THE BRANDO CELEBRATES EARTH DAY HIGHLIGHTING
SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED AT THE RESORT
TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA – April 22, 2015 – The Brando, an environmentally-friendly, luxury resort on
French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private atoll of Tetiaroa, composed of a dozen idyllic islets surrounding
a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti, celebrates Earth Day by highlighting sustainability efforts and
educational programs implemented at the resort.
The Brando is committed to preserving and protecting the natural splendor and precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa;
respecting and supporting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions; and achieving a negligible carbon
footprint. The resort continues to establish a new world standard by utilizing pioneering technology and operating
exclusively with renewable and non-fossil energy sources and has nearly achieved its goal of being fully selfsustainable with the implementation of the following innovative solutions:
 The Brando’s Sea Water Air Conditioning system (SWAC) harnesses the cold of the ocean depths and offers
low-energy, highly efficient cooling for all the buildings, reducing energy demands by almost 70 percent.
 Solar energy produced from 4,000 photovoltaic solar panels along Tetiaroa’s airstrip provide over half the
resort’s remaining energy needs and solar heating provides all of the resort’s hot water.
 A coconut oil (biofuel) power station delivers the other half of The Brando’s energy needs. Fueled by locally
produced coconut oil, this renewable power source also supports the local economy.
 Cutting-edge flow-batteries are used for storage of energy generated from solar power and are made
primarily from recyclable materials exhibiting a service life of thousands of deep discharge cycles ensuring
smooth and flexible management of the various sources of renewable energy for the resort.
 The Brando utilizes low-energy water independence and an innovative wastewater management system for
irrigation.
 All potable water is produced onsite by a desalination plant using the reverse osmosis principle.
 A robust recycling and composting program minimizes waste and provides compost for the resort’s organic
garden.
 An organic garden and honey farm serves The Brando’s restaurants and provides the benefits of local
sourcing.
 For transportation around the resort, bicycles are provided to guests and staff and sun-powered electric club
cars are used.
 Programs are in place at the resort to minimize and ultimately eliminate the use of plastic containers.
 The Brando also supports atoll neighbor Tetiaroa Society, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit dedicated to
exploring innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing issues relating to sustainable interdependence.
Tetiaroa Society directs all scientific research and creative science taking place on Tetiaroa from its research
station, which was built and donated by The Brando. This “Ecostation,” the hub of all scientific research on the
atoll, welcomes scientists from around the globe and is led by a world-class Scientific Advisory Board (SAB),
made up of experts from French Polynesia, the U.S., Oceania, and Europe.
Educational programs for guests at The Brando comprise lectures and demonstrations about Polynesian culture,
history, and lifestyle along with activities led by naturalists showcasing the richness of Tetiaroa.
 The Tetiaroa Ultimate Tour is offered every morning and consists of a boat excursion of the atoll’s lagoon with
a naturalist guide enabling guests to encounter the unique diversity of Tetiaroa’s motu (islet) ecosystems
which include primary forest, shark nurseries, and numerous species of birds and fish.
 Reef Quest is a recreational and educational activity aimed to introduce the resort’s guests to marine research
by putting them in the shoes of marine biologists for a special study mission on Tetiaroa’s coral reef.
Supervised by a naturalist guide, guests learn about the different types of corals, species of fish, including
each one’s role in the barrier reef ecosystems, along with the study methods of scientist surveys.
 Tetiaroa is a major sea turtle nesting site and the nonprofit foundation Te Mana O Te Moana has studied sea
turtles on the atoll and across French Polynesia. Through its research, conservation, and awareness-raising
activities, the organization strives to protect the marine environment of French Polynesia and to educate the
public. In research, Te Mana O Te Moana, in partnership with other associations and universities, is involved
in studies and research projects pertaining to Polynesian marine fauna and flora and island ecosystems. The
resort offers Turtle Nights in the evenings between November and March, where guests can join a guide from
Te Mana O Te Moana for the opportunity to witness a sea turtle laying her eggs or a hatchling of baby turtles.
 The Lagoon School is specially designed for children ages 6 to 12 years staying at the resort and is operated by
Te Mana O Te Moana. With more than 10 years of experience in education of the environment, the
organization educates future generations to become eco-citizens. Kids learn about Tetiaroa through a variety
of fun, pedagogic activities and board games and also through lectures, visits, and discoveries in the field.
 Green Tours are comprehensive visits to The Brando’s eco-friendly facilities including the Ecostation, SWAC
building, the coconut oil-powered electric plant, the water production plant, the waste separation center, the
organic garden, bee hives, and solar panel sites.
The Brando is currently nearing the end of the LEED certification process, and is endeavoring to become the first
resort in the world to obtain LEED Platinum certification, the organization’s highest accolade, as new construction
in the campus category. The resort has also earned recognition for its environmental efforts including a HEC Paris
& 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Award; two SEP “Silver Turtle Awards” for responsible waste management; and
honors by the Hawai’i State Senate for responsible actions that promote ecologically friendly practices that are
socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
A video highlighting The Brando’s eco involvement can be viewed here.
For additional information on The Brando, please visit www.thebrando.com.
###
About The Brando
The Brando is an exquisite luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private atoll of Tetiaroa—
an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti. The Brando
was inspired by Marlon Brando’s original vision to create a venture of sustainable development that resonates
with visitors and fosters opportunities to get to know both the place and people of French Polynesia. With access
by Air Tetiaroa, the resort is a pioneering model of sustainable technology with sea water air-conditioning and
renewable energies and offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. The all-inclusive resort features 35
deluxe villas each with its own private beach area and plunge pool, restaurants showcasing Polynesian and French
cuisine, a luxurious Polynesian spa, a lagoon-view bar, beach bar, pool, organic garden, library, pearl shop,
boutique, water sports, and an Ecostation. The Brando is a Virtuoso Preferred Resort and founding member of
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of boutique hotels in extraordinary places around
the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence.
About Pacific Beachcomber
With more than 25 years experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, 678 hotel rooms and 210 cabins,
Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator. In addition to The Brando,
Pacific Beachcomber operates seven award-winning resorts: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa,
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental
Moorea Resort & Spa, the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, the Maitai Rangiroa, and the Maitai Lapita Huahine
(www.tahitiresorts.intercontinental.com and www.hotelmaitai.com). Pacific Beachcomber also operates the
luxury small-ship cruise line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, which includes the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 88guest m/v Tere Moana.
U.S. Media Contact:
Vanessa Bloy
The Brando
425-440-6255|Vanessa.bloy@thebrando.com
Press Kit and Images: http://media.thebrando.com/