December 27th, 2010 
The Playa Linda Beach Resort, which was the first resort on Palm Beach to gain Green Globe certification, is again leading the way in pursuing environmentally sound solutions. A total of thirty self-contained, solar-powered exterior lights now line the beach walkway by the resort as well as illuminate its parking area.
“The resort has a long history of seeking ways to lessen its carbon footprint. We have been Green Globe- and ISO 14001-certified for several years, maintain an active Green Committee and continuously look for additional ways we can implement environmental initiatives as well as cost efficiencies. The choice of switching to solar-powered lights was a natural progression in achieving our goals,” explains Playa Linda General Manager Jan van Nes.
When it came time to replace the exterior lights of the resort, the Playa Linda found an excellent resource in Inetik International N.V., and its directors Aldrich Pontilious and Orlando Ramos. Inetik’s solar-powered exterior lights provide consistent lighting, needing only two hours of light to recharge, and stores back-up power for two to three days.
“Credibility is our primary aim. We have the experience, having brought these technologies to the South American market. We are now offering not only products, but integrated solutions to Aruba,” comments Inetik Director and Engineer Orlando Ramos. “For the Playa Linda project, the LED matrix of these solar-powered lights represents the newest, ‘superlit’ technology. We were able to install this new technology on the existing light poles, and therefore, helped provide even additional savings to the Playa Linda.”
While the solar-powered lights represent a larger, upfront investment than traditional lights, the system is cost-efficient in the long run as well as more environmentally-sound. Orlando predicts that the return on investment will be realized within three-and-a-half years. With thirty of the solar-powered lights now in place and working to their full potential, Playa Linda is looking to install an additional thirty exterior units around the pool and by its lanai units, bringing additional light to practical, green ideas.
Story courtesy of Aruba Today
