Green Star Rating Results:
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Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5)

Energy Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - - Feynan Ecolodge utilizes minimal electricity and is not connected to the electricity grid. Solar/Photovoltaic (PV) panels provide the electricity utilized at the lodge. Only essential electrical appliances are used, and those employed are certified to use very low amounts of energy. The washrooms and the kitchen are the only areas electrically lighted, and use energy saving light bulbs. Candles are utilized throughout the lodge at night, positioned in carved niches in the guestrooms for light and ambiance. The candles are made onsite by local Bedouin women. Solar panels are used to heat water for guest bathrooms and kitchen use. Waste from olive pressing known as jift in Arabic or olive pit charcoal is burned in the fireplaces at the lodge during winter. This preserves Jordan’s trees and utilizes a renewable source of energy that is a natural by-product of Jordan’s annual olive harvest. A well conceived design provides the lodge with an integral courtyard linked to outer patios providing soft breezes and shady spots to rest. Perpendicular outcrops on the lodge’s facades shade outer surfaces and provide aesthetically appealing contrasts.

Water Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - Water is sourced on site from a natural aquifer situated in one of the nearby mountains that Feynan is nestled between. Kitchen water use is under strict controls while aerators limit water flow from room faucets and showers. Minimal water is used in cleaning, and biodegradable cleaning products are predominantly utilized. The exclusive use of indigenous plants around the lodge eliminates the need for any watering aside from the use of grey water used in cleaning the floors, and natural rainfall. A sheet and towel re-use program is in effect to eliminate unnecessary water usage.

Disposal Rating: ★★★★ (4)
Staff Comment - To minimise waste and utilise resources, the lodge has a newly installed composting facility where all excess food and waste is transformed into fertilizer. A minimal amount of plastic and paper use is employed on site and new initiatives are underway to recycle all waste. Minimal tableware and cutlery is used, and clients are encouraged to use one plate for mezze or appetizers, salads and main courses to avoid the unnecessary washing of many plates. A water filtration and storage device provides guests in the dining area with fresh mountain spring water while minimizing the need for plastic water bottles. Recycled paper is utilised for printed material and confirmations are sent via email, eliminating unnecessary waste.

Eco-Active Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - Feynan Ecolodge is the first ecolodge in Jordan. The staff at Feynan has undergone training for best practices involving environmental standards and the conservation of nature in coordination with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Bed sheets and towels are donated or recycled when no longer fit for use at the lodge. Appliances such as the refrigerators used in the kitchen are Energy Star (US rating) or A/A+ (EU rating) certified. In coordination with the RSCN, guidelines are utilized to educate guests on proper conduct within the Dana Biosphere Reserve to conserve nature and educate visitors about the importance of conservation. Initiatives are underway to educate the local community about the importance of conservation and maintaining the local environment. Feynan was named one of the Top 50 Ecolodges of the World by National Geographic Adventure magazine in November, 2008.

Protection Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - In line with EcoHotels’s mission and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature’s (RSCN) policies to employ staff from local areas and communities, Feynan Ecolodge has an entirely local team working onsite. This helps create the uniquely authentic atmosphere in the lodge, while generating much needed income for surrounding communities. In addition, the candle-making and leather workshops on-site give women in the community the opportunity to work to help support their families and showcase their art. Local Bedouins that are employed by Feynan are available as guides for guests to hike, mountain bike, and discover the unique natural, historical and cultural elements of Dana Biosphere Reserve and the surrounding areas and communities. As much as is possible, food and other supplies are purchased locally from nearby communities. A shop at the lodge sells items such as jams, spices, handicrafts and other goods produced by artisans and farmers that are members of local communities within Jordan’s nature reserves. Feynan is located at the end of an 8 km stretch of dirt road accessible by 4x4 vehicles. Guests that are arriving in vehicles not equipped with four wheel drive are provided transportation by local Bedouin. Revenue from transport goes directly to the Bedouin drivers which assists their families and the local economy. Initiatives are underway to educate the local community about the importance of conservation and maintaining the local environment.

Contact Details

Name:
Feynan Ecolodge
Address:
Lodge: Feynan, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan

Office: EcoHotels
Al-Ba’ouniyah St #8
Jabal Al-Weibdeh
PO Box 911115
Amman 11191
Jordan
Telephone:
+962 6 464 5580
Website:
www.feynan.com
E-mail:
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