way of life. We are grateful for the environment we exist in, and what it provides us and understand how the Earth, its resources, and the beings on it are inextricably interdependent. Nature is unconquerable. It is not outside of us, rather, we are within it. The Retreat is LEED Platinum certified and equipped with innovative technologies and practices. This starts with the air, and how we purify any emissions to reduce harmful impacts on the atmosphere. It continues with water conservation. Through advanced water management systems, rainwater harvesting, greywater treatment (STP) and efficient irrigation practices, we ensure that our lush landscape thrives while minimizing our water footprint.

5,500 kilograms

of compost produced in 2023
27,400 cubic meters

of recycled water used throughout the retreat in 2023
2,161 kilograms

of harvest produced from our gardens in 2023
97,895

Plastic bottles avoided in 2023 by bottling our own drinking water

Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability is evident in our design, art, materials, water management, plastic free approach and textiles made only with natural fibers. From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscape of Sal forests, mango plantations, and lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, we are India’s first retreat to have attained this standard of environmental design. Interiors ensure natural ventilation in enclosed areas, and exteriors are lush, left to their organic and natural form.

Refuge to all sentient beings

Many beings call the Sal forests of Uttarakhand their home, and monkeys and mosquitoes are considered an intrinsic part of the natural habitat. We use essential oils to keep away insects without resorting to noxious repellents, and cleaning products are Green Seal-certified to minimize disturbance to the soil’s natural composition. The retreat is maintained with low Volatile Organic Compound paints and polish, which are low-risk to health, and biodegradable bags are a conscious choice for the few items we need to dispose of.
Sustainability in design

From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscape, Sal forests, Mango plantations, and Lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, we are India’s first retreat to have attained this standard of environmental design. Interiors ensure natural ventilation in enclosed areas, and exteriors are lush, left to their most organic and natural form.
Sustainability in art

The soft colors and wooden furnishings throughout the retreat accentuate our connection to nature. Numerous artworks are made of 100 percent recycled materials such as Kite paper, scrap metal, and wooden (bottle) caps. Other materials used, such as clay and ceramic, leave no footprint to respect the design ethos. Blending art and music, make sure you experience our Raag therapies — live traditional music — under the Bodhi tree, a sensational sculpture made from salvaged metal.
Sustainability in materials

Shared spaces feature FSC-certified Sal, Ashwood, and Bamboo. Glass enclosures and windows meet LEED fenestration guidelines. Indian Dholpur, Khareda and Spanish Crema Marble are used for their hypoallergenic qualities and high durability. Optimal daylight saves energy and LED lights are used throughout. Our ‘In Com Control’ system detects whether the room is occupied through motion sensors, ensuring that lighting and heating are only in use when required. Even at night outdoor lighting is kept to a bare minimum, both to create minimal disturbance to the nocturnal habitat and mindfully preserve energy.
Water

Rainwater is harvested, and our efficient water treatment plant ensures that the recycled water is then used for irrigation over our 21-acre site. Thanks to specially designed faucets on our taps, wastage of water is minimal. Having our own bottling plant further allows us to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 100,000 plastic bottles per year. We can heat a sizable amount of water at the retreat for consumption through solar heating.
Less in, less out

There is ingrained mindfulness about the journey of anything procured before it comes to us and after it leaves us. Local and seasonal ingredients are grown in, not flown in –on-site or using small-scale vendors in our community – and we emphasize making our produce from scratch, such as our own versions of cheeses, miso, kombucha, nut butters, and ghee without using any preservatives.

Raw veg waste and tea leaves are used for composting, and leftovers are generally given to a local animal shelter or handed over to a local waste management company. Waste oils are transported for recycling to Bharat Oil, and electronic waste is responsibly transported to certified recycling centers in India.
Wear it like you mean it

We are committed to textiles made only with natural fibers. Our guest kurta pajamas and team uniforms are made from 100 percent cotton sourced from a farm in South India that adheres to the highest organic standards. Likewise, all bed and bath linen are organic – as are the disposable underwear in our treatment rooms!

Sustainability Initiatives

At Six Senses Vana, we are also committed to making a positive impact beyond our walls. We actively take steps to reduce waste, conserve resources, protect biodiversity, engage with local communities, supporting initiatives that promote education, health, and cultural preservation. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our eco-friendly design and operations, making Vana a harmonious sanctuary for both guests and the environment.

We believe in ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Our products and services are carefully chosen to minimize exploitation and promote fair trade.

Human and Wildlife Co-existence Project

A Sanctuary for Elephants: Our Commitment to Conservation

Our majestic mascot, the Asiatic Elephant, is a symbol of Dehradun's rich wildlife heritage. In partnership with Nature's Buddy, a youth-driven NGO, we are committed to fostering human-wildlife coexistence in the nearby Rajaji National Park. Our initiatives focus on Protecting Wildlife, Reducing Roadkill, Empowering Communities and Promoting Awareness.

Guests can learn more about how we protect the Asiatic Elephants and ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife when visiting us in the Earth Lab.
Cow Shelter Project

At Six Senses Vana, we believe in giving back to the community and protecting the environment. We're honored to partner with Hari Om Ashram, an NGO dedicated to the care of over 1,000 rescued cows.

Together, we're working to improve the living conditions of these gentle creatures through sustainable infrastructure and veterinary care.

In the first phase of our partnership, we installed 14 solar panels, providing 7.5 KW of renewable energy to power the cow shelter. This equipped them with 100 percent renewable solar energy as well as water enabling them to run their water pump and illuminate the shelter with energy-efficient LED lights.

Additionally, we've improved the cow shelter's living conditions by paving the ground, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the cows.
Purkul Water Conservation Project

The Purkul Water Conservation Project is a long-term initiative focused on preserving our most vital resource – water. Partnering with the People's Science Institute (PSI), this project addresses the needs of Purkul village, located 11 km away and the source of our drinking water. Taking a holistic approach, the project focuses on two key areas – Spring Rejuvenation and Sustainable Agriculture. We're working to revitalize the springs in Purkul village and by restoring these springs, we help to increase groundwater levels and ensure a steady flow of water for both our retreat and the surrounding communities. We are also committed to sustainable agriculture. By collaborating with local farmers, we promote natural farming practices that improve soil health and water retention, creating a more resilient ecosystem for generations to come.
Mission Wellness at Local Schools

As part of our Mission Wellness Sustainability program, we've partnered with Mussoorie Gram Vikas Samiti Inter School (MSVS) to empower local students through education and environmental awareness. Our dedicated team is providing a range of training programs, including Zero Waste, Climate Change, Apothecary & Home Remedies, as well as community clean-ups.